When it comes to naming your baby, a lot of stock is put into the most popular names for that year, and how you want your child to fit into — or stand apart from — the crowd. But things tend to change when you get to middle names, with parents getting more adventurous, more classic, or sometimes, eschewing the process altogether.
Middle names were traditionally only given to British aristocracy, according to NameCandy.com, and North Americans adopted the practice in the mid-19th century. They were often given for religious reasons (like linking a child to a saint) or to honour a family name.
Today, middle names can vary from using a mother's maiden name (if she's changed it) to taking the opportunity to go for that out-there name you weren't fully committed to as a first name. Like naming your baby in the first place, there's no right or wrong, though BabyNameGenie.com does suggest picking a middle name that starts with a different letter or sound than the first name ends with for a smoother combination. They also recommend varying the number of syllables in each name just to make things easier.
Below, we've come up with some ways to find middle name inspiration for your child. Check out some options and let us know — did you know what your child's middle name was going to be right away? How did you choose it? Let us know in the comments below:
How To Find A Middle Name
Or follow us on Twitter