By Linda Rosenkrantz

We recently provided a slew of single-syllable middle possibilities for boys, but actually it’s the girl namers who might need this more. After all, it was earlier generations who felt locked into the Ann–Beth–Lee–Lou–Sue trap.

Many parents now are exploring the fresh-feeling nature world options, so we start off with those.

NATURE

NICKNAMES

And some short nicknames—many of them vintage—are sounding really cute. A couple of celebs have used their namesakes’ nicknames in the middle spot.

FULL NAMES

More conventional but still more imaginative than the old standbys are these one-syllable full names.

WORD NAMES

Nature appellations aren’t the only word name possibilities.

COLORS

There’s Blue, Blu, Bleu…and also…..

BOYISH

James has become a hot middle name for girls, especially among starbabies, but here are some other options from out of the blue column…

INTERNATIONAL

Irish, French and other nationality name possibilities: