Baby Names Meant for the Middle
By Sophie Kihm
We each have our own approach when it comes to middle naming. Whether it’s honor-names-only, quirky guilty pleasures, or next in line on your favorites list, most parents are subscribed to a particular attitude. But no matter what your style is when it comes to middle names, we could all use some inspiration every now and then. I’ve compiled a list of lists–all past posts from my blog that feature names that I think are especially suited for the middle spot.
Nature Names
Nature names are widely appealing, and they make up some of the most popular middle names. These lists offer many more options beyond Rose, and they might even take you in an unexpected direction (fruit and veggie names, anyone?)
Fruit and Vegetable Names:
My favorite middles: Fig, Huckleberry, and Plum
Herbs and Spice Names
My favorite middles: Artemisia, Nigella, and Quassia
Squash and Pumpkin Names
My favorite middles: Cocozelle, Kuri, and Valenciano
Tree Names
My favorite middles: Ash, Birch, and Hickory
Unexpected Flower Names
My favorite middles: Anemone, Larkspur, and Petunia
Out-of-the-Box Names
If you’re a fairly cautious namer, there’s no better place for an out-of-the-box name than the middle. Out-of-the-Box Names are free-spirited and whimsical, and–in my opinion–make the cutest middle names.
Camera Names
My favorite middles: Kodak, Leica, and Olympus
Car Inspired Names
My favorite middles: Alfa, Lotus, and Tesla
Fashion Trends as Names
My favorite middles: Chevron, Dot, and Peplum
Holiday Names
My favorite middles: Holiday, Season, and Yule
Pattern Names
My favorite middles: Gingham, Grain, and Tartan
Royalty Inspired Names
My favorite middles: Baron, Noble, and Royal
Sports Names
My favorite middles: Cricket, Derby, and League
Virtue Names
Perhaps the most enduring middle name trend is virtue names. Nowadays we see plenty of girls with Grace in the middle, though in the past picks like Joy, Faith, and Hope were also popular. These lists offer some more modern choices.
Modern Virtue Names for Girls
My favorite middles: Divinity, Hero, and Virtue
Modern Virtue Names for Boys
My favorite middles: Candor, Reason, and Zeal
Word Names
Like out-of-the-box names, word names can be very playful when used in the middle. They range from conservative to offbeat, but I think all of them are delightful.
Beachy Names
My favorite middles: Dune, Marine, and Oceane
Calendar Names
My favorite middles: Season, Tuesday, and Winter
Day Names
My favorite middles: Asa, Dia, and Early
Nautical Names
My favorite middles: Beacon, Sailor, and Sea
Night Names
My favorite middles: Dream, Moon, and Story
State Capital Names
My favorite middles: Augusta, Helena, and Honolulu
Do any of these strike your fancy? Do you have any names reserved for the middle spot?
Sophie is a college freshman from Chicago. She loves helping people name things–whether it’s their child, car, or pet fish. You can visit her on her blog or her Names board on Pinterest.