Middle Names, Last Names, and Nickname News
The focus of these news stories are middle names, last names, and nicknames: the newest trends and most recent usage updates. Topics include fresh middle names choices, how to turn last names into first names, and which nicknames are moving in and out of style. For more on these topics, see our complete lists of Middle Names, Last Names, and our ultimate guide to Nicknames.
Mon Apr 28 2025
Nicknames: The Ultimate Guide
Nicknames are one of the most fun parts of naming, as they often take on a life of their own. Whether you are planning your child's nickname carefully or leaving it to chance, you'll find inspiration here to suit all styles.
Thu Mar 06 2025
Middle Name Trends 2025
Once used as placeholders, middle names have become a space for creativity and individuality. Today, parents use them to add contrast, meaning, or flair — making name combinations more distinctive than ever. We analyze the top middle names and middle name trends today.
Fri Oct 04 2024
Names That Let You Have It Both Ways
As Hannah Montana once said, "It's the best of both worlds" — timeless, traditional baby names with fun and quirky nicknames that will allow your child to be a superstar on any playground.
Mon Sep 09 2024
Vintage Surname Names Come Back Around
Vintage surname names? Yes, this modern trend isn't so modern after all. See the top surname names from a century ago, along with unique choices from our secret source.
Fri Jul 26 2024
Vintage British Nicknames
A fascinating compilation of lively, almost-forgotten old diminutives that deserve a new look, by Eleanor Nickerson aka Elea of the blog British Baby Names.
Wed Jul 10 2024
Doll Names: The History of Doll Names Through the Decades
Through the years, from Barbara Lou to Barbie, dolls' ID tags have said a lot about name trends.
Sun Jul 07 2024
Rare Names With Popular Nicknames
If you want to use a popular nickname like Ellie or Joe, there are more options for full names than you might think.
Tue Jun 18 2024
Don't Name Your Daughter Harper
Harper is a fine name, but after a decade near the top of the list, it's time to look to the next generation of surname names for girls, Goodbye Harper, Madison, Riley, and hello Hollis, Madigan, and Ripley!
Fri Jun 14 2024
Middle Names: The Ultimate Guide
Millennial parents are getting creative with their children's middle names. These are the top trends in middle names for 2024 and beyond.
Sun Jun 09 2024
Grandpa Names: The Ultimate Guide
Grandpa names — the names that grandchildren call their grandfathers — are more creative than ever before. Bye-bye, Grandpa and hello, Biggie? Zippo? Grady? The choice is yours!
Wed Jun 05 2024
Vintage Nicknames Refresh Classic Names
Traditional names that need a style revival can find it with an unexpected vintage nickname. These retro short forms will make you reconsider all of the classics.
Tue May 07 2024
Secret Celebrity Middle Names
What are the most unique celebrity middle names? We'll introduce you to the A-list celebs who claim (or hide) Mungo, Delight, and Joan of Arc as their middles.
Sun May 05 2024
Grandma Names: The Ultimate Guide
Grandma names — the names that grandchildren call their grandmothers — are more creative than ever before. Bye-bye, Grandma and hello, Glamma? Zuzu? Honey? The choice is yours!
Fri Mar 01 2024
Italian Last Names with Meanings
The most common Italian surnames include patronymics, occupational names, and descriptive names.
Tue Feb 27 2024
Last Names as First Names: Welcome to the Next Wave
Each generation has its own favorite surname baby names. Meet the next wave of up-and-coming last names, and discover cool, fresh alternatives to the popular choices.
Wed Jan 24 2024
100 Most Common Last Names in the US
100 most common last names in the US are collected here, with their origins and meanings. Is yours on the list?
Fri Jan 19 2024
Unique Middle Names You Didn't Even Know Were Names
Middle names are a safe space to have fun and let your imagination soar. Take a look at some of the quirky and unique middle names used by celebrities and non-famous parents alike. We bet you didn't even know some of them could be names!
Wed Jan 17 2024
Nicknames for Babies Have Never Been Cooler
Nicknames for babies: would you consider putting one on the birth certificate? Our newly updated lists of cool and unique nicknames might just inspire you!
Sun Dec 10 2023
Some Surprising Surnames to Consider
Looking for a stylish surname that's not too popular? Here are some ideas with interesting and unexpected origins.
Thu Sep 21 2023
Spanish Surnames
How many Garcias do you know? Here is the newest data on the most common Spanish surnames in the US today.
Fri Aug 04 2023
Nickname Spotlight: Getting to Gus
Do you love the nickname Gus, but would prefer a more unusual route to it than August or Augustus? Here's a world of options ranging from familiar Angus to rare gems like Finegas.
Tue May 02 2023
The Mary Month of May
Can you still name a baby Mary? You can if you name her Manon, Marietta, or Minnie.
Thu Sep 02 2021
Cute Baby Names
One way to reclaim the cute in baby names is to choose a buttoned-up name like Eleanor with a cute nickname like Ellie or Nell. Another way is to see cute as an all-around good thing and embrace it by choosing a name that’s cute out of the gate.
Tue Nov 03 2020
Call Me Laila…No, Ruth…No, Linda— The Story of How I Got Hooked on Names
It all goes back to the day I started kindergarten…and my very identity was called into question.
Thu Oct 01 2020
Mighty Middle Names Add Fun!
Nameberry’s September birth announcements include some seriously cool and original middle names – the perfect way to add pizzazz to a baby name combo!