The top middle names for baby boys and girls over the last century are a more stable group than first names, which go in and out of fashion more dramatically and rapidly. The most common middle names, on the other hand, often honor family members or provide a smooth bridge between first and last names, so they're a less diverse group.
For girls, the top middle names of the last hundred years are Marie, Ann (and Anne), and Elizabeth. For boys, Michael ranks as the top middle name of the century, followed by Joseph, William, and James.
Girl middle names popular in the first half of the 20th century that later faded away include Irene, Mae and May, and Ruth. After 1950, middle names for girls that rose to prominence include Kay, Sue, and Renee. After the year 2000, Rose, Grace, and Faith became popular middle names for girls.
For boys, middle names popular before 1950 include Henry, Francis, and Eugene. After 1950, Lee, Ray, and Wayne came into use. Lee remained popular as a middle name for boys after the year 2000, when Alexander and Matthew also came into play. 
Here, based on official records, are the top middle names for babies in the US for the past 120 years.

Top Middle Names

Alan

Alexander

Allen

Andrew

Anne

Anthony

Charles

David

Edward

Elizabeth

Eugene

Faith

Francis

George

Grace

Henry

Irene

James

Jane

Jean

John

Joseph

Louise

Lynn

Marie

Mary

Matthew

Michael

Michelle

Nicole

Renee

Robert

Rose

Scott

Thomas

Wayne

William

top middle names — baby with first birthday cake

top middle names

Top middle names include popular choices such as Rose and Grace for girls, James and Michael for boys.