Middle names
By PearlX0
Updated Tue Apr 25 2023
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- Claire
Origin:
French form of ClaraMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
Claire, luminous, simple, and strong, is one of those special names that is familiar yet distinctive, feminine but not frilly, combining historical depth with a modern edge. And though Claire is enjoying revived popularity, it will never be seen as trendy. Claire is also a great middle name choice.
- Maisie
Origin:
Scottish diminutive of Margaret or MaryMeaning:
"pearl or bitter"Description:
Maisie, a charming name long popular as a nickname for Margaret or Mary, entered the Top 1000 as itself ten years ago and continues to rise. Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams helped propel the name back into the limelight, along with the that of her character, Arya.
- Paige
Origin:
English, occupational nameMeaning:
"page to a lord"Description:
Paige is more name, and less word than the occupational Page. Paige is also sleek and sophisticated a la Brooke and Blair and reached as high as Number 47 in 2003, when there was a very popular television show, Trading Spaces, hosted by the energetic Paige Davis.
- Marley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"pleasant seaside meadow"Description:
Reggae master Bob's surname was one of the biggest risers on the popularity charts for girls in 2008, with spellings Marlee and Marely also leaping in favor. Also used for boys, Marley is one of the top unisex names in the US.
- Reese
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"ardor"Description:
The sassy, steel magnolia appeal of Oscar-winning Reese (born Laura Jeanne—Reese is her mother's maiden name) Witherspoon has single-handedly propelled this formerly boys’ name into girls' popularity.
- Maisy
Origin:
Scottish diminutive of MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
The Maisie spelling may be more widely used, but Maisy is perfectly proper and also makes the British Top 100. And as Maisy, she feels like a closer relative to Daisy, another Margaret diminutive.
- Macy
Origin:
English surname, variation of MasseyMeaning:
"hill"Description:
Singer Macy Gray has popularized this cute and upbeat choice—once solely associated with the department store. A modern replacement for Stacy and Tracy, Macy was most popular in the early 2000s when it nearly made the US Top 100.
- Mackenzie
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Kenneth"Description:
Originally inspired as by eighties TV actress Mackenzie Phillips, parents since have flocked to Mackenzie for their daughters. Now a staple All-American choice, Mackenzie has ranked in the US Top 1000 for nearly 50 years.
Mackenzie originates from the Scottish surname which itself an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Coinnich. Coinnich is one of the original Gaelic forms of Kenneth meaning "handsome, beautiful, comely".
- Marlie
Description:
Marlie is a modern feminine name that combines elements of traditional names like Mary and Charlie, or possibly represents a variation of Marley. Its soft sounds and ending with the feminine 'ie' suffix give it a gentle, contemporary feel. The name gained popularity in the early 2000s, reflecting the trend toward names that sound familiar yet fresh. Marlie has a versatile quality—it can evoke either a sweet, feminine impression or a slightly tomboyish character depending on the individual. The name works well cross-culturally and has been embraced in multiple English-speaking countries. Marlie's rise coincided with the popularity of similar-sounding names like Harley and Kaylie, representing parents' desire for names that balance tradition with modernity.
- Reece
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"ardor"Description:
Reece is a less popular respelling of Reese, made famous by actress Witherspoon. Reese is the most popular spelling for girls and Rhys for boys, with Reece given to about four times as many boys as girls.
- Kinsey
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"king's victory"Description:
Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey, perhaps because it's more distinct from Mackenzie offshoot, Kenzie.
- Maci
Origin:
Spelling variation of MacyMeaning:
"from Massy"Description:
Maci, the name of one of television's Teen Moms, was one of the fastest rising girl names in the U.S. back in 2010. It is now more popular than the department store Macy spelling, but less popular than Macie.
- Kacey
Description:
Variation of CASEY or combination of initials K. and C. From the time when initial names seemed really neat. K. C.
- Kacie
Origin:
Variation of CaseyMeaning:
"vigilant in war"Description:
Dated 'creative' spelling of Irish classic.
- Marlee
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"pleasant seaside meadow"Description:
The combined inspiration of reggae master Bob and the dog-loving romp "Marley and Me" catapulted this name up the chart in recent years. But what goes up....
- Marli
Description:
Marli is a contemporary feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variation of Marley, which has Irish roots meaning 'pleasant seaside meadow,' or it could be a creative blend of popular Mar- names like Maria and Lisa. The streamlined spelling gives it a fresh, minimalist appeal. Marli has gained popularity in recent decades as part of the trend toward shorter, versatile names with a bright sound. The name conveys a sense of cheerfulness and modern simplicity. Its brevity makes it globally accessible, while its ending sound gives it a distinctly feminine character. Popular in various Western countries, Marli appeals to parents seeking a name that feels both contemporary and approachable without being overly common.
- Madsen
Description:
Madsen is primarily known as a Scandinavian surname derived from 'Mads' (a Danish form of Matthew) plus 'sen' meaning 'son of.' Its use as a feminine given name is quite uncommon, representing a modern trend of adopting surnames as first names. The original surname has Danish, Norwegian, and sometimes Swedish origins, literally meaning 'son of Mads.' When used as a female first name, Madsen carries a strong, distinctive quality with contemporary appeal. The name projects confidence and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking gender-neutral or unconventional naming options. While rare as a first name globally, it aligns with the trend of surname-inspired given names that has gained popularity in recent decades.
- Brinley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"burnt meadow"Description:
Surname name with feminine final ley. The Welsh name Bryn, though also unisex and veering toward the girl world, is far more attractive.
- Maisey
Description:
Maisey is a charming feminine name that originated as a pet form of Margaret or Maisie. With Scottish and English roots, the name derives from the French word 'marguerite' meaning 'pearl' or 'daisy flower.' Maisey has a sweet, vintage quality that fits with the trend of reviving nickname-style names as formal given names. After remaining relatively obscure for decades, Maisey began rising in popularity during the early 2000s in the UK, Australia, and the US, part of the wave of vintage names making a comeback. The spelling variation with '-ey' rather than '-ie' gives it a slightly more contemporary feel while retaining its nostalgic charm. Parents are drawn to its friendly, approachable sound and cheerful associations.
- Kaci
Description:
Kaci is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be an Irish variant of Casey, derived from 'Cathasaigh' meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful.' It's also seen as a diminutive of Katherine or a modern spelling variation of Kasey. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, reaching its peak in the early 1990s. Kaci is appreciated for its friendly, approachable sound while maintaining a distinctive quality. The name carries a youthful, energetic connotation and has remained a modest choice for parents seeking something familiar yet not overly common.