Famous Middle Names
- Allan
Origin:
Spelling variation of AlanMeaning:
"handsome, cheerful"Description:
This extra-L variation of Alan isn't quite as popular in the US as the original. Both spellings remain popular in Ireland and England.
- Beecher
Description:
Beecher is a masculine name derived from an English occupational surname that originally referred to someone who kept bees or was a beekeeper. With roots in Middle English and Old English, the name carries a strong connection to nature and traditional craftsmanship. Beecher gained some recognition through association with notable historical figures, particularly Harriet Beecher Stowe, the influential American author. As a first name, Beecher remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and unusual character. The name has a crisp, professional sound with its two syllables and strong consonants, often evoking images of industriousness and reliability. Beecher combines traditional English heritage with a contemporary feel that works well in modern contexts.
- Conan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little wolf"Description:
The fierce image of the Barbarian made a complete turnaround thanks to amiable talk show host O'Brien, making Conan one of the newly desirable Irish choices, a perfect alternative to Conor/Connor.
- Fenimore
- Greenleaf
- Hodgson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Roger"Description:
A possible nod to grandpa Roger, though somewhat stuffy.
- May
Origin:
Diminutive of Margaret and Mary; month nameDescription:
May is a sweet old-fashioned name that hasn't been on the national charts in several decades, but is definitely sounding fresh and springlike. Parents are beginning to see it once more as one of the prettiest middle name options. May was as high on the list as Number 57 in the 1880s; it's now 228 on Nameberry.
- Makepeace
- Neale
Description:
Neale is a masculine name with Celtic origins, representing an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Niall, which possibly means 'champion' or 'cloud.' This spelling variant adds a distinctive touch to the more common Neil or Neal. Throughout history, Neale has maintained modest usage in English-speaking countries, particularly those with strong Irish or Scottish connections. Notable bearers include author Neale Donald Walsch and various sportsmen. The name carries an air of quiet strength and reliability, with its ancient Celtic heritage giving it depth. While never reaching tremendous popularity, Neale offers a classic option that balances familiarity with uncommonness.
- Scott
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from Scotland"Description:
A cool, windswept, surfer babe-magnet in 1965, a nice dad -- or even granddad -- today.
- Taylor
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"tailor"Description:
Taylor was much more popular throughout the 1990s for both genders than it is today. Close to the Top 50 boys' names in the mid-1990s, Taylor recently fell out of the Top 500 for boys and out of the Top 100 for girls, and is predicted to continue on a downward trajectory for both genders. Similar but more stylish baby names today include Sawyer, Sayer and Thayer.
- Waldo
Origin:
German, pet form of names such as WaldemarMeaning:
"to rule"Description:
Its jaunty o-ending makes this name more appealing than most of its Germanic brothers, and we hope we're beyond the constant response to his name being "Where's Waldo?" The weighty reputation of writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson adds a measure of backbone to the name.
- Wadsworth