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Zoey's Cool Middle Names

  1. Sapphire

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Greek, and Latin jewel name

    • Meaning:

      "blue"

    • Description:

      Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the pseudonym of Romona Lofton, who wrote the book Push, which was turned into the movie Precious. Sapphire entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, and is proving to be one of the freshest gem names for girls. Another intriguing variation is the lovely Sapphira.
  2. Ocean

    • Origin:

      English, nature name

    • Meaning:

      "ocean"

    • Description:

      Nature names like Ocean and River are flowing back into favor, especially with nature lovers and green-oriented parents. In 2024, it was given to 483 boys and 325 girls, making this a unisex favorite in the US, while in the UK, it is considerably more popular for girls.
  3. Apple

    • Origin:

      English nature name

    • Meaning:

      "apple"

    • Description:

      When people talk about unique baby names, Apple is often one of the first examples they mention. Apple made international headlines when Gwyneth Paltrow chose this wholesome fruit name for her daughter. Many have called it ridiculous, but we have to admit, we find it appealing enough to list as one of our top cute baby names. Rocker Bob Geldof named one of his daughters Peaches; Banana Yoshimoto is a hipster writer. Another choice in this genre is the luscious Plum, though for different reasons, neither Prune nor Cherry will fly.
  4. Noble

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "aristocratic"

    • Description:

      With parents beginning to show an interest in virtue names for boys, this Puritan favorite just might be revived, for what could be more admirable than nobility in terms of having strength of character, dignity, and high moral ideals?
  5. Bay

    • Origin:

      English word, Old English

    • Meaning:

      "an inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; berry"

    • Description:

      Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice. This name is also associated with bay leaves, the bay laurel, the contemporary term of endearment, "bae", and the Old English word beġ meaning "berry"
  6. Snow

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      There's definitely a cold front of names for winter babies moving in, with Summer, Spring and Autumn giving way to Winter--plus North, January, Frost--and Snow. This name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative -- and magical. A haunting middle name choice.
  7. Green

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Description:

      Middle name possibility for a nature-loving family -- Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke used it for their son's middle name.
  8. London

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Meaning:

      "Capital city of England"

    • Description:

      The capital of England makes a solid and attractive twenty-first-century choice in the US where it is currently in the Top 1000. Given to nearly 1000 girls and 200 boys each year, it is a unisex option that has been in slow decline since its peak in 2013. Conjuring up images of Big Ben, red phone boxes, and the London Eye for some, but perhaps the rush hour commute and grey skies for others, London is far less popular in the UK and other English-speaking countries.
  9. Acker

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "meadow of oak trees"

    • Description:

      Acker is a surname name that has not seen much use to date, but given it's lush nature meaning (and the fact that it also means "friend" in Somerset slang) this could be a cute choice for parents looking for something fresh. An added bonus its link to English "Master of the Clarinet" Acker Bilk. The Dutch version, Akker, is also an option.
  10. Reason

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "a statement offered in explanation or justification"

    • Description:

      Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.
  11. Honor

    • Origin:

      English word and virtue name

    • Meaning:

      "honor"

    • Description:

      Honor is a somewhat more straight-laced virtue name than Hope or Grace, placing a high standard on any girl carrying it, but it's a goal worth setting. By choosing Honor for her daughter, Jessica Alba brought it very much into the modern world.
  12. Pink

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Description:

      The singer known as Pink (born Alecia) brought this hue onto the name-possibility palette, especially as a middle choice. Could Pink be the next Blue?
  13. True

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "true"

    • Description:

      Many parents seeking a return to more basic values and a simpler lifestyle are turning to such virtuous girls' names as Grace, Faith, and Hope, but there are a handful that work just as well on boys, including True.
  14. Tylor

    • Description:

      Tylor is a masculine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Tyler, which originally derived from an Old French occupational surname meaning "tile maker" or "tile layer." This alternative spelling gives the classic name a more distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Tylor began gaining modest usage in the late 20th century when parents sought fresh variations on popular names. While never reaching the height of popularity that Tyler enjoyed (particularly during the 1980s and 1990s), Tylor offers a subtly unique option with the same strong, approachable quality. The name projects a contemporary feel with historical roots, appealing to parents who appreciate the sound and strength of Tyler but desire something slightly less common.

  15. Love