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Original poster

To think middle names are pointless

142 replies

RandomUser456878 · 26/03/2025 12:16

We’ve just had a baby boy & we are deciding on names. We’ve chosen a first name & stuck on middle names, just because it’s the norm

Then it occurred to me, not once in my life has anybody used my middle name so they’re literally pointless

I searched mumsnet & there’s loads of posts asking for a good middle name for {insert name}

Other than maybe a family name, whats the point in them?

OP posts:
TickingAlongNicely · 26/03/2025 12:35

I don't have a middle name. My daughters do. I always felt like I was missing out!

Its even more frustrating for my brother as he has a common first name and surname (so Tom Smith sort of name). It does cause identification troubke.

CurlewKate · 26/03/2025 12:34

My children both have two middle names -both family names. Using them gave great pleasure to several people, and both children, now adults, like that very much.

HoppingPavlova · 26/03/2025 12:34

I couldn’t be bothered but DH wanted too, and not a hill I was prepared to die on. To make it even better, he wanted the same middle name across any kids we had, so he chose a unisex name I honestly had no thoughts about either way. Again, wasn’t the hill for me.

Regretsmorethanafew · 26/03/2025 12:31

In catholic countries, first names had to be saints. Middle names didn't. Many people used their middle names day to day. Hence middle names being very useful.

mondaytosunday · 26/03/2025 12:30

I loved having two middle names as a child. It’s part of my identity. My mothers nickname fir me was my middle name. It’s also away of honouring family/friends. Both mine are the names of two maiden sisters who helped raise my father when his mother lived abroad. My sister has both grandmothers’ names. My son has both his grandfathers’ names as middle names.
I remember a friend wondering why she only had a first and last name and no middle!

DwarfPalmetto · 26/03/2025 12:29

I like my middle name because I am named after a relative. I like thinking I have that connection with her. Not pointless for me.

redlightgreenlight123 · 26/03/2025 12:27

A tribute the grandparents and ensuring a name gets passed down generations and loved ones remembered.

Fimofriend · 26/03/2025 12:25

It is very practical when you work in administration. "Which Jen Jones worked overtime? Is it Jennifer Muriel Jones or Jennifer Mabel Jones?"

Inmydreams88 · 26/03/2025 12:23

Yeah they are pointless as nobody uses them day to day, but we chose a family name for my sons middle name and it's special to us that he has it.

RedRiverShore5 · 26/03/2025 12:23

I agree, I have one, DH doesn’t, we didn’t give DS one

shellyleppard · 26/03/2025 12:22

@Moglet4 if I use my sons middle name he knows he's in trouble 😂😂😂

Jessica5678 · 26/03/2025 12:22

I liked the opportunity to include a family name for my children - not one that would be a great first name now for everyday use (it’s not these, but along the lines of Percy, Fanny etc) but as a rarely used middle name I like that there’s a family link. It’s also useful to have middle names to distinguish between multiple “Thomas Smith”s in the family tree.

If you don’t want to give one or use one then don’t. They’re not compulsory!

SallyWD · 26/03/2025 12:21

I agree they're pretty pointless so I always wonder why people agonise over them on Mumsnet! Having said that, I do like having a middle name - not sure why, I just do! I also liked the fact I honoured my mother by using her name as a middle name for DD. My DS also has a meaningful middle name.

TeapotCollection · 26/03/2025 12:21

Totally agree, completely pointless

JoyousEagle · 26/03/2025 12:20

I agree. I don’t have one and would have happily not bothered giving DDs middle names. DH wanted to though so we did because I don’t have any strong feeling against it.

Moglet4 · 26/03/2025 12:20

They’re very useful for indicating to a child that you’re cross with them!

BarneyRonson · 26/03/2025 12:17

Utilitarianism! Where would be without it…. Where would we be if it was all we have.

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