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Original poster

Middle Names - Why?

30 replies

FreakyToes · 26/01/2020 20:15

Hi All,

I've seen a lot of threads where people are struggling to think of a middle name to go with the first name. Why do some people feel it's necessary (or just want) to add a middle name?

I'm not being funny, I'm genuinely interested.

I understand having a middle name if it has meaning, like the name of a family member or loved one that you want to honour, but I don't understand why people stress themselves out trying to think of a second name which isn't necessary. I don't have any middle names.

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june2007 · 26/01/2020 20:45

Well some people prefer to use their middle name. Sometimes first is a formal name, or sometimes the middle is a family name. I have 2 middle names including one which is a family name. It can be usefult to have a middle name like at school when we had 2 Paul Davises in the same year so one always was refered to using his middle initial.

ikeakia · 26/01/2020 20:41

For me middle names were to put in a family name and a fun one that I liked but didn’t want as a first name.

I have two middle names so I carried on the tradition with my own children.

NameChange30 · 26/01/2020 20:39

PS I will say that I think it's weird when people give lots of middle names. Personally I think it's best to have no more than 4 names in total. ie first name, middle name and two surnames (my preference) or first name, two middle names (including one from family whose surname isn't used) and surname.

NameChange30 · 26/01/2020 20:37

"I understand having a middle name if it has meaning, like the name of a family member or loved one that you want to honour"

I'm with you on this. I think the point of a middle name is to honour a relative or loved one. I also think it's good to give the child a back-up option just in case they hate their first name for some reason. Particularly important if you give them an "out there" first name!

Rachelhaydenberk1 · 26/01/2020 20:34

I think middle names are fun and make a name feel complete. Its cultural to add one. I dont understand when people have like three middle names though! And I've surely met people without middle names, they are optional. My husband think they are kinda a waste also but I personally think it's fun to pair a name! It adds more of a vibe to a first name for me.

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