Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

How Many Middle Names?

36 replies

AubernFable · 16/02/2025 02:17

I personally love long ‘frilly’ names, two or more middle names, but I know some people that don’t have a middle name at all or think more than one is over the top.

What are your thoughts on name length? Do you think having double barrelled first or last names makes a difference?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
TartanCulshie · 16/02/2025 06:33

We all have two in my family, so gave my kids two. Each name has a meaning to us, and they have back up names if they need.

I've not had 'a lifetime of problems filling out paperwork' as a PP said, so I'm hoping they won't either! ✍. Can't actually think of time its caused me issues 🤔

However, my kids are being raised Catholic so will get a confirmation name too. They will end up with three middle names which is a bit of a mouthful.

I'd say to go for two if you'd like two. People do what they think is right so those that gave none support that decision, those who gave one think they are right, and I think I am 😎. We all are. Or none of us are!

oakleaffy · 16/02/2025 06:19

We didn’t give son a middle name as we thought he could choose his own when he got older-

Turns out you can’t, but his surname is quite unusual so in a way it’s not a bad thing!

TillyandFlorence · 16/02/2025 06:18

I have two middle names, one of which is a family name.

The only problem I ever encounter is sometimes there's not enough boxes on forms, but it's a pretty minor problem in the grand scheme of things.

On balance I quite like having two.

MumChp · 16/02/2025 06:17

Name Middle name Surname in our family.

One of the children has two middle names as dc chose to add one.

farmlife2 · 16/02/2025 06:14

Two middle names sets you up for a lifetime of problems filling out paperwork. Guess how I know?

46mumof6 · 16/02/2025 05:45

My kids all have 2 middle names, a family name from each side of the family

MinPinSins · 16/02/2025 05:43

I have two. The second one sometimes gets left of official documents, which is a pain. I think two is unnecessary, but if you do, make syre you put the one that matters most first.

sel2223 · 16/02/2025 05:37

Definitely one for me.

2 is too many (imo), 3 or 4 is just ridiculous unless you're a royal.

GoldenLegend · 16/02/2025 02:56

I like two middle names, but no more.

salemcooper · 16/02/2025 02:49

DD has two middle names, one is a family name and one is a name which has sentimental value for me and DH. But we both accept that if she only wants to use one or none as an adult, that's okay.

Ang3leyes · 16/02/2025 02:18

i think you should just have one first one middle and one last name but that’s just my opinion or it gets too complicated