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Baby names

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

Double barrelled middle names?

34 replies

AmusedZebra · 05/11/2025 23:20

This just popped into my head - so it’s not a long standing idea that I’ve got my heart set on (feel free to be as truthful as you like).

What’s the general opinion on double barrelling middle names?

I am having my second (and last) child. She’s my first and only girl.
So I naturally have roughly 6282727 baby names that I need to narrow down - and I’m finding it hard!!

The name May is a family name for me. It is my mother’s maiden name, my middle name, and my grandparents surname. Using May as a middle name has always seemed like a nice way to honour everyone at once.

However I do also like other names which I would be tempted to use as a middle name, but then I don’t want to waste the opportunity to use May.

How do people feel about double barrelling middle names? Elara-May, or Lily-May (both random choices, but you get the gist)

awful? Or not bad as it’s a middle name?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
KindleKlub · 06/11/2025 10:44

No need to hyphenate. Here are no restrictions on middle names. You could even give her 3 and no one would stop you!

Peonies12 · 06/11/2025 10:43

Just give two middle names, you don't need a hyphen.

BuffaloCauliflower · 06/11/2025 10:42

Just have 2 middle names. I have 2, so do my siblings, my children and my siblings children. Just standard in my family.
No need to hyphenate, more confusing and will get left out anyway.

BlueIndigoScarlet · 06/11/2025 10:40

Avantiagain · 06/11/2025 09:00

Have two middle names. Don't hyphen.

Absolutely agree with this.

NormaSears · 06/11/2025 10:39

Use two middle names, don't hyphenate them.
Many of the hyphenated names are -Rose or -May, so it will just look like you're following the trend.

... double barrelling middle names? ...awful? Or not bad as it’s a middle name?
Awful

Filofaxforlife · 06/11/2025 09:07

I have two middle names as does one of my DC. For family name reasons. The only issue with two middle names is some forms don’t allow sufficient space so for a lot of things I’m Filo Fax Life rather than Filo Fax For Life. It’s doesn’t matter. With those occasional forms in mind I would not hyphenate as you would be splitting the name rather than just dropping one sometimes.

ShinyWorthKeeping · 06/11/2025 09:02

My two youngest both have 2 middle names, no hypens though.

Avantiagain · 06/11/2025 09:00

Have two middle names. Don't hyphen.

JDM625 · 05/11/2025 23:27

Double barrelled with a hyphen- awful

Just give her 2, seperate middle names- First name then May then xxxx then surname. Why the need to hyphen? I realise its 'only' a hyphen, but that is what reminds me of the old TV show the hillbillies or similar. I'm likely alot older than you, but 2 middles names IMO if much better than a hyphenated one.

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