What makes you pick a certain middle name?

[StylishDuck]

I'm just being curious nosy about people's reasons for picking certain middle names for their DC.

DD has a middle name that has a family significance (DH's grandmother), my middle name is for my aunt who is also my godmother. All the babies in my family have been given middle names that have a family connection. I've noticed however, particularly on here, that some people just pick middle names that they like or that "match" the first name.

If you did this, what was your reason for giving a middle name in the first place? DH doesn't have one and doesn't feel like he particularly missed out I like middle names that have a family connection but don't think I'd bother with one if it wasn't for that.

No judgement, just curiosity (and I've had wine so forgive my rambling!)

I agree with IoraRua I don't think it matters if a middle name 'goes well' with a first name. A name with significance is better than a filler middle name.

And I never understand people who say 'my mum's name is Bertha so to honour her I'm giving my daughter the middle name of Martha as it's kind of similar'.

Personally I think it's important for DC to have their "own name" i.e. not given a family name for their first name. Which is why I like the idea of using family names as middle names. Having said that, if I had more DC and didn't have a family name I wanted to give them I think I'd still like to give them a middle name if their siblings already had one IYSWIM.

I'm liking the idea of picking a name as a symbol, as in a strong historical or literary character.

DD2s middle name is the shortened name of her big sister who died.

DD1 had 2 Middle names (we picked before she died) - one of my grandmas middle names, and MIL maiden name.

Middle names are great for both significant family names and names that 'just go' - everyone has different thoughts & ideas.