Middle Names

[Britta1]

I am expecting a baby girl in November and me and DH have decided on the name Harriet. We are however stuck for a middle name!! There are no family names we can use that work so DH doesn’t see the need for her to have one if it doesn’t have a family/emotional connection which I understand but I just feel like I’d like her to have a middle name!!

Just wondered what everyone else’s thoughts are about middle names? Are you using one one not? Also any middle name ideas that work with Harriet and our 1 syllable surname would be appreciated! Thanks!

Harriet Elizabeth
Harriet Rose
Harriet Isabella
Harriet Lucille
Harriet Josephine
Harriet Grace
Harriet Evangeline
Harriet Rosabelle

I love Harriet, that's lovely !

I personally don't get the middle name thing. I don't know why people feel they need one . I get using a family name to honour someone but other than that I don't see the need. I don't have one, neither does my partner and neither of our kids do! Next baby won't get one either .

If you're set on having one I think Harriet Jane sounds nice.

Harriet Elodie
Harriet Clara
Harriet Maeve
Harriet Alice

Harriet Joy and Harriet Grace are lovely

My 7mo is called Harriet Felicity.
Love the name Harriet, we call her Hatty for short :)

Elisabeth goes well with Harriet.

I don't have a middle name and I would've loved one!

Only one sister does and we had to twist DM arm to give it too her.

Harriet Jane
Harriet Louise
Harriet May
Harriet Rose
Harriet Olivia

Harriet Emily
Harriet Louisa
Harriet Angelina
Harriet Phoebe
Harriet Florence
Harriet Isabelle
Harriet Elise
Harriet Annabel
Harriet Christina
Harriet Olivia
Harriet Melissa
Harriet Carmen
Harriet Serena
Harriet Zoe
Harriet Victoria
Harriet Robyn
Harriet Aurora
Harriet Eleanor
Harriet Imogen

I don’t see the point either, to me they’re just extra work when identifying yourself!

But DP loves them. We didn’t give DS1 any but he’s insisting on the others having them.

Harriet is a lovely name.

I don't have any suggestions (lots of lovely ones above), but please do a middle name! They are a lovely way of giving a child a bit of extra identity.

Maybe an actor or artist or writer that you love would be a nice one? Or a character you admire in a book? I think you can go a bit more creative with a middle name.

Thanks all! I am still leaning towards wanting her to have one so think I’ll have to try and find the perfect one to win DH round!

Our have middle names which are music based, artists that have had a big impact on us.

I don't have a middle name and have always been miffed about it! My mum doesn't either, but my brother and dad do - it seems it's a family tradition for boys to get their father's name as a middle name . Anyway, DH has hundreds (Irish Catholic) and assumed our kids would have them, and we rather went to town for our DD's name! We chose an unusual name we both adore - if she hates it she can hide it, but we really hope she loves it too. We're expecting a boy and he'll prob have DH's granddad's name as a middle name. I think if there's a special meaning or you just absolutely love it, go for it. No need to scrabble about for one though - really, it's redundant!

Harriet Eliza
Harriet Susannah
Harriet Emily
Harriet Rowenna
Harriet Florence
Harriet Sarah
Harriet Joy
Harriet Jemima
Harriet Blythe
Harriet Louisa
Harriet Matilda
Harriet Rebecca
Harriet Willow
Harriet Ruth
Harriet Ellen
Harriet Lucy
Harriet Sadie
Harriet Jean
Harriet Olive

I'd avoid Grace or Rose unless they have meaning for you.

They're default middle names (along with May). I wouldn't be surprised if 90% of little girls have Rose, Grace or May as their middle names!!

I'd choose one that has some meaning for you or connection with your family / heritage.

Harriet Matilda
Harriet Tabitha
Harriet Felicity

Your maiden name? Your Mum's name?

Neither myself, partner, our respective children or our new baby due any moment have/will have a middle name. Unless there's a particular reason for it or you really like two names I don't see why it would become a need?

They are useful if you have a popular first name and a common surname. My DCs don't have any.

Might be useful if you wanted a pseudonym or stage name.

Please give her a middle name. I wasn't given on and since I was ten I've wanted one. It's my 50th birthday on Monday and I am adding a middle name by deed poll as a present to myself v

Harriet Marie

I don't have a middle name, and I wish I had one. I felt short-changed as a child not having a middle name when everyone else did. I also don't like my name much - it's a name that's of its era and class and has dated badly. My parents thought it was lovely. I wish I had another name that I could maybe use instead. With just one name, it really is like your parents get to choose your one name/identity for you - yes, they think it's nice, but will the child? - and there's no other option, even when something else might suit you better. Rant over.

@RuthW

That's a lovely story, happy birthday!

Thank you