100 Elegant Girl Middle Names: With Gorgeous Meanings

The earliest middle name customs began in ancient Rome before being re-established in 13th-century Italy, when elites chose names of Italian saints to protect their children.

Later, the purpose of middle names started to evolve, allowing people to use different name combinations to shift their identities.

Middle names also established social relationships, tying children with family members, godparents, or religious leaders. In the 1900s, women began using their maiden names as middle names to preserve their lineages.

Middle names may be given for any of these reasons or just to make the baby’s name sound more “complete.”

Middle names have come and gone throughout history, with many important figures not receiving one. For example, America’s Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson, and American explorer William Clark, didn’t have middle names.

Many modern celebrities also don’t have middle names. For example, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West didn’t give middle names to their babies, North West and Saint West.

Middle names are not required by U.S. law. So, don’t feel pressured to give your baby one.

There are no strict middle name rules in the U.S., meaning you can give your baby as many middle names as you want, whether two, three, four (or more). However, many states have limitations on the number of characters that can be included in a name. So, check your state’s naming laws before you make your selections.

Throughout history, many parents have chosen family names as middle names to honor particular relatives. Sometimes, parents choose the mother’s maiden name as the middle name to include a complete profile of the baby’s heritage. However, middle names are highly subjective and completely optional. So, whether you want your baby’s middle name tied to your family is entirely up to you.

Picking a “good” middle name is highly subjective and depends on your preference. Some people choose middle names that “flow” nicely with the first and last names. Others select family names or names of important figures they want their children to emulate. Others choose middle names that their children can use as first names if they want to “switch up” their identities later in life. Ultimately, a “good” middle should make you happy and be a good fit for your baby-to-be!

Over the last century, some of the most popular middle names for girls were Mae, Ann, Elizabeth, Lynn, and Lee. Some popular modern choices are Maeve, Willow, Wren, Sage, and Claire.