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Popular middle names: These are the big trends for middle names | From colours to nature and bold feminine choices
For a long time, middle names weren’t really an important part of naming a baby.
Sure, people often went with family names as a way to keep traditions alive or honour people, but today things are definitely different.
While family traditions are still evident, modern parents are using the middle name as a way to be creative or brave, opting for slightly out-there or more fun choices of monikers that pair well with a first name, and some trends are emerging.
Nameberry has studied over 1000 birth announcements from 2024 and found there are some clear patterns when it comes to modern middle names.
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Aesthetics are coming into play, with parents looking for names that work as a combination, rather than just two names.
The big takeaway is there’s really no rules now when it comes to middle names, although uniqueness, style and contrast from the first name are definitely factors worth considering.
From trends that are becoming big with parents to the most popular middle names for boys and girls, here’s what Nameberry found.
Popular middle names for boys and girls
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When it comes to middle names, the classics aren’t going anywhere. Nameberry found these are the top middle names for boys and girls.
Girls
- Rose
- Grace
- Elizabeth
- Marie
- Jane
Boys
- James
- Alexander
- Michael
- Joseph
- Thomas
‘Grandpa names’ for girls
Grandpa names are big in terms of naming right now, but really becoming a trend when it comes to middle names for girls.
James is a popular one, and works well when it is a family name for so many, but more recently Nara Smith hopped on the trend with her daughter Whimsy Lou.
Some more examples are Scott, George, Charles and Clarke.
READ MORE: The new ‘Marie’ – the middle names gaining popularity
Middle names inspired by colour
Something about a colour name as a middle name just works, and it can be a really beautiful combination.
Blue and Gray are common choices, but picking a colour might also be a way to honour a late family member, like through a favourite colour.
Examples include: Sage, Olive, Marigold.
Baby names inspired by colours that probably aren’t on your radar
Modern single-syllable middle names
There’s a lot to love about single-syllable middle names, and it’s no surprise they’ve dominated the charts for decades, with Ann, Jane and Lyn being ever popular choices for girls, along with Charles, John and Lee for boys.
Rose and Grace are top choices for girls now, along with James for boys.
But the modern parent is looking for something a little more out there like Jude, Lane, Reese and Sloane.
Bold single syllable names
A punchy middle name works well with any first name and can act like a seamless connector.
Think word names that stand out, choices like Ace, Love, Reign, or Dream, Jett or Wild.
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Nouveau spiritual middle names
There’s no secret that spiritual names have been a long-time favourite when it comes to middle names, but modern parents are steering clear of names like Hope and Faith.
They’re looking for more gender neutral choices, like Pslam and Soul, or biblical choices like Salem and Zion.
Examples include: Creed, Solace, Sunday.
New Iambic middle names
There’s one thing the names Marie, Louise, Nicole, Michelle, and Renee all have in common – the emphasis is on the second syllable. These names are iambic and there’s a new way parents are nailing this flow.
Noelle, Celeste, and Soleil are some of the common ways parents are using this trend for middle names.
Gods, goddesses and fantastical creatures: Baby names inspired by mythology
Middle names inspired by nature
Another much-loved tradition is nature names, and it’s only gotten more popular over time. It’s also a good way for parents who love the trend but aren’t as bold as to go with a nature inspired name for a first name.
Examples include: Bear, Storm, Cove, Dove and Coast.
Mythology-inspired middle names
For the modern parent who wants to go bold, mythological names are a good way to go about it. They’ve got a built in grandeur that can add a bit of extra oomph to a classic first name.
Examples include: Adonis, Atlas, Mars and Rhiannon.
Extravagant feminine middle names
When you look at an overall name combination, punchy short first names are being paired with over-the-top middle names with feminine flair.
Elizabeth is still up there as a top choice, but more trendy options include Josephine, Juliette and Valentine.
Other examples include: Annasatasia, Clementine and Esmerelda.
Last names get a twist as middle names
A lot of trends for names can skew into middle names and that’s what has happened with surnames.
The middle name is a good way to honour family history, which could be done through a surname on either parents side of the family.
Examples include: Ellis, Rhodes, Graham or Sullivan.
The surnames that are second life as first names for boys and girls
Vintage revival middle names
Vintage names are never going to go out of style and are another lovely way to honour family or bring a bit of history into a name.
Examples include: Pearl or June for girls, and Hank and Walter for boys.
Middle names that are ahead of the curve
For some parents, a name that isn’t popular is what they want, so looking back through time is a good way to find one that hasn’t come back into the charts yet.
Think popular choices from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.
Examples include: Dale, Frank, Russell, Dawn, Dorothy and Sue.
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