7 Popular Boy Middle Names to Consider
When it’s time to pick out the perfect name for your son, there are so many great options. While some parents opt for a more traditional name, it’s also common to pick out something entirely new. If you’re stuck for inspiration, you could consider one of the many popular middle names for boys. Here are seven great choices that you can pair with your son’s first name.
-
Andrew: The name Andrew has been popular in the United States for decades, and it’s still going strong. It’s a strong and classic name, inspired by the Greek name Andreas, which means ‘manly or brave.’
-
James: The name James is a timeless classic, and it’s still a top choice for boys. It’s a Latin name, and it rhymes with the word ‘saint’. The most popular form of the name is derived from the New Testament, which honors James, the son of Zebedee.
-
Michael: Michael is a name of Hebrew origin and it means ‘who is like God’. It’s a strong and powerful name that has endured throughout generations. It was extremely popular in the 90s, and it’s still one of the most beloved middle names for boys today.
-
Alexander: Another classic choice is the name Alexander, which is a variant of the Greek name ‘Alexandros’. The meaning of this name is ‘defender of the people’ and it’s a great choice for any parent who’s hoping their son will grow up strong and brave.
-
Daniel: The name Daniel is of Hebrew origin, and it means ‘God is my judge’. It’s a timeless and traditional name that has seen resurgence in recent years. It’s a great middle name that you can use to honor a family member, or just as a way of providing your son with an elegant name to match with his first.
-
Thomas: Thomas is a classic name of Aramaic origin and it means ‘twin’. The name has been around since biblical times and it’s still popular today. It’s a great middle name choice that provides a timeless and powerful name to pair with your son’s first.
-
Christopher: The name Christopher is derived from the Greek Christophoros and it means ‘bearer of Christ’. It’s a strong, traditional name that’s still popular today. It’s also a great way to honor a family member or a special person in your life whose name is Christopher or Chris.
Why Use Middle Names for Boys?
When it comes to naming your son, there are so many options. But why would you choose to give your son a middle name? Here are a few great reasons:
-
Honor a Special Person:
Giving your son a middle name is a great way to honor someone special in your life, such as a beloved family member, a spiritual leader, or a mentor. It’s also an opportunity to choose a name that is meaningful to you and your family’s history. -
Honor Your Heritage:
If you come from a rich cultural background, you may want to incorporate that into your son’s name. You could give him a middle name that is derived from your culture such as a family name, or a name from your place of origin that means something special to you. -
Keep Your Son’s Name Distinctive:
If you love the name Jacob, for example, rather than using it as his first name, you can opt to make it his middle name. That way, your son will have a distinctive name that sets him apart from all the other Jacobs out there. -
Add Variety:
If you’ve had difficulty picking a single name for your son, you can combine two names to create a more unique moniker. Combining a traditional name with an uncommon one can produce something truly special, as well as providing a great conversation-starter.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Middle Name
When it comes to picking out a middle name, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect middle name for your son:
-
Think About Pronunciation:
When choosing a middle name for your son, it’s important to consider how the name will sound with his first and last name. You don’t want the combination to be too “tongue-tied” or hard to pronounce, so it’s important to think about how the names will sound together. -
Keep it Short:
Unless you’re honoring someone important with a long name, it’s best to keep the middle name short. Longer names can often be tricky to pronounce and spell, so a shorter name is generally a better choice. -
Consider Initials:
Another thing you should think about when picking a middle name is the initials your son will have. For example, if his first and last name both start with the letter “M”, you might want a different letter for his middle initial, just to break it up a bit. -
Look Beyond the Top 100:
If you’re worried that you’re son will share the same middle name with a lot of others his age, you could look beyond the most popular middle names and opt for something less common. There are plenty of great, unexpected middle names to choose from that you won’t hear so often.
Your son’s middle name is an opportunity to add something special to his name, so it’s important to think about it carefully. The seven names listed here are just a few of the popular middle names for boys that you can consider, but there are many other great options out there. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, or something more unexpected, the perfect middle name for your son is out there waiting for you to find it.