Choosing a baby name can feel like a bit of a minefield. Then throw in having to choose a middle name that goes with the first and you have a real dilemma on your hands!
Picking the right baby name for you is great fun, but sometimes you just draw a blank on inspiration for what names go together.
There are some middle names that just work incredibly well with a huge range of first baby names.
For girls a lot of these are flower names, such as Rose and Daisy. They’re simple but just seem to roll together nicely with a lot of first names.
May is another great option for a middle name that works very well with a range of first names.
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Tips for choosing a first and middle name that work together
The key to picking a first and middle name combination that works together is to write down all of the names you love first.
Do a brain dump of names you like, starting by thinking of every name you can think of. Keep the list with you (try saving it as a notes document on your phone) and add to it as and when you come across a name you love.
It’s often easier to pick a first name that you love, before then moving onto choosing a middle name that works with it.
However many people choose middle names that have some kind of sentimental meaning, for example you may pick your mother’s name as a middle name for your baby girl.
If this is your starting point, then you would want to choose a first name to go with that middle name.
When it comes to what first name works best with what middle name, it’s really up to you. There’s no tried and tested formula!
Some names just sound great together! Things like alliteration, where you choose two names beginning with the same letter for example Frieda Florence, can help names to flow together.
However it’s worth remembering that as your baby goes through life, their middle name is not the most important as it will be used so rarely day-to-day.
When we chose middle names for our two daughters, will simply went with names we liked and felt sounded right with their first name.
Here are some tips for choosing your baby’s first and middle name:
Is there a particular theme you like?
While you may pick a name simply because you like it, there might be themes that work well for you.
Baby name themes that are popular include floral, nature, traditional, old-fashioned, colours and seasons.
The first and middle name don’t have to be from the same theme, and you can choose two names from totally different themes. Mixing it up can be fun.
Do you worry about the name being too popular?
I personally didn’t care that my baby names were popular when I chose them. And actually we haven’t encountered any other children with my daughter’s name in school yet, even though it’s in the top 50 baby names for the country.
But some people love the idea of a really unique name. So research the top 100 baby names so that you know where the trends are, then you can research unusual names that aren’t so mainstream.
Think about nicknames
How can the first and middle name combined or separately be shorted as nicknames.
Some nicknames are cute, but you may just want to have a think about any nicknames that you don’t like the idea of.
Look at the initials
When you have a first and middle baby name combination that you love, write the initials down along with the surname.
This is just so you can check it doesn’t combine to spell out something you don’t like.
Be prepared to change your mind
You may pick out the perfect baby name before your baby is born.
Or you may have a few options listed so you can make a final choice after they are born.
But remember that it’s totally OK to change your mind after the baby is born, and indeed right up until your register the birth officially!
It’s OK to change your mind if you want to.
You may also like:
50 beautiful unisex baby names
Ultimate baby registry checklist
Cute first and middle names for boys
Albert Blake
Archie Eli
Archie James
Benjamin Tate
Benson Scott
Caleb Cole
Cooper Nolan
Dexter Cameron
Dylan James
Eli Jonas
Elijah Dorian
Emerson Phoenix
Felix Cove
Finlay Ethan
Finn Atticus
Freddie Quinn
George Theodore
Grayson Finn
Gregory Oliver
Harrison Colt
Harvey Lochlan
Heath James
Hunter Maddox
Jack Ezra
Jasper Hendrix
Jaxon Hunter
Jenson Arlo
Joshua Aiden
Lincoln Oliver
Logan Atlas
Lucas Arthur
Luka Bryce
Mason Alexander
Milo West
Nate Isaac
Noah Riley
Oliver Adam
Oliver Hudson
Preston Grey
Rowan Albert
Sebastian David
Tate Sloane
Theodore Joseph
Tyler Elliott
Winston Alexander
Xavier Thomas
Sweet first and middle names for girls
Allegra Christine
Alice Elizabeth
Amelia Ivy
Amelie Fleur
Aurelia Lilac
Autumn Joy
Ava Katherine
Avery Rae
Ayla Rosalie
Camilla Dae
Cordelia Faye
Darcey Wren
Della Faye
Eden Soleil
Elisa Claire
Elsie Skye
Emily Eve
Evelyn Harlow
Fleur Quinn
Florence Leah
Freya Estelle
Harper Avery
Imogen Belle
India Rose
Mackenzie Avalon
Madeleine Harper
Matilda Faith
Margot Juliet
Mia Grace
Mila Beatrice
Olivia Jade
Ophelia May
Paige Aurora
Penelope Olive
Poppy Louise
Scarlett Isabelle
Sophie Amelie
Sienna Ruby
Summer Rae
Tallulah Jane
Violet June
Willa Jade
Willow Belle
Zara Victoria
Middle names guide
Middle name ideas for some of the most popular baby names!
