Most parents choose a middle name for their baby. It not only adds to the personal identity of a person but it also gives them a lifelong opportunity to honor a family member or significant person in their life. When a person has the same first name as someone else, the middle name will set them apart.

At the baby shower, create a game where the guests take combinations of the parents family names and their occupations and/or college affiliation. Think of nicknames that best describe your prediction of the child to come–”Thor” the thunder baby or “Cricket” Joe Pickett to rhyme with the baby’s last name. Use a Baby Name Book to choose name meanings and have each guest to guess what a particular name means.

Middle names are often the same as a father or mother’s name. While children are sometimes given the same name as his or her father or mother, the choice of a middle name is an option to make this child’s name unique. In some cultures and religions, it is quite common to have middle names in which the parent’s name is used. In some families, it is a tradition to use the same name through family generations.

When choosing a middle name, Grandparents and Godparent’s names are also considered. Even a family surname can be passed on as a middle name, as in the case of the mother’s maiden name.

Naming a child something extravagant or weird can be disrespectful of the child. Nicknames are often picked up over a lifetime of personal experiences but there is no good reason to handicap a child with an embarrassing choice of names. A middle name also gives the grown child an option to choose to be called by this name when their mature persona has deemed the secondary name a better fit.

Naming a child, first or middle is a process in which both parents usually discuss with each name carefully thought out and considered. Obviously, a child is going to live with these names for the rest of their lives. A middle name, though not a requirement, can be a personal distinction to any person’s name. It should get just as much consideration as the first name.
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