Family names are often utilised in the choosing of middle names. They provide meaning, sentimentality, and a sense continuity. And there are many different ways they can be used.
A little bit of me
Many parents give their own name to their child as a middle name. This is a familiar practice that goes back to the eighteenth century when children were given their parents name as a first or a second name.
Inherited middle name
One of the most common ways of using a family name is the passing down of middle names. These middle names pass from mother to daughter and father to son through the generations. Many of the most popular middle names, that I discussed in the previous post, remain popular because they are continually used for new members of a family.
Dearly beloved and departed
The first names of much loved family members are another source of middle names. Grandparents and great-grandparents in particular are frequent namesakes honoured in children's names. Using the name of a deceased family member often adds pathos and meaning to a name -- and in some cases provides healing and comfort for a family.
Some parents, in search of a unused family name (perhaps in a large family were most of the family names have already been "taken") look further back on their family tree for inspiration. Great aunts, uncles and grand parents many times removed can provide an interesting name and still maintain the family connection. Look carefully and you are bound to find a hidden gem.
Lastnames up front
Many British mums today choose to pass on their family history by using their maiden name for their children's middle name. This practice has happened for centuries, particularly among the aristocracy when family-merging was serious business, but is becoming increasingly common today as women choose to keep their own surnames.
Sometimes other family surnames are used. Really want to honour your grandad Oswald but don't like the name? Consider using his surname instead.
Variations
When parents want to use a particular family name but find it too outdated, variations can often lend a unique alternative. These variations can be based on meaning, sound or first initial, but mostly they are standard etymological variations. Jane is used to update Janet. Caroline is used to update Carol.
Feminisations such as Charlotte, Harriet and Josephine can provide a sweet father-daughter link.
I myself have two middle names. The first of my middle names was chosen because it was a popular name that my parents liked. Personally, I could take it or leave it. I don't dislike it but it screams "80s baby" to me. I have no real sense of ownership with it.
My second middle name was chosen in honour of my great grandmother who died a few months before I was born. Even though, was I was growing up, it had an old-fashioned sound and had some people remarking "really?" in a disbelieving tone -- as if no 80s parent would be mad enough to use it -- I absolutely love it. It is a name that has been used throughout history, has many fabulous namesakes, and, most importantly, it means something to me. It's the name of a much loved figure in my family, still often spoken about -- and I appreciate having something of hers.
The only problem is that, being the second middle name, it often gets missed off forms -- leaving my first, less preferred, middle name in place.
