So far we have looked at popular middle names and family middle names and the reasons why these are commonly used in the middle spot. Now lets look at the other end of the spectrum to the adventurous and unusual and examine why the middle is often where they can be found.
When you think about it, the frequency with which we share our middle names is completely up to us. Apart from certain obligatory forms we can keep our middle names secret or share them loudly and proudly as we see fit. And as there is such freedom with middle names, why not have fun with them and be adventurous?
The middle spot is perfect for those parents who love an unusual or striking name but worry it is too "out there" for everyday life. Using it as a middle name takes the yikes-factor (yes I did just invent that word) out that it would have as a first name as turns it into a quirky and original second name. David and Samantha Cameron didn't raise many eyebrows when they chose the anglicised Cornish name Endellion as a third name for their daughter, as they most likely would have done if it had been used as the first name. As a middle name name it's strongest reaction was "Oh. That's unusual.I've not heard that before."
In fact, uncommon names can often form the perfect balance when paired with a popular and well-known first name. Want your Sophie to stand out from the lovely-but-often-used Sophie Jane, Sophie Elizabeth and Sophie May? How about Sophie Elettra, Sophie Merewen or Sophie Damaris for a more striking combination?
It seems many parents agree, as we can see from the many children with the middle name Danger and other descriptive middle monikers such Celestial, Happy and Sunshine.
Here is a small sample of a few British babies born within the last two years who have uncommon, quirky, interesting and unusual middle names:
|
Alfred Athelstan Edward Lysander Henry Capability Henry Leonidas Tiberius Louis Santiago Maximilian Thorbjörn Rafe Caledfryn Wynne William Ignatius Zack Taliesin Michael
|
Alice Calypso Isabella Felicia Honoria Isla Eva Sonia Rainbow Minnie Love Olivia Zdena Poppy Valentine Darling Serena Honora Silver |
