How to pick the perfect middle name for your baby

You’ve chosen a first name and it’s perfect, and now you want a middle name that will complement it.

Whether you have a middle name you love, don’t have one at all, or are just not that fussed about yours, it may be something you want to think about for your baby.

And, why not? It can be a nice chance to enjoy even more baby name brainstorming fun while you’re still in that zone.

1) You don’t have to use one

That said, there’s no law that you have to have a middle name. If you can’t decide, or it’s causing you stress, why not forget it altogether?

You can always change your mind later, and perhaps when you decide not to have one, the perfect name will come to you naturally.

2) Choose more than one middle name

You might find you’re torn between two middle names, or even three. So why not use them all, a la Uma Thurman with her daughter Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Busson.

3) Use a family member’s name

Middle names are often a chance to pay a nice tribute to a loved one, so think about different family members who mean a lot to you, even if their names aren’t in the running for first name. Definite brownie points at Christmas.

4) Think about your passions

Look to your favourite places, writers and artists for ideas – making such a personal choice can make for a gorgeous middle name that you always smile at.

5) Look back on names you liked

If you’re torn between two first names, you could always put the runner-up as the middle one. Lots of people go by their middle names, so there’s always the chance to change if you get naming remorse.

Perhaps there was a name you loved at school that’s fallen out of fashion, or maybe you have a friend who stole your baby name because she got pregnant first. Grrr.

People tend to be less territorial about middle names, so this could be your chance to take it back.

6) Pair a classic name with a unique name

If you’re going with a unique first name, choosing a classic one for the middle can give it a lovely ring. Perhaps Ziggy James or Peaches Mary.

You could even have a classic first name and a quirky middle name – your child can always keep schtum about it if they’re not keen.

7) Choose a middle name from your cultural background

If you or your partner have roots outside of Britain, why not mark your culture with a middle name? It’ll remind your child of his background, and be a nice talking point when they grow up.