Historical norms and a bit of whimsy play a role in why we have middle names When a baby is born, the first name gets all the glory—and scrutiny. But the middle name, if there is one, can seem like an ...

Middle names for girls can vary widely, from classic connectors like Anne and Lynne to more unique choices like family ...

Parents-to-be seeking a middle name for a boy won't have to look very far. Traditionally, middle names for boys used to be reserved for family names, but modern parents are trying new ideas. Both ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. (Getty Images) Parents will spend months picking out their baby’s first name, drawing lists and debating until they finally pick ...

Middle names were created for religious and aristocratic purposes, evolving to serve as a way to distinguish people with common names. Today, they primarily serve for personal reasons, such as ...

Choosing my kids' names was a difficult decision. I wanted them to have middle names that would help them discover themselves and feel grounding. In the end, my husband and I chose middle names that ...

This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here. In 2011, demographic researchers across America realized something surprising: Census forms had a lot of spots ...

We understand why we have first names and how our surnames tie us to our family heritage, but what's the deal with middle names? What's the purpose of a middle name and when did different cultures ...