If you're searching for the perfect name for your child, how about opting for a popular
middle name as your kiddo's first name?
Even the best middle name is easily lost when it's sandwiched between a first and last name,
but there are so many great ones deserving of some first name fame!
May If you're in the market for a super cute baby
name that is both short and sweet, then we have just the name for you.
With just one syllable, May makes for a perfect, go-to middle name because it so easily complements
any first name of your choosing.
"Anna May!"
Such a classic, sweet name will also be a relatively unique first name for a baby girl!
According to Nameberry, the name May originated as a shortened version of longer names Mary
and Margaret.
It's also one of the most popular calendar names for children, along with fellow springtime
months June and April.
And if you're into naming your kids after notable folks from history, consider reading
up on American actress Mae West.
There's no doubt your daughter will be proud to be named after a total lady legend.
Or consider the super-talented Mae Whitman.
Your daughter will be in great company!
Anne If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of puffed
sleeves like Anne of Green Gables, then you should totally consider this common middle
name as the perfect first name for your baby daughter.
"Please be sure to spell Anne with an e." Anne's single syllable makes it the perfect
contender for a middle name.
However, it's also a name that has been solidified in history as the moniker of many a legendary
woman.
Anne Frank, Anne Hathaway, and Anne Boleyn are just a few of the famous names that come
to mind when prompted to think of favorite Annes throughout both history and literature.
According to Baby Center, Anne is a name with Hebrew origins and means "full of grace."
And on the long list of qualities you hope to instill in your child, isn't gracefulness
amongst the top of the list?
Louise What's the first thing that comes to mind
when you hear the name Louise?
If you answered Thelma & Louise, you're not alone.
The female-driven drama and road flick premiered in theaters in 1991, forever changing the
way we view female-friendship dynamics and proving that all a gal really needs in this
life is her best friend and a fast car.
Thelma & Louise also managed to breathe life into two names many had long written-off as
too old fashioned, even though Louise has been a common middle name for decades.
In fact, Ancestry lists Louise as number one on its top ten list of popular middle names
for girls.
According to Baby Center, Louise is a name of German origin which means "famous warrior."
So, if you want your baby to have the heart of a warrior princess, giving her this name
is a great starting point.
Rose Admit it, one of your all-time favorite fictional
Titanic passengers is Rose, and just like the character popularized by Kate Winslet,
the name is adorably chic, yet down to earth.
According to Nameberry, Rose quite literally refers to the flower we all know and love.
You can't get much more straightforward than that, folks.
While it might not have some incredibly deep, historically rooted meaning, Rose is definitely
a pretty name with a certain feminine air about it.
Sure, you could follow in the footsteps of celebrity parents like Ben Affleck and Jennifer
Garner and make Rose your baby's middle name, but why don't you take it a step further and
gift your kid with a sweet first name that will truly never go out of style?
Joy As the website Nameberry notes, Joy originates
from the 17th century, when Puritans felt the name exemplified the act of being joyful
in the Lord.
It's a name that exudes, well, joy, which makes it a perfect name for your little bundle
of joy!
In recent popular culture, Joy is used as a middle name in the hit, grim Hulu show,
The Handmaid's Tale.
Serena Joy might deliver some serious nightmare fuel from week-to-week, but there's no arguing
the woman has a pretty name.
However, if you dig Joy as a first name and like the idea of using pop culture as inspiration,
we suggest a viewing of the Jennifer Lawrence flick, Joy.
You'll feel inspired in more ways than one.
Grace According to She Knows, Grace is one of the
most popular "old fashioned" middle names for girls, just ask Chloe Grace Moretz.
But as Baby Center notes, Grace is making a name for itself, no pun intended, as a popular
first name, too.
In fact, as of 2018, Grace is sitting firmly in the 30th spot on the list of most popular
baby girl names.
And deservedly so!
"What's your name?"
"Grace."
Grace is a sweet name with Latin origins, meaning goodness and generosity.
According to Baby Center, Greek mythology ties the name to blossoming and joy.
And, hey, who wouldn't want to share a name with Grace Kelly?
Renée According to the baby name experts over at
Nameberry, the name Renée experienced peak popularity all the way back in the 1950s.
It's true , Renée simply isn't a name that you hear everyday, unless, of course, you're
a big Renée Zellweger fan.
However, you'd be surprised at the sheer number of celebrities who share Renée as a middle
name!
Gwen Stefani, Dita Von Teese, and Blac Chyna all have Renée as a middle name.
According to Baby Center, the name Renée means "reborn."
It's a beautiful meaning for a beautiful baby name, but it's not getting the attention it
deserves sandwiched between a first and last name.
We think it's time for this name to have a sort-of rebirth of its own, right into the
first name spotlight!