What's the point of middle names?

Question

We use our middle initial anyway, right?

Answer 1

It prevents your child from receiving the middle name Nmi. This doesn't happen as much anymore, but about 20 years ago, many computer programs were coded to recognize three names and only three names. If a middle name wasn't indicated, the program would insert NMI, which is military shorthand for “no middle initial.” While most folks do know what this acronym means, there are still some who don't, and if it shows up on a list of any sort, they think it's some exotic middle name. This may seem too silly to be true, but I've seen it and I've heard it more than once.


It gives your child more flexibility when it comes to deciding the name he or she wants to be called by. It's not uncommon for people to use their middle name at some point in their lives—you might even be one of them. Why? Sometimes they don't like their first name or are just plain tired of it. Or they may be asked to use their middle name to differentiate themselves from others who have the same first name (just like centuries ago!), such as in classrooms where popular naming styles have resulted in a few too many Courtneys or Michaels or Emilys.


It's commonly accepted. Do you know anyone without a middle name, or, for that matter, with more than one? And if you do, have you ever wondered why? It's like having two eyes, two ears, and one nose. We expect it.



hope this helps!!

Answer 2

Middle names are a tradition but they also have a purpose. A middle name helps distinguish you from other people who have the same and first name as you do. They are also an opportunity to reflect both sides of the family. Many times a mother will choose one name and the father another. Each side can choose a name that will honor or reflect someone on their side of the family. Sometimes families want to remember a relative with a first or middle name but add a middle or first name as the actual name they will use. As a side comment, it would be difficult to fill in forms today without a middle initial.

Answer 3

Aurora Jarie Aurora Skye Aurora Raquel Aurora Jovani Aurora Imani Aurora Charae Aurora Jai Aurora Alijai Aurora Eunique Aurora Snow Aurora Janya Aurora Breeze Aurora Borealis Aurora Selene Aurora Simone Aurora Ivory Aurora Dimonjonae Aurora Justice Aurora Liberty Aurora Mone't Aurora Renee' Aurora Inojae Aurora Yvonne Aurora Sunshine Aurora Diamond

Answer 4

Some cultures don't always use one, and with my new grandchild the parents have chosen not to have a middle name following with tradition on the dad's side. As far as a point, there probably isn't one. We like it though, always nice to find a middle name that goes just right with your child =)

Answer 5

Because there are so many in the world with the same first and last name. Middle names help to differentiate similar identities.

Answer 6

I don't know but my parents gave me and my 3 brothers middle names and only mine is used b/c my dad doesn't like my first name. I also gave my son a middle name and I don't use it. I think it might depend on someones culture or personal preference.

Answer 7

The use of middle names began as a way to memorialize family names, show familial connections, and to honor ancestors who had passed on. This tactic was useful for historical and geneological purposes.

Answer 8

Well some first and last names are pretty common. So it makes it easier to find someone if they have a middle name.

Answer 9

it's spose to show who you're related

for expample I have no middle name
cause I have no other gurdian other then my guns

but for sometohers the more middle name they have, the more people they can fall back on, for example

shairka coronel-soto drazen

the coronel soto is the middle name, 2 of em
so that means if shairka is ever in need of help, grandparents coronel or grandparents soto family will have to step in and help out, this is all old stuff, this is like old rules or something

Answer 10

to separate you from the people with the same first and last names.