why do we have middle names?

Answer 1

so when our parents yelled at us by all three names, we knew to run.

Answer 2

I don't have a middle name.

Answer 3

i think it was because we use to live closer together so there were a lot more people in one area. and names were used over and over so middle names made a difference. like if you were to go down the street and yell "mary!" a couple people will turn around, but if you went down that same street yelling "mary ellen!" just the person you wanted would turn and maybe 1 other person or so. does that make sense? used to ensure a separation.

Answer 4

I guess sometimes first and even last names are so common, that middle names are used to distinguish between people.

Answer 5

Just in case somebody else has you name it's a form of self identification
example:Let's just say you name is John smith and there's 10 other John Smith's in the world they would go to you middle name to identify you such John Tom Smith

Answer 6

To allow people to use a "backup" name, and to distinguish a person from others with a common name. (John Kevin Smith and John Lee Smith, for instance.)

Answer 7

someone gives a middle name to his/her child in order to remember a dead relative, who had that name...

Answer 8

i dont have a middle name , its a waste of time

Answer 9

I imagine it's nothing more than cultural and familial tradition.

Answer 10

It's not common in my culture and I do not have one.