Middle Names?

Question

How often have you HAD to use your middle name? Although there is a section on most forms for a middle name, it is not mandatory, right? When is it mandatory?

Also, when do you use all three of your names together (first, middle and last?) For me it is always been either my first and last name or my first and middle name. I think the last time I was used my first and middle name together was when I made my Confirmation at 13.

Thanks for the info. I'm just curious. It will help me in my decision process.

Answer 1

It's true that it's option in many cases. For instance, when applying for a new credit card, one is often given the choice in how the full name will appear: Jane Doe, Jane Marie Doe, Jane M. Doe, etc.

However, a middle name -- or at the very least, middle initial -- IS mandatory for many official government or other legal forms. I know quite a few people who were never given one, and it has caused so many hassles throughout their lives ... especially now, in the era of the computerized form (where the form simply will not be accepted as "complete" until that space is properly filled in)! All have opted to legally add a middle name (via costly legal paperwork) or, at the very least, use their maiden name or mother's maiden name when one is required (not ALWAYS allowable, however, if it isn't legally part of the given name).

Just a huge, completely avoidable hassle, in all honesty. And one most who DO have a middle name wouldn't even think about. So if you're considering whether or not to give your own child a middle name, do them a favor and give them one! ;) After all, if you honestly only care for ONE name out of the literal millions available, you can always use a significant family name or one in honor of a friend, historical figure, author, literary character, etc. There are so many options, it simply seems a cop out NOT to give one, in all honesty. Especially in light of the hassles you already know not having one can possibly cause.

Answer 2

It was required to get a birth certificate; it was used for high school, college and graduate school graduation; it was used when joining the Army and upon discharge (both times); the VA uses it constantly and send my meds to me with full name and the 2nd and 3rd parts of my social security number and address (of course). Talk about ID theft...the Government is the biggest risk in ID theft, the VA and SSA leading the way.
Also, any time I sign a legal document/contract, what have you, such as buying/selling a house, car, whatever.

Answer 3

I used my Middle name every day

I go by my Middle name


My father and his family calls me my First and Middle names

My Mother side, and my family, my husband family, my friends, all calls me my middle name

My Middle name, and most of my families are family names
My mom middle name was Elizabeth, so is my daughter and my niece


A lot of people use their middle names, My mom did, I do, and many people not related to me do.

Also alot of people use middle names as a way to honor a loved one

You do not have to have a middle name

Answer 4

The only time I heard my first and middle name together is when growing up and I got in trouble. But I really like my middle name, as it's in memory of my dad's cousin.

Answer 5

usually its just the middle name first initial.

ex) Sam J.(jasmine) Lennure

Its used for like tests and filling out medical forms.

Answer 6

For people with common names, the middle name helps differentiate them. But for someone like me with a very unique name anyway, my middle name is never used. But its fun to talk about. Its Hawaiian because I was born in Hawaii even though I don't have Hawaiian blood. Names tell a story and describe a person. My middle name is Anakalia. It means womanly and its very right!

Answer 7

Well, my husband is in the military so, I have to use my middle name and my kids middle names and hubby's social when filling out forms and such, when we bought our house, and cars we also had to use middle names and when we opened our bank account.

Answer 8

i would be very sad if i didnt have my middle name. i use it just as frequently as everyone else. on forms and school registration... however, my grandmother calls me by my first and middle name as if it were hyphenated (but its not) and i really like it. i think how often you use your middle name is dependant on how uch you like it and feel that it fits you. i'm sure professionals use their middle name and usually initials if it makes them look more official.

Answer 9

i used my middle name as a character name in a medieval reenactment group i was involved in awhile ago, hmmm, pretty much on any govt form, but that's about it...