Choosing your baby’s first name is no small feat.

So when it comes to picking a middle name, it’s no wonder parents get stumped.

Was this article helpful?

A boy in a highchair pasting paper letters onto a piece of construction paper

We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing.

Learn more about oureditorial and medical review policies.

Hanks P., et al.

Article image

2016.A Dictionary of First Names.

Oxford University Press.https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780198610601.001.0001/acref-9780198610601Opens a new window[Accessed March 2025]

Ancestry.comOpens a new window.

Jameson Family History.https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=jamesonOpens a new window[Accessed March 2025]

Ancestry.comOpens a new window.

Article image

Lucas Family History.https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=lucasOpens a new window[Accessed March 2025]

Ancestry.comOpens a new window.

Zane Family History.https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=zaneOpens a new window[Accessed March 2025]

Strong, J. Undated.

Strong’s Definitions.https://www.blueletterbible.org/resources/lexical/strongs-definitions.cfmOpens a new window[Accessed March 2025]

U.S. Social Security Administration.

playful baby lying on a blanket

Her work has appeared inThe Atlantic, HuffPost, Business Insider, and Rewire News Group.

Born and raised in Kansas, she lives just outside Kansas City with her husband and three kids.

Baby Names A-Z

A little girl playing with letter stickers on a window

woman’s hand holding an orange glucola drink next to a gloved hand holding a blood sample

Woman shopping

phone with BabyCenter app

Erin Heger