Every individual likely has three names: given name, middle name, and surname.The practice of using a middle name is common in everyday life. People tend to use their middle name when coming up with a new email address, filling out official documents, or even writing an initial.In this article, we will be learning about the purpose of a middle name, the benefits of a middle name, and some middle name examples. We will also learn about the era in which the middle name came to life, the history behind it, and the benefits associated with a middle name!You may have seen that some people have multiple names. There is a history behind this, and it all goes back to the times of Ancient Rome. Back then, many Romans had three names. It was said that the more names someone had eventually earned them more respect from others. These three given names included the first name, called a praenomen; the nomen, your family name; and the third name, the cognomen, indicated your branch of the family. Records show that women only had two names while slaves had only one. One example you may be familiar with is Gaius Julius Caesar. Keep reading the article to learn more about middle names, and then check out why do we lie and why do we fall.What is the purpose of middle names?Back in the early 18th century, the tradition of middle names had spread all over western culture. Aristocratic parents gave long middle names to their children to show their high place in society. Arab and Spanish cultures used a child’s paternal or maternal name from previous generations to keep track of their family tree.In modern times, the way we use a middle name originates back to the middle ages. In Europe, they could not decide between giving their child the name of a saint or a family name. Eventually, records show they decided to name their children with their given name first, baptismal name second, and surname as the last name. As people started to travel overseas, this tradition also spread to America. As time passed, religious middle names became less popular, and people would get creative in giving a second name to a child. The maiden name of the mother becoming the middle name has become a popular and common tradition. In the end, the purpose of the middle name varied for different cultures. Nowadays, middle names are not as popular as they used to be. The world has become more modern, and some people don’t even have a middle name. Some people prefer being called by their middle name, while others never use it.What are the benefits of a middle name?To this day, some people still have multiple names. Some children are named in honor of their ancestors, though these names may be old-fashioned or related to a particular gender over time. Some cultures believe that publicly revealing the name of their children will curse them. They use a placeholder name until the child has reached a certain age to take their real name.Middle names also have some benefits, including the following:It can help in differentiating between people who have common first names with their surnames.Your children can have an easy alternative option when they grow older.If you and your partner can’t decide on a baby’s name or like more than one name, you can each choose a name, one for the first and one for the middle.It can help in upholding your personal family’s traditions.Having more than two letters in your name can help you come up with exciting initials.According to a recent study, having a middle name can cause people to believe you have more intelligence and a higher status. It can help increase your job aspects.What is the origin of middle names?In the U.S., it is pretty common to assume a person has a middle name. Early U.S. presidents used two names until John Quincy Adams. Even after decades, the use of presidential middle names is intermittent. However, this all changed after the custom of long names had faded centuries later. In England, middle names in the upper class came into existence much later than in other countries worldwide.The population has a long history of using names to identify and distinguish people. It may seem like a compulsion to have middle names, but it’s completely OK not to have one! Middle names are optional. Plus, in today’s society, not many people care as much as before about them. Parents choosing their newborn baby’s name with just the first and last name is enough. As long as parents choose a meaningful first name that they love, something that makes them happy, middle names are unnecessary.When did middle names start?In the late 18th century, middle names began to be used by extended wealthy families. Aristocratic families also began to give their children two names. A small but reasonable number of people would carry middle names by the time of the revolution, mainly the upper-classes.In less than a century, the choice to use a middle name transformed to become a practical requirement. Middle-class people adopted the practice in the 19th century, and by the time of the civil war, it was customary. Every child was born with a middle name by the 20th century. The first government form to provide a space for the middle name was the enlistment form used in World War I. It was a reflection that almost every person had a middle name.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do we have middle names, then why not take a look at why do we feel hungry or why do men grow beards.
Every individual likely has three names: given name, middle name, and surname.
