
Image: Momjunction Design Team
Congratulations on finding an adorable first name and last name for your little bundle of joy. But we know the task is not quite done. Now, you may be looking for middle names for boys. While parents get picky and careful when choosing their baby’s first and last names, the importance of a meaningful middle name is often overlooked. Middle names offer an opportunity to express creativity and honor family heritage. That’s why we bring you some beautiful and unique boy middle names with meanings to pick for your little prince.
Key Pointers
- While first names are picked carefully, middle names are often overlooked.
- A middle name can be short or long, depending on personal preference.
- Ace, Trey, Levi, and Eli are some short middle names.
- Popular given names like Oliver, Daniel, and Noah can also be used as middle names.
- Make sure to pick a middle name that pairs well with the first name.
Meaning Of Syllable And Examples
Each time you say a word out loud, you hear it in distinct parts, where the vowel sounds break it up. While the word is pronounced as a single word, the number of vowel sounds that break it up are known as the syllables. In simple words, if a word sounds broken up as two distinct sounds, it will be called a two-syllable word, and similarly a three-syllable word, a four-syllable word, and so on.
Examples:
Here are a few examples of words that can be categorized as having one, two, and three syllables:
Example Of A One Syllable Word: When you say the name Sam out loud, you hear only one syllable, in the ‘a’ sound.
Example Of A Two-Syllable Word: When you say the name David out loud, you hear two syllables, in the ‘a’ and the ‘i’ sound.
Example Of A Three-Syllable Word: When you say the name Madonna out loud, you hear three syllables, in the ‘a,’ the ‘o,’ and the ‘a’ again at the end.
150 Middle Names For Boys With One, Two, And Three Syllables
Middle names came into use in the 17th century with European royalty and eventually spread worldwide. They are used today in many ways— as part of a compound name or surname, as a second given name, as a patronym, and even as the mother’s maiden name. Many people in the US have more than one middle name, which is often the name of a close family member. Some, however, choose a different name entirely. If you are looking for middle names for your baby boy and cannot decide whether a short or long name is suitable, go through our list below to get inspired.
One-Syllable Boy Middle Names
Monosyllabic middle names for boys are short and simple to pronounce. They often go well with longer first names, serving as a break between the first and last names. Here are some one-syllable names you can consider for your son.
1. Ace
The word means ‘unity’ or ‘highest rank’ and was originally given to those who excelled in something. It is an English name, but is also considered to be the Macedonian diminutive of the name Alexander, meaning ‘defender of the people.’
2. Abe
It is thought to be a shorter version of the name Abraham, which is also a Biblical name. Abraham has Hebrew origins and means ‘father of many.’ Abe is considered to be a Frisian diminutive of the name Adalbert as well, and in this case, it means ‘noble.’
3. Beck
Beck refers to a ‘stream.’ While the name is of Norman origins, it was introduced to the English language during the Norman Conquest in the year 1066. The name is derived from the Old Nordic word bekkr, which meant ‘stream.’ Beck is also a popular German and English surname.
4. Blake
The name has opposing dual meanings as it derives from the Old English blaec, meaning ‘black’ and blac, meaning ‘pale.’ Blake became popular due to its usage as a surname by English poet and artist William Blake (1).
5. Dean
The middle name Dean is taken from a surname and means ‘valley.’ It also refers to someone who lives in or near a valley, derived from the Middle English word dene. The name also means ‘dean,’ referring to someone who worked as or for a dean, derived from the Middle English word deen.
6. Grant
The name was first used for those who were large or tall in their build or those who are great or have big achievements. The name is derived from the Anglo-French word grand, meaning ‘great’ or ‘large,’ and is extensively used in the English language.
7. Hugh
It is the English variation of the French name Hughes, which again is a variation of Hugo. The name means ‘mind, thought, and spirit,’ and has Old German origins.
8. James
It is a variation of the name Jacob and means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’ It is a Biblical Hebrew name. It is a popular middle name choice, used by famous personalities like American actor Al Pacino, or Alfredo James Pacino, and Irish actor Colin James Farrell.
9. Charles
It is the French and English version of the Germanic name Karl, which means ‘man,’ but it can also denote ‘army.’ The name is used extensively in the English language. It is used as a middle name by American singer Ray Charles Robinson and actor Keanu Charles Reeves.
10. George
It means a ‘farmer’ or ‘earthworker’ and is a Greek word. The name is famous thanks to its association with Christian martyr Saint George, who is also the patron saint of England and Catalonia (2).
11. Jude
It is a Biblical name and another variation of the name Judah. It means ‘to give thanks’ or ‘praise.’ Jude is the English version of the Hebrew name.
12. Rhett
Rhett is an Anglicized form of a Dutch name, derived from the words de Raedt, which means ‘advisor’ or ‘counselor.’ The name is famous due to its association with the fictional character Rhett Butler from the novel Gone With the Wind.
13. Kent
It comes from the English county Kent and was also used as a family name. Kent is essentially a habitational or toponymic name with Brythonic origins meaning ‘coastal district.’
14. Lee
Lee is an Old English name with toponymic usage. It comes from the word leah, meaning ‘clearing’ or ‘meadow.’ It is a popular middle name choice for both boys and girls and was famously used by American poet Robert Lee Frost (3).
15. Brett
It refers to the one who is originally a native of Brittany. It is also a variation of the words Breton or Briton, all of which have Middle English origins.
16. Luke
Luke refers to a person who is a native of Lucania. It is a popular English name with Latin and Greek origins in the name Lucas. Besides being used as a middle name, it is a common first name choice, ranking among the Top 40 names in the US (4).
Anna Whiston-Donaldson, who became a mother at 46, chose the name Andrew Luke for her newborn son. Sharing why she made that choice, she says, “We broke generations of tradition on both sides of the family and gave him a middle name that is not a family last name. We just knew that LUKE was perfect because of Jack’s (her husband’s) favorite Bible verse, Luke 1:37, “For nothing is impossible with God.” I love that this verse is about Mary becoming pregnant with Jesus. It put her in a very difficult position, but she met her circumstances with acceptance and grace (i).”
17. Chase
Coming from the surname of the same name, it means ‘to hunt’ or ‘to chase.’ It is a Middle English word, which emerged as a nickname for a huntsman.
18. Claude
The name was used as a surname and is also a popular middle name. It means the ‘one who limps or is crippled.’ It is a French name that originated from a Roman family name.
19. Paul
The name originated from the family name Paulus, which means ‘humble’ or ‘small’ in Latin. Famous English musician and Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney originally had Paul as his middle name. His birth name is James Paul McCartney (5).
20. Reese
Reese has Welsh origins in the name Rhys. It means ‘ardor’ or ‘enthusiasm.’ Reese is a gender-neutral name and is also spelled as Reece.
21. Sean
It is a variation of the name John and means ‘God is gracious’ and ‘gift of God.’ It is an Irish name, and it is also spelled as Shaun and Shawn.
22. Trey
The name means the numeric ‘three’ and was originally used for the third born child. However, it is used as a middle name for any child now. Trey is an English word.
23. Bram
Bram is an English and Dutch diminutive of the Hebrew name Abraham, meaning ‘father of many.’ The name was famously used by Irish author Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula (6).
24. Brandt
Brandt comes from the first name Brandr. It is an Old Norse name that means ‘fire,’ ‘torch,’ or ‘sword.’
25. Cash
Cash is an English occupational surname referring to a ‘box maker.’ It can also translate to ‘money,’ from French and English roots. If you’re exploring English baby boy names that convey a sense of prosperity, Cash is a nice option to consider.
26. Grey
The English name Grey is a reference to the color gray, initially referring to those who had gray hair or clothes. It is a popular first and middle name choice now.
27. Dex
Dex has origins in the English occupational name Dexter, referring to ‘one who dyes clothes.’ It originates from the Latin word dexter meaning ‘right-handed’ or ‘skilled.’
28. Jack
A medieval English variant of the name John, it means ‘God is gracious.’ It is famously associated with author Jack Kerouac, who wrote the novel On the Road (1957) (7).
29. Judd
Judd is a spelling variant of the English name Jude, derived from the Hebrew Judah. The name means ‘praise’ or ‘to thank.’
30. Lane
The name Lane emerged as an English toponymic surname referring to those who lived near a path or a roadway. It is a unisex name used both by girls and boys.
31. Coy
Coy is derived from the Middle English word coi, meaning ‘shy,’ ‘quiet,’ or ‘unassuming.’ It emerged as a descriptive nickname before becoming it a first and middle name.
32. Brock
Brock is an English name with Old English origins. It originates from the word brocc, meaning ‘badger.’
33. Dash
The name Dash has English origins and means ‘run’ or ‘sprint,’ referring to someone fast. It is also considered a diminutive form of the name Dashiell, which has habitational origins in the French de Chiel, referring to a place named D’Assche, in Normandy.
34. Clark
Clark is a versatile name with usage as a first and last name. It means ‘cleric’ or ‘scribe,’ derived from the Old English word clerec, meaning ‘priest.’ It was used as a first name by American actor Clark Gable and as a surname by American explorer William Clark (8).
35. Drew
Drew is an English name and a diminutive of the Greek-origin name Andrew. The name translates to ‘manly’ or ‘masculine.’
36. Ray
Ray can be considered a word name meaning ‘beam of light.’ It can also be an English diminutive of the name Raymond, which has Germanic origins meaning ‘advice’ or ‘counsel.’
37. Heath
Heath is a name with Old English origins. It indicates someone who lived near or on a heath and was originally a toponymic surname.
38. Finn
Finn has Irish origins as a variant of Fionn, meaning ‘white’ or ‘blessed.’ The name also has Old Norse roots referring to a ‘Sami’ or a ‘person from Finland.’
39. Seth
Seth is a name with Biblical and Egyptian origins. In Hebrew, the name means ‘set’ or ‘appointed,’ and refers to the third-born son of Adam and Eve (9). In Egyptian mythology, Seth is the god of chaos and the desert (10).
40. Neil
Neil has Irish and Scottish origins in the name Niall. It has a variety of meanings, including ‘fury’ or ‘passion,’ ‘hero,’ and ‘cloud.’
41. Zane
Zane is believed to be a variant of the Hebrew name John, meaning ‘God is gracious.’ It was famously used by the author Zane Grey, who used his middle name as his first name. His birth name was Pearl Zane Grey (11).
42. Will
Will is the English truncated version of names beginning with Will, such as William, meaning ‘desire to protect,’ or Willard, meaning ‘desire to be brave.’ It is famously carried as a first name by actor Will Smith.
43. Troy
Troy initially referred to the city of Troyes in France, but it also connects to the Greek mythological city of Troy where the Trojan War took place in Homer’s Iliad (12). It is a popular first and middle name choice.
44. Shane
Shane is a spelling variant of the Irish name Sean, which is again a variant of John. By association, the name means ‘God is gracious.’
45. Jax
Jax is the shorter version of Jackson, which means ‘the son of Jack.’ It is a modern English name.
46. Reeve
Reeve is a transferred use of an English occupational surname. It refers to someone who works as a ‘sheriff,’ ‘prefect,’ or a ‘local official.’
47. Glenn
Glenn is a toponymic name referring to someone who lives near a valley. It is a Gaelic name derived from the word gleann, meaning ‘valley.’ The name was used as a surname by astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth (13).
48. Jace
Jace is an English diminutive form of the Greek name Jason. It means ‘healer’ and is also spelled as Jayse or Jayce.
49. Drake
Drake has Old English and Old Norse origins meaning ‘dragon’ or ‘serpent.’ As a middle name, it is famously associated with Canadian rapper Aubrey Drake Graham, better known as Drake.
50. Wade

Wade is a transfer of the surname Wade. It has Old English origins meaning ‘a ford,’ or ‘to go.’ It likely denotes someone who wades across a ford.
Two-Syllable Boy Middle Names
Two-syllable middle names are some of the most popular choices for boys. They blend well with long and short first names, and because they are primarily classic names, they lend an air of sophistication to your child’s name. Here are some popular ones you can check out.
51. Arthur
The middle name comes from deriving two different words. The first word is artos, which means ‘a bear,’ and the second word is wiros, which means ‘a man.’ Arthur is a Celtic name and is connected to King Arthur from Celtic folklore (14).
52. David
The name David means ‘beloved.’ It is also present in biblical references, especially in the Old Testament. It is a Hebrew name.
53. Robert
Robert is a Germanic-origin name meaning ‘bright fame.’ It is popular in all English-speaking countries and as a middle name, it is famously associated with the “Father of the Atomic Bomb,” theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (15).
54. Aiden
Aidan is an English name and a variant of Aidan. It has Irish origins from the name Aodhan, meaning ‘little fire.’
55. Conrad
Used as another variation of the name Konrad, it means ‘brave counsel.’ It originated in the Proto-Germanic language and is now a popular English name.
56. Bailey
The name refers to one who used to work as a ‘bailiff.’ It comes from the Middle English word baili and was also used as a surname.
57. Damon
Damon is a Greek name meaning ‘to tame.’ It is popular as a first and middle name and is famously associated with a character from Greek folklore known for his loyalty to his best friend.
58. Michael
It refers to the phrase ‘who is like God?’ Michael is a Hebrew name and was derived from the original word Mikhael, referring to the Biblical archangel (16).
59. Justin
It is a biblical name which means the one who is ‘just.’ In the New Testament, it is used as Justus. Justin has Latin origins but is used as an English name.
60. Noel
It is the English version of the French name Noel, meaning ‘Christmas.’ It refers to the birthday of the lord, hence the Christmas season.
61. Dante
Dante is an Italian diminutive of the name Durante, meaning ‘enduring.’ The name is famously associated with Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who wrote The Divine Comedy (17).
62. Brendon
Brendon is an English name and a variant of the Irish and Welsh-origin name Brendan, meaning ‘king’ or ‘prince.’ Famous modern bearers of the name include singer Brendon Urie and former New Zealand cricket player Brendon McCullum.
63. Thomas
Thomas is a Greek name with Aramaic origins meaning ‘twin.’ Thomas is a popular choice for a first and middle name, carried by celebrities like actors Ryan Thomas Gosling and musician Jason Thomas Mraz.
64. Vincent
It means ‘one who can conquer,’ or win in a battle. It is a Roman name which was derived from the Latin word vincere. As a first name, Vincent is famously associated with the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (18).
65. Edward
Edward has Old English origins meaning ‘rich guard.’ The name is famously connected to Edward Rochester, one of the main characters in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Among popular celebrities, Edward is used as a middle name by actor James Franco and singer Harry Styles.
66. Louis
Louis is the French form of the Germanic name Ludwig, which means ‘famous in battle.’ A renowned association of the name is American jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong (19).
67. Randall
Randall is an English name derived from Randolf, which is composed of two elements meaning ‘rim of a shield’ and ‘wolf.’ It was initially used as a surname before being used as a first and middle name.
68. Byron
Byron is derived from a habitational name meaning ‘place of the cow sheds’ and it originates from Old English. The name is synonymous with the English romantic poet Lord Byron or George Gordon Byron (20).
69. Henry
Henry has Germanic origins and means ‘home ruler.’ It is a popular middle name choice, with famous bearers like Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and American actor-comedian Bill Cosby.
70. Preston
Preston emerged as an English toponymic surname before it became a given name. It means ‘priest town.’
71. Quintin
Meaning ‘fifth,’ this Roman family name was originally used to christen the fifth-born child, but is now used for any order. Quintin is the English form of the French Quentin, which comes from the Latin Quintus.
72. Joseph
Joseph is a Biblical Hebrew name meaning ‘He will add’ or ‘God will increase.’ As a middle name, it is most famously associated with American singer and dancer Michael Jackson (21).
73. Lawrence
Lawrence is the English variant of Laurence, which comes from the Latin name Laurentius, meaning ‘from Laurentum.’ The place name likely described laurel trees.
74. Aaron
Aaron is the English version of the Hebrew name Aharon, meaning ‘high mountain’ or ‘exalted.’ The name has much Biblical significance being associated with Moses’s older brother.
75. Riley
Riley has dual origins in Old English and Irish. In Old English, it comes from a toponymic name meaning ‘rye clearing,’ whereas in Irish, it is a variant of Reilly, meaning ‘king’s descendant’ or ‘valorous.’
76. Noah
It is a Hebrew name that means ‘rest’ or ‘repose’ and it has Biblical significance. It is a popular middle name choice, used by celebrities like Maroon 5’s lead singer Adam Levine and Israeli historian Yuval Harari.
77. Isaac

Isaac is the English version of the Hebrew name Yitshaq, meaning ‘he will laugh’ or ‘he will rejoice.’ It is a Biblical name and is well known due to its association with the English polymath Isaac Newton (22).
78. Levi
Levi is a Hebrew name meaning ‘attached’ or ‘joined.’ It is associated with the Biblical character Levi, the forefather of the Levites.
79. Felix
Felix is a Latin name that means ‘lucky,’ ‘fortunate,’ or ‘successful.’ It is famous thanks to its association with German composer Felix Mendelssohn (23).
80. Caleb
Caleb is a famous Hebrew Biblical name. It has dual meanings; in one sense it means ‘dog’ and in another, it connotes ‘whole heart.’
81. Cody
Cody is an Irish Gaelic and Germanic name. In Irish, it comes from Ó Cuidighthigh, which means ‘descendant of the helpful one,’ and in Germanic, it comes from Mac Oda, meaning ‘descendant of the wealthy one.’
82. Sutton
Sutton is an Old English unisex name that comes from a surname. It means ‘south town.’
83. Ryder
Ryder is an Old English name that means ‘mounted warrior’ or ‘messenger,’ possibly referring to a knight. It is a popular name choice in the US, regularly ranking among the top 150 names in the 21st century (24).
84. Kai
Kai is used as a short form of the names Gerhard, meaning ‘spear,’ Nicolaas, meaning ‘victory of the people,’ Cornelis, meaning ‘horn,’ and Gaius, meaning ‘to rejoice.’ It is also a Hawaiian name meaning ‘sea’ and a Chinese name meaning ‘triumph.’
85. Justice
Justice is an English occupational name with French origins. It means ‘judge’ or ‘officer of justice.’ It can be used as a gender-neutral name.
86. Oscar
Oscar has different meanings depending on its origin. In Irish, it means ‘deer friend,’ but in Old English, it is a variant of Osgar, meaning ‘god spear.’ The name is famously associated with Irish author Oscar Wilde, who wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray (25).
87. Denver
Denver is an Old English habitational name meaning ‘Dane ford.’ It is the name of Colorado’s capital city, derived from the surname of US politician James W. Denver (26).
88. Gavin
Gavin is an English and Scottish spelling variant of the Welsh name Gawain. It is derived from the Arthurian name Gwalchmai, meaning ‘hawk field.’
89. Jared
Jared has Biblical Hebrew origins in the name Yared or Yered. It means ‘descent.’ It is used as a middle name by American actors Adam Brody and Anthony Zerbe.
90. Eli
Eli is a Hebrew name with dual significance. It one sense it denotes ‘ascension,’ and in another, it means ‘my God.’
91. Warren
Warren is an English name with Norman French origins. It has a habitational origin from the word warrene, meaning ‘animal enclosure,’ but it may also refer to a town named La Varenne in Normandy.
92. Tristan
Tristan is a name with Celtic and French origins. In French, it may be derived from the word triste, meaning ‘sad,’ but its Celtic roots lie in the word Drust, meaning ‘noise’ or ‘tumult.’
93. Doran
Doran has Irish roots as a name derived from a patronymic surname. It comes from Ó Deoradháin, meaning ‘son of Deoradhan.’ This name means ‘one who is exiled’ or ‘a wanderer.’
94. Jasper
Jasper has Biblical Hebrew origins and refers to a ‘treasurer.’ It is also considered a Persian name as it originates from the Old Persian word ganzabarah. Jasper is also spelled a Casper or Gaspar.
95. Juan
Juan is the Spanish spelling variant of the popular Hebrew-origin English name John. It means ‘God is gracious.’
96. Leo
Leo is primarily a Latin name, although it is used in its original form in many other languages, including English, French, and Portuguese. It means ‘lion’ and was used as a middle name by famous American jazz musician Lionel Hampton (27).
97. Francis
Francis is derived from the Latin name Franciscus, meaning ‘Frenchman.’ It is a popular first name in its own right, but as a middle name, it is famously associated with American singer-songwriter Jon Bon Jovi, whose birth name is John Francis Bongiovi.
98. Murphy
Murphy is an Irish-origin given name derived from Murchadh, meaning ‘sea warrior.’ It is a unisex name as well as a surname.
99. Nevin
Nevin is a unique Irish-origin name. It means ‘little saint’ and is a variant of the name Naomhan.
100. Porter
Porter has English origins as an occupational surname. It refers to a ‘doorkeeper’ or ‘gatekeeper.’
101. Oren
Oren is a distinctive Hebrew-origin name. It refers to the ‘pine tree.’ The name is quite rare but it has Biblical significance as a member of the tribe of Judah.
102. Dezi
Dezi is the diminutive form of the Irish name Desmond. It originates from a place name meaning ‘South Munster,’ which refers to the region of Desmond in the southern part of Ireland.
103. Jackson
Jackson has Old English origins as a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Jack.’ Jack is a variant of John, meaning ‘God is gracious.’ A famous bearer of the name was former US President Andrew Jackson (28).
104. Kingston
Kingston is an Old English surname that eventually became a given name. It has habitational origins meaning ‘king’s town.’
105. Lydon
Lydon has Irish origins as the Anglicized form of the patronymic surname Ó Loideáin. It means ‘descendant of Loidean.’
106. Hyrum
Hyrum is a spelling variant of the name Hiram, which has Biblical significance and Phoenician roots. It means ‘exalted brother.’
107. Trevor
Trevor has Welsh origins as a habitational surname. It is said to be derived from village names that translate to ‘big village’ or ‘large village.’ British chef Jamie Oliver is famous bearer of the middle name Trevor.
108. Tanner

Tanner is an Old English occupational surname that eventually came to be used as a first name. It refers to ‘one who tans hides’ or a ‘leatherworker.’
109. Vernon
Vernon has Norman origins as a place name and surname. It comes from the Gaulish word vern, meaning ‘alder,’ possibly referring to someone who lives near alder trees.
110. Tyson
Tyson emerged as an English surname derived from a French nickname for a quarrelsome person. It means ‘firebrand,’ and is famously associated with former professional boxer Mike Tyson.
111. Myron
Myron, also spelled as Miron, is a Greek-origin name. It comes from the word myron meaning ‘sweet oil’ or ‘perfume,’ possibly referring to someone who smells fragrant.
112. Rory
Rory is a popular Irish origin name. It has gender-neutral usage and derives from the name Ruaidhrí, meaning ‘red king.’
Three-Syllable Middle Names For Boys
Middle names with three syllables are unique, as they are more popular as first names. However, if you’ve made up your mind about picking a three-syllable middle name for your son, the following are some of the best choices you can make.
113. Anthony
Anthony is an English name derived from the Roman family name Antonius, meaning ‘praiseworthy.’ It is used as a middle name by famous American actor Robert De Niro and Led Zeppelin’s lead singer Robert Plant.
114. Daniel
Daniel is a Hebrew-origin English name meaning ‘God is my judge.’ It is an immensely popular name choice in the US, consistently ranking among the Top 10 and Top 20 names in the 21st century (29).
115. Avery
Avery is an English name with Germanic origins. It is believed to be derived from the names Alberich and Alfred, the former meaning ‘elf ruler’ and the latter connoting ‘elf counsel.’
116. William
William is an English name with Germanic origins meaning ‘will helmet’ or ‘desire to protect.’ Although the name has numerous famous bearers as a first name, it is also a famous middle name, associated with actor Tom Hiddleston and filmmaker Tim Burton.
117. Tavian
Tavian is an Americanized form of the Latin name Octavian, meaning ‘eighth.’ Although it was initially used to refer to the eighth born child, it is used freely now.
118. Xavier
Xavier has Basque origins as a habitational name meaning ‘the new house.’ It originates in the village name of Etxeberria, possibly the birthplace of its most famous namesake, Saint Francis Xavier (30).
119. Gabriel
Gabriel is a well-known Biblical name with Hebrew origins. It means ‘God is my strong man’ or ‘God is my hero.’ It was famously used as a middle name by French author Jules Verne (31).
120. Garrison
Garrison is an English patronymic surname that came to be used as a first name. It means ‘son of Garrett,’ where the name Garrett can connote ‘power of the spear’ or ‘brave spear.’
121. Tobias
Tobias is an English name with roots in the Hebrew Biblical name Tobiah. The name means ‘Yahweh is good’ or ‘God is good.’
122. Marcellus
Marcellus is a diminutive or variant of the Latin name Marcus. It means ‘warlike’ or ‘of Mars,’ referring to the Roman god of war, Mars.
123. Gregory
Gregory is an English name with Latin and Greek roots meaning ‘watchful’ or ‘alert.’ It is a popular name choice, with famous namesakes like American actor Gregory Peck and English anthropologist Gregory Bateson (32).
124. Everett
Everett is an English surname-turned-given-name derived from the name Everard. Everard on the other hand has German origins meaning ‘brave boar.’
125. Emerson
Emerson translates to ‘son of Emery.’ It is a patronymic surname of English origin turned into a given name. Emery has Germanic origins and means ‘great king.’
126. Dominick
Another variation of the name Dominic, Dominick refers to the phrase ‘belonging to god’ or ‘of the Lord.’ It was traditionally used for a child born on a Sunday.
127. Apollo
Apollo is the name of the Greek god of the sun, music, medicine, prophecy, beauty, and wisdom (33). The name has many meanings, including ‘strength,’ ‘father lion,’ ‘father light,’ and ‘to destroy.’
128. Abraham
Abraham is a classic Hebrew-origin English name. Referring to the patriarch of all Abrahamic religions, this name means ‘father of many.’
129. Varian
Varian is a rare English name of Latin origin. It is rooted in the names Varius and Varianus, meaning ‘versatile.’
130. Orlando
Orlando is an Italian name and a variant of the name Roland. It means ‘famous land,’ although some believe it also connotes ‘famous and brave.’
131. Harrison
Harrison is an English patronymic surname-turned-given-name. It translates to ‘son of Harry,’ where Harry is derived from the name Henry, meaning ‘home ruler.’ It is famously used as a given name by American actor Harrison Ford.
132. Damien
Damien is a French name and a spelling variant of the name Damian. It has Greek roots in the name Damianus and means ‘to tame.’
133. Julian
Julian is an English name derived from the Latin name Julius. It means ‘youthful’ or ‘downy-bearded,’ as a reference to the Roman god Jupiter. So, it also connotes ‘sky father.’
134. Sheridan
Sheridan has Irish Gaelic origins as a patronymic surname, Ó Sirideáin. It translates to ‘son of Sirideán,’ which means ‘searcher.’ Sheridan Le Fanu, born Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, was a popular Irish author and a bearer of this name (34).
135. Matteo
Matteo is the Italian form of the name Matthew. It derives from the Hebrew Biblical name Mattithiah, meaning ‘gift of God.’
136. Oliver

The English version of the French name Olivier, Oliver means ‘olive tree.’ It is an incredibly popular boy’s name in the US, reaching the top 3 in the current decade (35).
137. Jeremy
Jeremy is the English variant of the Hebrew Biblical name Jeremiah. It means ‘God will exalt’ or ‘God will raise.’
138. Ricardo
Ricardo is a popular naming choice for Spanish and Portuguese speakers. It is a variant of the name Richard, which has Germanic origins and means ‘brave ruler.’
139. Elias
Elias is a variant of the Hebrew name Elijah and is used in numerous languages. It means ‘my God is Yahweh’ and is also spelled as Ilias, Ilya, and Ilja.
140. Zachary
Zachary is an English variant of the Hebrew name Zachariah or Zechariah. It means ‘God remembers.’
141. Benjamin
Benjamin has Hebrew origins and means ‘son of the south’ or ‘son of the right hand.’ It was originally used for the youngest-born son of the family. A famous namesake was American statesman and Founding Father Benjamin Franklin (36).
142. Timothy
Timothy is an English name and a variant of the Greek Timotheos. It means ‘honoring God.’ As a middle name, it is associated with American actor and singer Tim McGraw, born Samuel Timothy McGraw, and actor George Timothy Clooney.
143. Isaiah
Isaiah is a Hebrew Biblical name derived from the word Yeshayahu. It refers to the phrase ‘Yahweh is salvation.’
144. Cameron
Cameron has its roots in Scottish Gaelic and means ‘crooked nose.’ It is a unisex name. As a middle name, it is associated with American singer John Fogerty and actor Eric Stoltz.
145. Nicolas
Nicolas is the French spelling variant of the Greek name Nicholas. It means ‘victory of the people.’ As a given name, this version of Nicholas is associated with American actor Nicolas Cage.
146. Malachi
Malachi is a Hebrew name with Biblical significance, referring to one of the twelve minor Prophets. It means ‘my messenger’ or ‘my angel.’
147. Elijah
Elijah is a Hebrew Biblical name referring to a prophet and miracle worker. It means ‘my God is Yahweh.’ It is an unconventional name choice but is famously associated with American actor Elijah Wood.
148. Fernando
Fernando is the Spanish and Portuguese version of the name Ferdinand. It is derived from two Gothic elements, translating to either ‘peace and daring’ or ‘bold journey.’
149. Sullivan
Sullivan is the Anglicized form of an Irish surname that is now used as a given name. It comes from Ó Súileabháin, which is the patronymic form of Súileabhán, a name meaning ‘dark eyes.’
150. Josiah
Josiah is the English variant of the Hebrew name Yoshiyahu. It has connections to the Old Testament and means ‘Yahweh supports’ or ‘God supports.’
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose a good middle name?
If you’re wondering how to pick a middle name, consider incorporating your parents’ initials into the middle name, exploring nicknames, or selecting a name from your ancestry or heritage. You might also draw inspiration from a beloved place, family traditions, or the name of a celebrity, scientist, astronaut, or author. Furthermore, ensure the middle name complements the first and last names for a smooth flow.
2. What are some fancy middle names?
Long ago, middle names served the purpose of connecting the first and last names. As times changed, people started drifting towards cool and fancy middle names. Ace, Blue, Cole, Flynn, Fox, Knox, Sky, Uri, and Zeke are some names that are fancy and sound interesting.
3. What kind of middle names are in trend?
With changing times and evolving naming conventions, many parents are drawn to unique, modern names that stand out. Whether inspired by nature or rooted in history, the trend seems to be shifting toward names that celebrate individuality.
4. Can a social security card have two middle names?
Social security cards only bear the first and last names of an individual. Middle names and other initials or suffixes are omitted from the SSN as they don’t form a part of the legal name (37).
Having a middle name is stylish, and it has become a trend that many parents follow. If you are looking for a trendy middle name, our list of middle names for boys can help. This list contains several one, two, and three-syllable middle names that you can consider for your baby boy. You can read all these middle names aloud and sift through their meanings to pick the most suitable middle name for your munchkin. Still unsure, take help from friends and family to find the best middle name.
Infographic: Royal Family’s Middle Names
The British royal family has a rich history, but their first and middle names are equally captivating. The middle names and meanings of the most prominent members of the British royal family are presented in this infographic. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Middle names are not out of fashion and are still relevant. You can pick traditional names or bold modern names for this. Explore the 75 best middle names.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. A Birth Story;
https://aninchofgray.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-birth-story.html
References
- William Blake.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-blake - St. George.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=280 - Robert Frost.
https://poetryarchive.org/poet/robert-frost/ - Popularity of name Luke.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Paul McCartney.
https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/m/ma-mn/paul-mccartney/ - Bram Stoker.
https://victorianfictionresearchguides.org/bram-stoker/ - Jack Kerouac.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/jack-kerouac - William Clark.
https://www.nps.gov/people/william-clark.htm - Seth in the Bible.
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/seth-in-the-bible/ - Deities in Ancient Egypt – Seth.
https://egyptianmuseum.org/deities-seth - Writer Zane Grey.
https://www.keyshistory.org/artzanegrey.html - The Trojan War.
https://www2.classics.upenn.edu/myth/php/homer/index.php?page=trojan - John H. Glenn, Jr.
https://www.nasa.gov/former-astronaut-john-h-glenn/ - King Arthur.
https://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/myths_four_arthur.html - J. Robert Oppenheimer.
https://ahf.nuclearmuseum.org/ahf/profile/j-robert-oppenheimer/ - St. Michael the Archangel.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=308 - Dante Alighieri.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/dante-alighieri - Vincent van Gogh’s Paintings and Life.
https://www.vincentvangogh.org/ - Louis Armstrong Biography.
https://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/biography/ - George Gordon Byron.
https://poets.org/poet/george-gordon-byron - Michael Jackson.
https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/michael-jackson - Isaac Newton: Who He Was, Why Apples Are Falling.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/isaac-newton-who-he-was-why-apples-are-falling/ - Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, 1809-1847.
https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200156439/ - Popularity of name Ryder.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Oscar Wilde.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/oscar-wilde - James William Denver.
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/266/oa_monograph/chapter/2764573 - Lionel Hampton.
https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/lionel-hampton - Andrew Jackson.
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/andrew-jackson - Popularity of name Daniel.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Saint Francis Xavier.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-xavier/ - Jules Gabriel Verne.
https://nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/jules-gabriel-verne/ - Gregory Bateson.
https://batesoninstitute.org/gregory-bateson/ - Apollo (Greek deity).
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/name/apollo-greek-deity - An Introduction to the Life and Work of J. S. Le Fanu.
https://victorianweb.org/authors/lefanu/intro.html - Popularity of name Oliver.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - A Quick Biography of Benjamin Franklin.
https://www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/index.htm?srsltid=AfmBOop7-D6aUjRpObqy8-8GNsetIqfSAhn-VLU_2z8_jRXg95J9GPoc - How the Number Holder’s Name is Shown on SSN Card; Social Security Administration
https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205120

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