What is the purpose of the middle name?

theycallmejen

Seriously, no one ever asks me mine.  Why do I have it?

sunnyday016

Traditionally, to honor a family member. You really didn't know that?

braveangel2

To fill in the blank spot on forms silly

strangebird

They are believed to have developed as markers of class. Prior to the 1700s, only those of aristrocratic lineage were given middle names and their middle names were almost exclusively used to reference their impressive bloodlines--rather like the names of purebred dogs today: )

Since most colonial Americans were of poor families and not associated with the upper classes, middle names didn't become popular here until after the Revolutionary War. At that time, wealthy Americans, particularly the Southern planters began adopting the practice of giving more than one name, most likely to give themselves and air of aristocracy.

It remained popular only among the wealthy until the turn of the Century, when former slaves, of all people, began giving multiple names to their children. Even then, the middle name was almost exclusively used to honor family members, family surnames, or a current or past member of a royal family.

Among the lower classes, middle names became popular places for names like Queenie and Princess--and that is how we've arrived today at Y'Majesty and Yo'Highness: )

Ljojo

I'm definately using my choices to honor a family member.  I'm not sure why some people just choose random names.  MIL ticked me off because she hates the middle name we want to use for a boy.  It was my great grandfather's name and it kind of insulted me that she didn't like it. 

MrsCFB

i too will use the middle name(s) of my future child(ren) to honor family.

strangebird

I can't find anything on the web for why we have them today, except that it's now tradition. I had a theory that they might be somewhat necessary to differentiate between the 3.2 million Sara Moores, but, who knows, really?

For me, I know I could never settle on just one name for a child, so I'm glad that it's traditional to give middle names. 

I'm endlessly surprised by how many people say no one ever asks their middle name---I ask people all the time, especially when I meet a child or infant. Obviously, we've never met: )

iloveu4ever

In case they hate their first name