Middle name facts for kids

A middle name is an extra name given to a person. It's usually given at birth or during a special ceremony like a baptism. It's different from your first name (also called a given name) and your last name (your surname).

Most people in Western countries, like the United States or the United Kingdom, have their first name, then their middle name, and then their last name. For example, in the name John Fitzgerald Kennedy, "John" is the first name, "Fitzgerald" is the middle name, and "Kennedy" is the last name.

However, in many Eastern countries, like China, the last name often comes first. Sometimes, this also happens in parts of Europe, like in Hungary.

Why Do People Have Middle Names?

Middle names are used for many reasons. They can add a special touch to a person's full name.

Honoring Family and Traditions

One common reason for a middle name is to honor someone important. This could be a grandparent, a parent, or another family member. It's a way to keep family names going through generations. Sometimes, middle names are chosen to honor a religious figure or a historical hero.

Adding a Unique Touch

Middle names can also help make a person's name more unique. If many people have the same first and last name, a middle name can help tell them apart. It can also be a name that parents simply like, even if it doesn't have a direct family connection.

Cultural Naming Customs

Naming customs are different all over the world. In some cultures, people might have several middle names, or their middle name might be a very important part of their identity. For example, in some cultures, the middle name might show which family branch they belong to.

Famous Middle Names

Many famous people have well-known middle names. For instance, John F. Kennedy's middle name, Fitzgerald, was his mother's maiden name. This is a common practice in many families.

Images for kids

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  First/given, middle, and last/family/surname diagram with John Fitzgerald Kennedy as example. This shows a structure typical for English-speaking cultures (and some others). Other cultures use other structures for full names.

See also

In Spanish: Middle name para niños