First name, middle name, last name. Ever wonder why we even have that odd middle moniker? Turns out middle names serve some sneaky purposes and have an intriguing backstory. From honoring ancestors to providing a backup nickname, we dig into the head-scratching history and unexpected usefulness of our middle identities.
Differentiation in Record Keeping
Historically, middle names helped distinguish people with common first and last names in legal documents and records.
More Nickname Options
Middle names provide more nickname possibilities like going by your middle name or combinations of first, middle, and last.
Roman Tradition
The practice of having multiple names can be traced back to the Roman times. Romans often had three parts to their names: a personal name (praenomen), a family name (nomen), and a descriptive name (cognomen) that could denote a personal characteristic or a specific branch of their family.
European Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages in Europe, especially in Germanic cultures, it was common to have a Christian name followed by a secular name. The first name was given at baptism, while the second name was a surname often linked to the individual’s profession or father’s name.
Post-Reformation Europe
After the Protestant Reformation, it became common in Germany for children to be given several names at baptism. The first name was typically a spiritual one, often chosen from the Bible, while subsequent names could be chosen more freely. This practice spread to Scandinavia and the British Isles and eventually to the American colonies.
18th Century America
In the 18th century, it became more common in America to give children a middle name, often to honor a relative or public figure. This practice became increasingly popular in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Differentiating Individuals
Middle names help to differentiate individuals with the same first and last names. They provide an extra layer of individuality and reduce potential confusion, particularly in large populations.
Honoring Family or Personal Connections
Middle names can serve to honor a close family member or friend, or even a personal hero. They can be a way of keeping the memory of that person alive and passing it on to the next generation.
Religious Significance
Some cultures and religions use middle names to represent spiritual elements or to honor a religious figure. For instance, in many Catholic cultures, children are given the name of a saint as a middle name.
Flexibility in Naming
Middle names allow parents more flexibility in naming their child. They can choose a first name they love, and a middle name that honors family tradition, or vice versa.
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