middle name

noun

1
: a name between one's first name and surname
2
: a term that is particularly apt to denote a person's qualities or affinities
patience is her middle name

Examples of middle name in a Sentence

President John F. Kennedy's middle name was “Fitzgerald.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The couple were already parents to son Wilbur, 2, and chose a meaningful middle name for their baby girl. Janine Henni, People.com, 9 July 2025 Nelson's middle name, Hugh, was a nod to Mildred's brother who had recently died. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Leo, a blacklisted writer with Dad’s middle name, splashed onto my page and offered me a glass of Dad’s scotch. Jane Ciabattari july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 The baby girl’s middle name was inspired by King’s late sister. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for middle name

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of middle name was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Middle name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle%20name. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

middle name

noun
1
: a name between one's first name and last name
2
: a term that names a notable quality of a person
patience is her middle name

More from Merriam-Webster on middle name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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