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.
Unity Mitford—conceived in the town of Swastika, Canada, with the middle name of Valkyrie—seemed destined to be a Nazi from birth, and eventually shot herself in the head after Britain declared war on her beloved Führer. George Pendle, Air Mail, 21 June 2025 In 1836 Dickens married Catherine Hogarth, and when their first child was born in January of the following year he was given the middle name Boz. Kirsty McHugh, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 And my mother gave me that name, which is my middle name. Essence, 17 June 2025 The line was a nod to the singer’s middle name and featured an array of T-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts, along with a collection of beige corduroy pieces, emblazoned with the Drew logo and a smiley face. Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 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 2 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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