middle name

noun

Synonyms of middle namenext
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.
Keep reading for all the details on this strong first name and meaningful middle name. Sarah Scott, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026 Although his first name is still unknown, the insider shares that his middle name is River. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 To Avoid Confusion For many parents naming their children, going by the middle name is a matter of practicality—and avoiding a case of mistaken identity. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025 Their daughter is named after Davidson’s late father, Scott Davidson, a firefighter who died during the September 11 attacks when Pete was 7; Hewitt and Scottie share the same middle name, Rose. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 19 Dec. 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 9 Jan. 2026.

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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