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

Her middle name, Hepler, was Lowe’s late mother’s maiden name and is his brother Rob Lowe’s middle name, per People. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

The four-meter-long veil, which was intricately embroidered with crystals and micro-beads forming star constellations, was a nod to Dove’s middle name, Celeste. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

At the same time, there was a third Mike Bowl in San Francisco between the 49ers and Dolphins—Kyle Shanahan and Jeff Hafley each have the middle name Michael! — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2026

The pair, who shares the same first name, Taylor, decided to keep the family moniker going, but as a middle name instead. — Sari Hitchins, Parents, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for middle name

• aspartame
• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame

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