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
However, fans were quick to point out that the account Richie tagged was under the name Kate, one of Harlow's middle names.
—
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
His two youngest children, the twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, have Greenlandic middle names—Minik and Ivalo, respectively.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
Keep reading for all the details on this strong first name and meaningful middle name.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for middle name
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.
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
His two youngest children, the twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, have Greenlandic middle names—Minik and Ivalo, respectively.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
Keep reading for all the details on this strong first name and meaningful middle name.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for middle name
Cite this Entry
“Middle name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle%20name. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share