Here Are the Top Middle Name Trends of 2025 — from Grandparent Names to Mythology Monikers
Nameberry's study shows that parents are making bolder choices with their kids' middle names
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Stock photo of a pregnant woman.As baby names get more unique, parents are getting more creative with their kids' middle names — and turning to some unusual trends.
Nameberry recently released its top middle name trends for 2025 as well as its list of top middle names for both girls and boys. The study proves that parents are willing to be braver with their kids' middle names, with trends spanning from mythology to more spiritual names.
According to Nameberry, for girls, the top middle name is Rose, followed by Grace, then Elizabeth, Marie and Jane. For boys, the top middle name is James, then Alexander, Michael, Joseph and Thomas.
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Stock photo of a pregnant woman coming up with baby names.Related: Top 10 Baby Name Trends for 2025 Revealed — and One of Them Is Inspired by Crocs
As for trends, the study starts with "grandpa middle names," which are older names parents are using for girls. Monikers like Charles, Gene, Lou and Clarke make up this category, as well as Claude and Hollis.
Next, "color middle names" are inspired by different colors and create "eye-catching middle names." Nameberry says Blue and Gray have been amongst the most popular of the names, although Gold and Silver are steadily following.
"Modern single syllable middle names" are names that have topped charts for a while and are short and sweet. Historically, names like Ann, Jane and Lynn have fallen in this category and have been eclipsed by ones such as Rose, Grace and Jane. For boys, Charles, John and Lee were popular, and names like Boone, Jude and Lane have become the modern adaption.
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Stock photo of a baby.Next up are "bold single syllable middle names," which are one syllable word names that are stiking and seamless connectors. Ace, Love and Reign have been popular for boys in years past, and now ones like Knight and Wild have become popular, and Charm and Dream for girls.
Then there are "nouveau spiritual middle names," which show that parents are "embracing a new wave of spiritual middle names." These can include names like Cross and Shepherd, Salem and Zion, and Creed and Solace.
"New Iambic middle names" are names with "perfect flow" that can go with anything and everything. These include Noelle, Celeste and Soleil, as well as Estelle and Lenore, amongst others.
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Stock woman of a woman holding a baby.Parents are also increasingly inspired by nature middle names like Dove, Bloom, Bear, Wolf and Storm, as well as mythological names such as Atlas, Itzel, Phoenix and Jove.
There are also "extravagant feminine middle names" such as Josephine, Marjorie, Esmeralda and Juliette, and "last names as middle names," which include Copeland, Graham, Rhodes, Townes, Santos and Oakes.
Lastly, "vintage revival middle names" are names that are used to honor loved ones or just for their style and flair. This includes names like Faye, June and Pearl for girls, and Clark, Dean and Royce for boys. There's also "ahead-of-the-curve middle names" that are not as back in style for first names. These are ones like Dale, Frank, Morgan and Dawn.
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