175 Middle Names for Boys and Girls (+ Meanings!)

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You've readied the baby's room, thrown the baby shower, and selected the perfect first name. But what about the middle name options that might seem endless? Though not every family chooses to give their child a middle name, but for any parents interested in the practice, Family Education's naming experts are here to help!

We have gathered a wide selection of middle names for boys, girls, and even some unisex options. Each one is special and has an important meaning that can add even more significance to your little one's full name. Is the perfect middle name waiting on this list? Read on to find out!

Unique Middle Names for Boys and Girls

If standing out is your goal for a name, you're in luck—these unique middle names are perfect for giving your baby an extra dose of originality!

Archer - Bowman, sharp (boy)
Calix - Very handsome, beautiful chalice (boy)
Knox - Hill or small mountain, symbolizing stability (boy)
Orion - Hunter in Greek mythology, a celestial constellation (boy)
Phoenix - Mythical bird of rebirth and immortality (boy)
Talon - A claw, strength (boy)
Wren - Small yet powerful bird (boy, unisex)
Briar - Thorny patch (girl)
Cove - Coastal inlet, calm and peaceful (girl)
Echo - Reverberating sound, inspiration from Greek mythology (girl)
Lark - Small songbird, symbol of joy and freedom (girl)
Lyric - Words of a song (girl)
Vale - Valley, representing tranquility and nature (girl)
Zella - Lucky, one who knits together (girl)
Cairn - Stacked stones (unisex)
Frost - Crisp and refreshing, evoking wintry beauty (unisex)
Haze - Soft and mysterious (unisex)
River - Flowing water (unisex)
Rune - Referring to ancient symbols (unisex)

Rare Middle Names for Boys and Girls

For those parents seeking a one-of-a-kind option, these middle names will ensure your little one stands out in a crowd.

Alaric - Noble ruler (boy)
Bastien - Person of Sebaste, noble (boy)
Cassian - Hollow (boy)
Elric - Noble ruler (boy)
Fenric - Wolf power (boy)
Lucien - Light, glowing with brilliance (boy)
Osric - God’s ruler, traditional and rare (boy)
Peregrine - Wanderer, adventurous (boy)
Thierry - Ruler of the people (boy)
Zephyr - West wind, breezy (boy)
Anouk - Grace, elegance (girl)
Calliope - Beautiful voice (girl)
Eulalie - Well-spoken, gentle (girl)
Isolde - Ice ruler (girl)
Magnolia - Flowering tree (girl)
Selene - Goddess of the moon (girl)
Seraphine - Fiery, angelic (girl)
Tallulah - Leaping water (girl)
Vesper - Evening star, serene (girl)
Aether - Pure essence, celestial (unisex)
Cypress - Evergreen tree (unisex)
Onyx - Precious stone (unisex)

Modern Middle Names for Boys and Girls

Modern parents may prefer names that are trendy and fresh. Why not consider the following options that are effortlessly chic?

Axton - Sword stone (boy)
Beckett - Bee cottage (boy)
Camden - Winding valley (boy)
Daxton - Warrior’s town (boy)
Easton - East-facing town (boy)
Finley - Fair-haired warrior (boy, unisex)
Jaxon - God has been gracious, a modern twist on a classic (boy)
Maddox - Son of Madoc (boy)
Zion - A holy place, uplifting (boy)
Elowen - Elm tree (girl)
Everly - Boar meadow (girl)
Freya - Norse goddess of love (girl)
Kaia - The sea (girl)
Navy - A shade of blue, calm (girl, unisex)
Saylor - Boatman (girl, unisex)
Arlo - Hill (unisex)
Lennon - Lover (unisex)
Quinn - Counsel, sharp (unisex)

Traditional Middle Names for Boys and Girls

Certain names are classics for a reason, and the following choices are no different. These traditional middle names exude elegance and history.

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Alexander - Defender of the people (boy)
Andrew - Manly, strong (boy)
Benjamin - Son of the right hand, wise (boy)
Blake - Fair-haired, dark (boy, unisex)
Edward - Wealthy guardian (boy)
Henry - Ruler of the home (boy)
James - Supplanter (boy)
John - God is gracious, steadfast (boy)
Joseph - God will add (boy)
Peter - Rock solid and dependable (boy)
William - Resolute protector, strong (boy)
Abigail - Father's joy (girl)
Anne - Grace (girl)
Clara - Bright and clear (girl)
Elizabeth - God is my oath (girl)
Emily - Rival (girl)
Jane - God is gracious (girl)
Margaret - Pearl (girl)
Mary - Beloved (girl)
Sarah - Princess, noble (girl)
Bailey - Steward, dependable (unisex)
Jordan - Flowing down (unisex)
Morgan - Sea-born (unisex)
Taylor - Tailor (unisex)

Strong Middle Names for Boys and Girls

Powerful middle names can give your child that confidence boost they might need, including these strong name choices.

Atlas - Enduring, bearer of the heavens (boy)
Cedric - Bounty (boy)
Griffin - Strong lord (boy)
Malik - King, leader, or ruler (boy)
Reid - Red-haired, bold (boy)
Ronan - Little seal, resilient (boy)
Sterling - High quality, pure (boy)
Thane - Nobleman, protector; a leader (boy)
Victor - Conqueror, triumphant (boy)
Zane - Gift from God (boy)
Brynn - Hill, steadfast (girl)
Fiona - White, fair (girl)
Livia - Olive tree (girl)
Maeve - She who intoxicates (girl)
Mira - Admirable, strong (girl)
Nadia - Hope, resilience (girl)
Serena - Calmness, tranquil strength (girl)
Talia - Dew of heaven (girl)
Vera - Truth, faithful (girl)
Adair - Noble spear (unisex)
Arden - Valley of the eagle (unisex)
Ellis - Benevolent, kind (unisex)
Lior - My light (unisex)

Nature-Inspired Middle Names for Boys and Girls

Many parents find grace and beauty in the natural world around them, and would like to see that elegance reflected in their child's middle name!

Aspen - Quaking tree (boy)
Cedar - Evergreen tree (boy)
Fox - Cunning and clever, inspired by wildlife (boy)
Ocean - Vast body of water, calming and powerful (boy)
Rain - Water from the sky (boy, unisex)
Storm - Strong weather, fierce (boy)
Wolf - Fierce and loyal, inspired by nature (boy)
Stone - Solid and enduring, grounded (boy)
Dahlia - Flower named after a botanist, vibrant beauty (girl)
Hazel - Nut-bearing tree (girl)
Ivy - Faithfulness (girl)
Juniper - Evergreen shrub (girl)
Meadow - Grassland (girl)
Rose - Timeless flower (girl)
Sage - A fragrant herb, wise (girl, unisex)
Violet - Purple flower (girl)
Willow - Slender tree, flexible (girl, unisex)
Ash - Tree, strong (unisex)
Sky - Open air, endless possibilities (unisex)
Rowan - Red-berried tree (unisex)

International Middle Names

These culturally rich names bring the beauty of different languages and traditions into your child’s life.

Akira - Bright and clear (Japanese, for boys)
Diego - Supplanter, (Spanish, for boys)
Elio - Sun, radiant (Greek, for boys)
Hugo - Mind, intellect (Germanic, for boys)
Idris - Studious, righteous, and determined (Welsh/Arabic, for boys)
Kenzo - Wise, strong (Japanese, for boys)
Leif - Heir, adventurous and bold (Scandinavian, for boys)
Luca - Bringer of light, gentle and kind (Italian, for boys)
Milos - Beloved (Slavic, for boys)
Rafael - God has healed (Hebrew/Spanish, for boys)
Amara - Grace, eternal beauty (Igbo/Latin, for girls)
Bianca - White, pure (Italian, for girls)
Esme - Loved, esteemed (French, for girls)
Hana - Happiness, joy (Arabic/Japanese, for girls)
Isla - Island, calm and serene (Scottish, for girls)
Leila - Night, delicate (Arabic, for girls)
Sofia - Wisdom, intelligence (Greek, for girls)
Tala - Star, luminous (Tagalog, for girls)
Yara - Small butterfly, free (Arabic, for girls)
Alex - Defender of the people, strong and noble (Greek/English, unisex)
Noa - Motion, comfort (Hebrew/Japanese, unisex)
Kai - Sea, earth (Hawaiian/Japanese, unisex)
Sam - Heard by God (Hebrew/English, unisex)
Ren - Lotus (Japanese, unisex)

Virtue & Religious Middle Names

And finally, for those seeking options focused on values or faith, these virtue-inspired and religious middle names will inspire.

Ever - Eternal, timeless (boy)
Honor - Integrity, dignified (boy)
Justice - Righteousness (boy)
Noble - Honorable, virtuous (boy)
Pax - Peace, calm (boy)
Saint - Holy person, pure and divine (boy)
Shepherd - Guide, protector (boy)
True - Sincerity, steadfast (boy)
Valor - Courage, daring and brave (boy)
Zeal - Enthusiasm, fervor (boy)
Angel - Messenger of God (girl)
Charity - Selfless love (girl)
Faith - Trust and belief (girl)
Glory - Praise and honor (girl)
Grace - Blessing or favor (girl)
Hope - Positive expectation (girl)
Joy - Happiness, radiance (girl)
Mercy - Compassion, empathy (girl)
Promise - Commitment, faithfulness (girl)
Reverence - Deep respect (girl)
Blessing - Gift, divine favor (unisex)
Haven - Safe place, a refuge (unisex)
Patience - Endurance, calm (unisex)
Peace - Harmony, tranquility (unisex)
Truth - Honesty and authenticity (unisex)

Final Thoughts on Middle Names

For many parents, middle names are not just another moniker to give your child—the perfect middle name can add depth and character to this important family member. From modern to traditional, unique to religious, there are so many options for middle names for your little one. We hope that you found some inspiration on this extensive list, and, happy naming!

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