Popular Middle Names for Girls

Rose, Grace, Ashley, and Other Trendy Choices

Apr 14, 2008

When it comes to middle names, Lynn and Ann are out-- and Rose and Nicole are in. Here are some of today's most popular middle names for girls.

Looking for a middle name for your baby girl? Like first names, middle name trends come and go. While parents still use Baby Boom middle name favorites such as Ann, Lynn, Sue, and Marie, these choices aren't nearly as common as they used to be. These days, short and feminine middle names are popular choices, like Brooke and Faith. And just as old-fashioned first names for girls are making a comeback, so are old-fashioned middle names, like Rose and Grace.

Here are some of the most popular middle names for girls these days-- along with samples of how some of the most trendy names for girls sound with these middle names.

Rose

Rose isn't nearly as popular a first name as it was in the early 20th century. However, it's become one of the most popular and trendy middle name choices around. The old-fashioned sound of this name pairs well with the old-fashioned first names that are so popular-- and it adds a classic touch to trendier names as well. Rose is a soft, feminine name, so it's a good choice for softening a name with a harsher feel. Here are some popular names that sound great with Rose:

Grace

Grace has become a very popular first name and a common middle name. This short, old-fashioned, and feminine name sounds great with both old-fashioned and trendy name choices. The word "grace" has very pleasant connotations that are both religious and secular. The S sound in Grace makes it a nice complement to many names that begin with or contain a letter S.

Faith

Faith is even more feminine and pretty than Grace, so it's a popular choice for parents looking for a very feminine touch. It also has very strong religious connotations that appeal to many parents. The trouble with Faith is that the TH sound can turn into kind of a tongue-twister if you combine it with the wrong name. Faith sometimes sounds nice with other names that contain a TH sound, but proceed with caution that the name isn't too difficult to say.

Brooke

Short, distinctive, and strong, Brooke makes a stylish complement to many names that contain a K, X, or B sound. The name is a bit hard, so it sounds best with first names with a more soft or feminine feel.

Nicole

Nicole isn't as trendy a first name as it was in the 1970s, but it's become a very common middle name. This melodic and versatile name is a great complement to many names that contain a N, C, or L sound. However, it's a good idea to avoid using names that end in N with Nicole, as these names will cause a "run-on" effect (Morgan Nicole, Karen Nicole). And be sure to avoid the combination "Anna Nicole!"

Ashley

A wildly popular first name since the 1980s, this soft and feminine name makes a lovely middle name as well. Because it has such a trendy feel, it can be an excellent complement to more traditional names, and because it has such a soft sound, it can soften names with a harder feel. And the L sound in Ashley complements many names. Just watch out for initial combinations, as the middle initial A can make initials into a word (like Faith Ashley Tucker).

Elizabeth

This old-fashioned name is one of the most classic ones around, and it's a perennial favorite middle name. It's often an excellent choice with a shorter first name, and it's a good balance for names with a trendy feel. Elizabeth especially complements names that contain a L or B sound.