Unusual Middle Names for Girls

Unique Alternatives to Trendy Name Choices

Apr 14, 2008

How do you choose a middle name for a baby girl that hasn't been used by every parent on the block? Here are some ideas for finding an unusual middle name.

Looking for a middle name for your little girl that isn't too trendy or popular? Like first names, middle names go through trends-- although middle name trends often last longer than first name trends. During the Baby Boom years, the trendiest middle names were Lynn, Ann, Marie, and Sue. These days, parents of little girls are commonly choosing Rose, Grace, Faith, Brooke, Nicole, Ashley, and Elizabeth.

So how do you choose a middle name for a baby girl that everyone else doesn't already have? Here are some ideas.

Alternatives to Trendy Middle Names

People choose trendy middle names because they sound nice, so there's a good chance that common middle names sound nice to you as well. If you like these names but want something less trendy, look for names that sound similar but aren't used as often. Here are some ideas.

If you like Rose, try Ruth, Rae, Rosa, Rosalyn, Rostia, Rosalie, Rachel, or Rebecca
If you like Grace, try Greer, Gwen, Gracie, Gracelyn, Greta, Gretchen, or Gabrielle
If you like Faith, try Fay, Frances, Fiona, Fallon, Hope, or Joy
If you like Brooke, try Bella, Belle, Brenn, Brenda, Bonnie, Bridget, Bryce, or Bailey
If you like Nicole, try Nicolette, Nikita, Noelle, Noel, Nadine, or Noreen
If you like Ashley, try Asha, Ainsley, Amy, Ariel, April, Anastasia, Anya, Brittany, or Courtney
If you like Elizabeth, try Elena, Elaine, Estelle, Esther, Eliza, Elspeth, Erika, or Erin

Sources for Unique & Sentimental Middle Names

Are you looking for a unique middle name that has sentimental value for you and your spouse? Because middle names aren't used much in everyday life, parents can be more creative or even weird when it comes to choosing this name. Here are ideas for finding middle names that have special meaning to you.

The name of a deceased or elderly family member. Go back a few generations, and you'll find lots of names that aren't used anymore.
A family last name, including a maiden name. Since last-name-turned-first-names are in vogue (like Tyler, Mason, Davis, and Dayton), this kind of middle name won't sound out of place.
A significant place, such as a birthplace, the place where you met your spouse, or a place where you travelled together and fell in love.
The name of a street or landmark that has significance in your life.
The name of your college or university.
The name of a character in a book, movie, or TV show that you love.
The name of a beloved pet.

Heritage Middle Names

Another good way to find unique middle names is to turn to your culture. You may not want to give your child a first name that sounds foreign (although many parents do this), but the middle name slot may be a great place to honor your heritage. You might choose: