Overview
Searching for the perfect middle name for your new baby boy? We prepared this name list to help you out.
If you’re stumped over how you can choose, below we’ll share some tips to guide you in picking the right one.
It’s a tradition in many families to pick a middle name that honors a grandparent, although others simply use their mother’s maiden name.
Some even choose to name their babies to honor grandparents from each side of the family, so that kids have longer names because they have a first name and two middle names, one for each grandpa or grandma.
You can also opt to use the dad’s name and just add a suffix such as Roman numerals to differentiate. For example, Samuel’s sons can have a first or middle name of “Samuel” followed by a II, III, etc.
The following are some name inspirationsyou can choose from to pick the perfect name for your baby boy.
What Are The Hottest, Most Common, & Popular Middle Names?
Alexander
- Origin: Greek name
- Meaning/Description: Defender of man
Andrew
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Strong and manly
Anthony
- Origin: Roman and English
- Meaning/Description: Highly praiseworthy
Charles
- Origin: German name
- Meaning/Description: Free man
Daniel
- Origin: Greek and Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: God is my judge
David
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Beloved
Edward
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Wealthy guardian
Ethan
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Solid or firm
Henry
- Origin: German
- Meaning/Description: Home ruler
Jack
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: God is gracious
Jacob
- Origin: Latin and Greek
- Meaning/Description: Supplanter
James
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Supplanter
John
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: God is gracious
Lee
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A clearing in the woods or meadow
Paul
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Small
Richard
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Brave ruler
Theodore
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Divine gift
Thomas
- Origin: Aramaic
- Meaning/Description: Twin
William
- Origin: German
- Meaning/Description: Determined protector
What Are Good & Contemporary Middle Names For A Boy?
Cash
- Origin: English and Latin
- Meaning/Description: It originally means “hollow” but is now used synonymously with “money.”
Dax
- Origin: English and French name
- Meaning/Description: Water or leader
Mason
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Artisan who works in stone
Nikhil
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning/Description: The entire world
Rhett
- Origin: Dutch and English
- Meaning/Description: Advice
Shay
- Origin: Gaelic and Irish name
- Meaning/Description: Admirable
Stark
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Firm and unyielding
Tai
- Origin: Chinese name
- Meaning/Description: Great or extreme
Inspirational Middle Names For Your Baby
You can choose angel baby names as an inspirational middle name for your baby boy or pick from the following:
Leonardo
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Lion or brave
Rafael
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: God heals
Romeo
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning/Description: The name means “pilgrim to Rome,” but it’s best known for the titular character in the famous play “Romeo and Juliet.”
What Are Cool & Awesome Middle Names?
Asher
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Happy and blessed
Beckett
- Origin: English and Irish
- Meaning/Description: Bee cottage
Bodhi
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning/Description: Awakened or knowing
Callum
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Dove
Cyrus
- Origin: Persian and Greek
- Meaning/Description: Far-sighted (as in someone who can see far)
Damon
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: To tame or subdue
Duke
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A royal title
Link
- Origin: German and Jewish
- Meaning/Description: Left-handed person
Oliver
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: From the olive tree
Mars
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: The god of war
Poe
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Peacock
Twain
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning/Description: Divided into two
Wolf
- Origin: German and English
- Meaning/Description: Wolf
Xander
- Origin: American
- Meaning/Description: A protector of men
What Are Powerful & Badass Names For A Boy?
Aiden
- Origin: Irish and Celtic
- Meaning/Description: God of sun and fire
Amar
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning/Description: Immortal or forever
Apollo
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Protector or patron
Atlas
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: The strongest Greek titan who held the sky and the heavens on his shoulders
Bear
- Origin: Old French and German
- Meaning/Description: Strong and brave
Guenther
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning/Description: A good leader
Mason
- Origin: German
- Meaning/Description: Stone worker
Miles
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A merciful soldier
Oak
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: From the oak trees
Taj
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning/Description: Crown
Trace
- Origin: Anglo-Saxon
- Meaning/Description: Brave
Vidal
- Origin: Spanish name
- Meaning/Description: Life
Zeus
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Greek god of the heavens
What Are Up & Coming, Edgy, & Unique Baby Boy Middle Names?
Ander
- Origin: Scandinavian and Greek
- Meaning/Description: Lion man
Aziel
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: God is my power
Bram
- Origin: Hebrew, Scottish, Irish, and Gaelic
- Meaning/Description: It means “father of a multitude” as a Hebrew name,
Cale
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Brave dog
Cruz
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning/Description: Cross
Dior
- Origin: French
- Meaning/Description: Golden
Ewan
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: From the yew tree
Jaxtyn
- Origin: American
- Meaning/Description: From the town of Jack
Karsyn
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: Son of Carr
Kenji
- Origin: Japanese boy name
- Meaning/Description: Strong and vigorous
Knox
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: A round hill
Kobe
- Origin: Swahili
- Meaning/Description: Turtle
Kylo
- Origin: American
- Meaning/Description: Sky
Maverick
- Origin: American
- Meaning/Description: An independent-minded person who doesn’t give into conformity
Ramsay
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: The Island of Garlic
Rhys
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning/Description: Enthusiasm
Sebastian
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Venerable
Tariq
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning/Description: One who knocks at the door
Thatcher
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Roof maker
Truett
- Origin: Old Norse and American
- Meaning/Description: Warrior for Christ
Uri
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: My light
Xavier
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning/Description: New house
Zane
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: God is gracious
Zeke
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: God will strengthen
Zyair
- Origin: African name
- Meaning/Description: The river that swallows all rivers
Traditional, Honor, & Old Man Names For Your Adorable Little One
These baby boy names are old but gold:
August
- Origin: Latin and Roman
- Meaning/Description: To increase
Calvin
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Little bald one
Clyde
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: The keeper of the keys
Gus
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Majestic
Hank
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning/Description: Home ruler
Hugh
- Origin: Old French
- Meaning/Description: Heart, mind, and spirit
Louis
- Origin: German and French
- Meaning/Description: Famous warrior
Otis
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Wealth
Otto
- Origin: German
- Meaning/Description: Wealth
Theo
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Gift from God
Walter
- Origin: German
- Meaning/Description: Commander of the army
Family Names As Middle Names
- Anderson
- Ashton
- Avery
- Beckham
- Cooper
- Davis
- Ellis
- Emerson
- Fletcher
- Ford
- Harper
- Harrison
- Harvey
- Hendrix
- Houston
- Hudson
- Huxley
- Jarvis
- Keegan
- Lennon
- Lennox
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Nixon
- Parker
- Percy
- Riley
- Sawyer
- Sullivan
- Warren
- Watkins
- Watson
- Wilder
- Wison
Meaningful Middle Names
Names That Mean “Peace” in Different Languages
- Frede – German
- Salām – Arabic
- Shalom – Hebrew
- Sìth – Scottish Gaelic
- Pace – Italian name
- Paix – French
- Paz – Spanish
Middle Names Inspired by Nature
Aspen
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning/Description: Nature
Bay
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Berry
Bondi
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning/Description: Beach-lover
Caden
- Origin: Old English and Gaelic
- Meaning/Description: Marsh
Canyon
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A geographic feature
Cedar
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Tree
Denver
- Origin: Old English and French
- Meaning/Description: Belonging to a green valley
Eco
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Of the environment
Everest
- Origin: French and English
- Meaning/Description: To have courage
Forest
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Woodsman
Hawk
- Origin: Old Norse
- Meaning/Description: Predatory bird
Homer
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Pledge
Keanu
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning/Description: Cool breeze over the mountains
Leif
- Origin: Scandinavian and Old Norse boy name
- Meaning/Description: Beloved
North
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Cardinal direction
Ocean
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Large body of water
Quest
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: To explore
Reed
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Person with red hair
Rio
- Origin: Portuguese and Spanish name
- Meaning/Description: River
Sage
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Herb
Silas
- Origin: English and Latin
- Meaning/Description: Wood forest
Sky
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: The air or heavens
Slate
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Gray-green rock
Sol
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning/Description: Sun
Sven
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning/Description: Young warrior
Van
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning/Description: Cloud
Wesley
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Western town
West
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Cardinal direction
Wolfe
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning/Description: Variant of wolf
Wren
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A small English bird
Middle Names From Around The World
Beautiful Hawaiian Names
- Akela – Wisdom
- Akua – Spirit
- Hani – Happy
- Inoki – Devoted
- Ka – Ocean in Hawaiian
- Kahawai – River
- Kahu – Guardian
- Kalama – The light
- Kalani – From the heavens
- Kale – Strong
- Kamalei – Loved child
- Kayne – Freedom
- Keahi – Flame
- Koa – Warrior
- Mana – Power
- Miki – Alert
- Nalu – Wave
- Noa – Free
- Pule – Prayer
- Ua – Rain
Celtic Names
Art
- Origin: Celtic
- Meaning/Description: Noble one
Camden
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: Winding valley
Connor
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Lover of hounds
Casey
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Brave in battle
Cian
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Ancient
Darragh
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Oak
Dylan
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning/Description: Son of the sea
Finley
- Origin: Scottish and Irish boy name
- Meaning/Description: Fair-haired hero
Hamish
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: Supplanted
Liam
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Resolute protection
Logan
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: Small hollow
Merlin
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning/Description: Sea fortress
Oisin
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Little deer
Patrick
- Origin: Latin and Irish
- Meaning/Description: Nobleman
Sean
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: God is gracious
Celebrity, Film, & Cartoon Inspired Middle names
Anakin
- Origin: American
- Meaning/Description: Character in “Star Wars” with a name that means “warrior”
Bart
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Character in “The Simpson’s” whose name means “son of the earth”
Elvis
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning/Description: Namesake for “Elvis Presley,” whose name means “all-wise”
Flynn
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: The “prince charming” of Disney princess Rapunzel in the modernized version of the fairytale “Tangled.”
Olaf
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning/Description: The adorable snowman in “Frozen” whose name means “ancestral heritage”
First Names To Use As Middle Names For Boys
One-Syllable Boy Middle Names
Ace
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Unity
Beau
- Origin: French
- Meaning/Description: Handsome
Beck
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: One who lives beside a small stream
Blake
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning/Description: Pale or blonde
Brooks
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A small stream
Clark
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A secretary or scholar
Cole
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Black
Finn
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: White-haired
Fox
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: A fox, a cunning and intelligent animal
Grant
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: Large
Huck
- Origin: American
- Meaning/Description: Mischief
Jax
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: God is gracious
Jayce
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Healer
Jude
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: The praised one
Kai
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning/Description: From the sea
Krish
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning/Description: The name means “hero” but is also associated with the Hindu god Krishna.
Max
- Origin: German
- Meaning/Description: The greatest
Nash
- Origin: Middle English
- Meaning/Description: From the ash tree
Pike
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Spear
Quinn
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, and Latin
- Meaning/Description: “To give counsel” (Irish or Gaelic) or “fifth” (Latin)
Reeve
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Bailiff
Ren
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning/Description: A water lily or lotus
Rhodes
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Where roses grow
Ross
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: A place in Northern Scotland
Smith
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning/Description: Someone who works with metal
Tad
- Origin: Greek and Aramaic
- Meaning/Description: Heart
Tag
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Handsome
Tripp
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning/Description: Stepping lightly
Vin
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning/Description: Conquering
Wes
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning/Description: Someone from the western meadow
Two-Syllable Boy Middle Names
Cillian
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning/Description: Little church
Dougal
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning/Description: Dark stranger
Easton
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning/Description: From the east
Levi
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Joined in harmony
Joseph
- Origin: Latin and Greek
- Meaning/Description: He will add
Maddox
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning/Description: Son of Madoc
Matthew
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Gift of God
Maxwell
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning/Description: Great stream
Michael
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: He who is like God
Noah
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Rest
Three-Syllable Middle Names For Boys
Some cool three-syllable names for your baby:
Atticus
- Origin: Roman
- Meaning/Description: Roman nickname that means “a man from Attica”
Benjamin
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Son of the south
Christopher
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning/Description: Bearer of Christ
Elijah
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: God is my Yahweh
Zebedee
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning/Description: Gift of God
Unisex & Gender-Neutral Middle Names
These unique middle names can also make great baby girl names or another choice for your little boy:
Aren
- Origin: Armenian
- Meaning/Description: Mountain of strength
Emery
- Origin: Old German
- Meaning/Description: Brave and powerful
Imani
- Origin: Swahili
- Meaning/Description: Faith
Jeong
- Origin: Korean name
- Meaning/Description: Quiet or still
Moss
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Descendant of Moses or a soft green plant growing around the base of trees
Noel
- Origin: French
- Meaning/Description: Christmas
Rain
- Origin: English and American
- Meaning/Description: Abundant blessings from above
Reese
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: Enthusiasm
Saint
- Origin: English
- Meaning/Description: A holy person
Scout
- Origin: Old French
- Meaning/Description: To listen
Yuki
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning/Description: Excellence or superiority
FAQs
Do I Have Freedom To Pick A Good Middle Name?
Of course. In the US and most places, parents have the freedom to choose any name they want for their baby in the spelling or variation they wish to use.
What’s The Best Middle Name?
There isn’t one particular name that’s the best for everyone, especially because each name has a different meaning.
How Can I Choose An Awesome Middle Name?
Here are some tips to help you out:
- Make a list of the ones that you think would best suit your baby.
- Remember that there’s no right or wrong name, so you can also pick your baby’s middle name from popular first names.
- Check if the name is gender-neutral or best used for baby girls only.
- Try to say the name out loud: on its own and with your baby’s other names (first name and family name). If it sounds weird, it might be best to drop it and find another middle name.
- Once you pick the names, it’s also good to check for your baby’s initials. Try to avoid having initials that could sound offensive.
