Finding a name for your little one is harder than it’s made out to be and if you’re looking for a middle name as well then this is harder again. Well, that’s what we’re here to help with.
We’re going to be taking a look at some of the best middle names out there, long or short, as well as their origin and what they mean. Maybe you’ll find the perfect middle name for your little one on the way.
Beautiful Middle Names for Girls
There are loads of beautiful baby girl names out there and so many of them work great as middle names so let’s take a closer look at some pretty middle names for girls.
1. Isabella
- Origin: Hebrew/Spanish/Italian.
- Meaning: Pledged to God
Now, this may be a surprise to many of you but Isabella is a version of Elizabeth which is originally a Hebrew name ‘Elisheba’. This is also a super popular name and managed to hold the number one spot for girls names in the US for two years in 2009 and 2010.
2. Evelyn
- Origin: English/French
- Meaning: Desired/water/island.
This might be the perfect name for you if you’re already at one with nature. The name is derived from the French name ‘Aveline’ which made its way to the UK with the Normans and was originally used as a masculine name. The name currently sits at number 9 in the US and number 21 in England.
3. Sophia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Wisdom
The Greek Orthodox church helped the name’s rise in popularity as St. Sophia was the mother of three daughters named Faith, Hope, and Love. It peaked in popularity in the US from 2011 to 2013 when it hit number one in the top 1,000 girls’ name list. It currently sits at number six.
4. Harper
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Harp player
This is a name that has certainly made its mark on the top 1,000 list since it reached the top 10 in 2015. It entered the list for the first time in 2004 and has stayed close to the top ever since with it currently sitting at number 10.
5. Aria
- Origin: Hebrew/Italian
- Meaning: Air/Melody/Lion
All of which are fantastic meanings for your little one’s name. This is another name that quickly made its way up the list since its first entry in 2000. Aria currently sits at number 22 in the US.
6. Layla
- Origin: Arabic/Persian/Hebrew
- Meaning: Night
The popular Arabic story Qays and Layla helped popularize the name where Layla is experiencing unrequited love with the poet. The name has been steadily rising in popularity since 2009 but currently sits at number 25.
7. Nora
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Light
There are two different stories about how this name came to be. One version is that the name was derived from the Latin word ‘honor’ and the name Honora whereas others say it came from the name Eleonora. This name currently sits at number 27 on the top 1,000 baby names.
8. Hazel
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hazelnut tree
This name can also be a symbol of protection and authority as hazel wands have symbolized this in the past. Hazel drastically dropped in popularity in the 70s but has recently picked up speed again and currently sits at number 28.
Common Middle Names for Girls
What about some of the more popular middle names for girls? There are loads of names out there that people are more likely to use as middle names so let’s take a look at some of those.
1. Marie
- Origin: Hebrew/French
- Meaning: Drop of the sea or beloved.
The name quickly became popular in the US in the nineteenth century and became the seventh most popular name in 1901 where it stayed until 1904. The name is quite popular amongst royals including Queen Marie Antoinette of France.
2. Emily
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Rival
This is a name that was derived from the Roman name Aemilia. Now this is a name that’s popularity has frequently changed over time but at one point it stayed at the top spot of the top 1,000 list for over a decade. It currently sits at number 21 in the US.
3. Louise
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Famous warrior
Louise is the feminine form of the name Louis which means ‘renowned warrior’ so we’re sure your little one will be sure of themselves and willing to fight for what they believe in. The name was extremely popular during the 20th century and sat as high as 27 on the list but it has recently dropped in popularity. Louis has been on the rise since 2006 so we’re sure to see it much higher on the list in the coming years.
4. Hannah
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Grace
The name was derived from the name ‘Channah’. It also has biblical ties as ‘Hannah’ was Samuel’s mother in the old testament. Today, the name has many related names including Anna, Anya and Nancy and sits at number 44 on the top 1,000 baby girls’ name list.
5. Olivia
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Olive tree
This name has been around for longer than you might think as there are records dating back to the 13th century. You might also recognize the name from Shakespeares’ ‘Twelfth Night’ if you’re into English literature. This name currently sits at number 1 on the top 1,000 baby names list where it has remained since 2019.
6. Ella
- Origin: German/English
- Meaning: Fairy Maiden
If you look at the Hebrew version of the name then this would be referring to a tree in the pistachio family. It can also mean ‘goddess’ or ‘all’ so we’re sure that no matter what, you’ll find a meaning that means something to you. Ella currently sits at number 16 on the top 1,000 baby girls’ names list.
7. Abigail
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: My father is joyful
It has biblical connections as Abigail was the wife of David and was extremely wise. We’re sure your little one will be as bright as anything with a name like this. Abigail also sits only one spot lower than Ella on the top 1,000 baby girls names at number 17.
8. Lily
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Flower of the same name.
The word itself was derived from the Latin word ‘lilium’ which very quickly became a symbol of purity. The name is making a comeback and currently sits at number 31 but we’re sure this will be much higher very soon.
Cute Middle Names for Girls
Now we know everyone has their own list of baby names and middle names that they just love and we are no different so here are some of the names we love the most.
1. Violet
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Refers to the violet flower.
This is a beautiful name and we’re sure your little one will do it justice. If you’re having a summer baby or if you are particularly interested in flowers then this could be the perfect name for you. It’s also quite popular recently and currently sits at number 35 on the top 1,000 baby names list.
2. Willow
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Willow tree
Willow trees are symbols for many things including grace and elegance so we’re sure if you go with this name then your little one will be a truly magical little lady. Willow currently sits at number 39 and has been growing in popularity for quite some time now.
3. Everly
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Wild boar in a woodland clearing.
The name was originally a surname but quickly became popular as a first name as it is related to the Germanic name meaning ‘brave as a wild boar’. Your little one is sure to be full of courage and strength with a name like this. It currently sits at number 50 on the top 1,000 names list and has been on a steady rise for quite a few years now.
4. Maya
- Origin: Hebrew/Spanish/Greek
- Meaning: Water
It means ‘water’ but also has ties to Greek mythology as this was the name of Hermes’ mother. The popularity of this name has drastically changed over the years but as of right now sits at number 55.
5. Avery
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Ruler of the elves
Another gender neutral name. This is a variation of the name Alfred and once again was originally a surname before it was used as a first name. The name currently sits quite high on the top 1,000 names list at number 19.
6. Luna
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Moon
This is the name of the Roman goddess of the moon and is more often than not driving a chariot. This is a brilliant name for your little one as it is both bright and cheerful and its popularity has increased massively since 2003 where it sat at number 890. The name currently sits at number 11 in the US.
7. Athena
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: From Athens
Athena has many ties to Greek mythology as it is also the name of Zeus’ daughter. She is the goddess of wisdom which makes this an extremely powerful name for your little one. Athena has been in the top 1,000 list since the 50s but currently sits at number 98 in the US.
8. Astrid
- Origin: Scandinavian/Norse
- Meaning: Divinely beautiful.
Your little one will definitely do this name justice with its brilliant meaning and history. This is definitely a less popular name as it currently sits at number 438 but it has been in the top 1,000 list since 1905 and has been on the rise since 2013.
Good Middle Names for Girls
Choosing a first name is difficult and then trying to find a middle name that not only is beautiful but that also sounds good with both the first and last name is most definitely a challenge.
It is often best to stick to the more traditional names and not go to wild with a middle name. But then again why not go wild and give your little one a truly unique middle name.