Middle names were created for religious and aristocratic purposes, evolving to serve as a way to distinguish people with common names.

Today, they primarily serve for personal reasons, such as honoring family members or expressing wishes for a child's future.

A new analysis analyzed 1,000 birth announcements from 2024 determined the top middle names for this year.

Nameberry, the largest baby name site created by experts, which conducted the analysis, said: 'The top middle names for babies today are classic connectors with staying power. 

'Today's parents are using them to ground first names that are more unique, meaningful, or whimsical.'

The top five middle names for girls in 2025 included Rose, Grace, Elizabeth, Marie and Jane. The list for boys featured James, Alexander, Michael, Joseph and Thomas.

'Today, middle names have become an opportunity for parents to be creative,' said Nameberry.

'Unlike first names, which many parents hold to high standards of practicality and wearability, middle names offer freedom, flexibility, and fun. Parents are willing to be a little — sometimes a lot — braver with their children's middle names than first names.'

The analysis determined that Rose topped the list of middle names for girls due to its romantic floral symbolism and seamless single-syllable flow that enhances modern first names without overwhelming them.

Grace remains a perennial favorite as its virtue-inspired meaning of divine elegance, offering a soft, sophisticated contrast to bolder first names. Elizabeth is popular due to its rich royal and biblical heritage, providing versatile nickname options like Liz or Beth for lifelong appeal. 

Marie has been a popular middle name in the U.S. for over a century, consistently ranking in the top four for girls since 1900

The name was the second most popular middle name between 1900 and 1909 and has remained in the top spots, even in the 2010s.

The popularity of Jane stems from its literary associations with icons like Jane Austen, delivering understated sophistication and one-syllable poise.

Many new parents have chosen James for their sons, because of its single-syllable punch and broad cultural appeal

Alexander comes from its Greek meaning of 'defender of the people,' infusing historical grandeur and heroic resonance.

This classic multi-syllable option provides a sturdy, intellectual balance, making it a go-to for parents blending tradition with sophisticated flair

Michael thrives in 2025 middle name rankings for its biblical significance, meaning 'who is like God,' offering spiritual depth and widespread familiarity.

The classic name Joseph is rhythmically versatile and cross-cultural recognition positions it as a safe, honorable pick for timeless naming combinations, with dual religious appeal across ethnic groups, according to naming experts. 

Thomas is also a biblical name, after one of the Apostles. It means 'twin,' symbolizing reliability and gentle strength across eras

The history of middle names stretches back thousands of years and varies across cultures. 

In ancient Rome, citizens often had three names: a personal name, a family or clan name and an additional name called a cognomen, which distinguished branches of the family or highlighted personal traits, an early form of what we now consider a middle name. 

In ancient Egypt and Greece, individuals sometimes had secondary names with religious or symbolic significance, often signaling status or divine favor.

During medieval Europe, middle names were rare, and most people were known only by a given name and a last name. 

Over time, saints' names and the names of godparents began to appear as second names, particularly among the nobility, serving both religious and social purposes. 

By the 17th and 18th centuries, middle names became increasingly common in Europe, often used to honor ancestors, secure political alliances, or indicate social status.

The practice spread to America and other colonies, and by the 19th century, middle names were widely adopted for practical reasons, such as distinguishing individuals with common first and last names, as well as honoring family members or notable figures. 

Today, middle names continue to serve multiple purposes, as they can reflect family heritage, religious beliefs or personal style.