When a baby is born, the first name gets all the glory—and scrutiny. But the middle name, if there is one, can seem like an afterthought. Maybe the chosen middle came in second to the first name? Or ...

This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here. In 2011, demographic researchers across America realized something surprising: Census forms had a lot of spots ...

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 ...

Middle names for girls can vary widely, from classic connectors like Anne and Lynne to more unique choices like family surnames or names that honor a loved one or special role model. Some parents even ...