Baby Name Poll Results

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What is the purpose of a middle name? vs. I don\’t understand. Please help.

What is a middle name? What is the purpose? I’m not from America and where I’m from we don’t use these. Thank you.

The Top Baby Name is...

What is the purpose

0%

I don\’t under

0%

Poll created: Mar 18, 2008
Total Votes: 0
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Comments

I am from the US and I don’t get it either! They serve basically no purpose what-so-ever, but I couldn’t imagine not having one or not giving one to my children.
posted by Kristin :: 16 years ago | report
Yes. I don’t think they really have a purpose. It’s just our tradition. Even some people here don’t give their children middle names. What i really don’t like is when people give their kids TWO middle names! I think that is just a little too much.
posted by guest :: 16 years ago | report
It’s just a cultural tradition. Like in Mexico, they have two last names and no middle name. Every culture has their own way of doing things and having a middle name is just our thing.
posted by guest :: 16 years ago | report
I think it used to serve as a way to preserve family names and maiden names. Also, many children were named the same things in large families over generations and in the surrounding areas so a middle name is a better way to know the distinction between people. I’m sure the John Smith’s of the world really appreciate them. Traditionally they are given to honor a family member or a saint.
posted by guest :: 16 years ago | report
I agree with PP’s. Another reason we use middle names is to differentiate one person from another. For example, if your name is Carol Hughes, there might several of that same name living in the area/state you live in, but a lot less people in the area/state you live in with the name Carol Joanna Hughes.
posted by guest :: 16 years ago | report
The only time a middle name is really ever used is if you’re in trouble. Remember as a little kid, it was always, "Alexis Marie, if I have to come up there..." They don’t really serve any sort of purpose, it’s just custom.
posted by Allie :: 16 years ago | report

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