Choosing A Middle Name
 
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In the past, people have given little thought to middle names. That's why so many of us have similar ones. Names like Robert James, Scott Lee, Sheila Ann, and Donna Marie have been done to death. Furthermore, such negligence can result in a child having a duplicate name. For example, Helen Elaine sounds very beautiful, but Elaine is the Old French form of Helen.

So, first of all, I would suggest avoiding name combinations that have been overdone.

You may want to choose a middle name that serves a function. A middle name may have a family or religious connection. Often it may be the mother's maiden name or some other name associated with the family. However it should also be a name that can become a future alternative to the first name, which the child may in later years want to use instead of the first name. For example:

A boy named Matthew Stuart Clayton, after being known to teachers and fellow students as Matthew or Matt for over twenty years, decided that for the purposes of his profession M. Stuart Clayton would provide an air of distinction that was not present in Matthew S. Clayton.

Some people believe that a child's name can influence his or her future, and some studies seem to indicate that there might be a smidgeon of truth in this.

So a name's meaning, how it sounds, and what it suggests to others are all important considerations.

You might want to use the following scenario as a guideline:

Let's say you have chosen Michael as a first name. The name Michael has some power behind it; the name means "who is like God?" And in the New Testament, Michael is the name of the archangel who defeats the dragon. Therefore, the name Michael suggests someone who can overcome obstacles.

With the obstacles out of the way, the path is clear and a road to success can be built. I would therefore suggest a middle name that contains the qualities needed to obtain that success, such as wisdom and the ability to lead. Make a list of names which contain the qualities you desire. For example:

1. AYMERY: English variant of French Aimery, meaning "home-ruler." 
2. BALDRIC: "Brave ruler." English name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements bald "bold, brave" and ric "power, rule."
3. CAMPION: "Champion." English surname of Norman origin, transferred to forename use, from the French word campion, originally a status name for a professional champion.
4. CEDRIC: Considered a variant of Cerdic, which possibly means "war chief," this name first appeared in Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. 
5. CONRAD: English form of German Konrad, meaning "bold counsel."
6. DARIAN: English unisex variant of Roman Darius, meaning "possesses a lot; wealthy."
7. DEREK: English name derived from German Diederik, meaning "first of the people; king of nations."
8. DONALD: English/Scottish form of Gaelic Domhnall, meaning "world ruler."
9. ELVIS: Possibly a form of Old English Alvis, meaning "all wise."
10. ERIC: English name derived from Old Norse Viking Eirikr, meaning "ever-ruler."
11. HENRY: English name which ultimately derives from Old Middle High German Haimirich, meaning "home-ruler."
12. KEMP: English occupational surname transferred to forename use, from the Middle English word kempe "athlete, wrestler," itself from Old English kempa "champion, warrior."
13. QUINN: "Chief; hound/wolf." Irish surname transferred to unisex forename use, itself from Gaelic Ó Coinn, meaning "descendant of Conn." 
14. RAYMOND: English form of German Raginmund, meaning "wise protector." 
15. REYNARD: English form of Germanic Reginhard, meaning "wise and strong."
16. REGINALD: English name derived from Latin Reginaldus, meaning "wise ruler."
17. REYNOLD: English form of German Reginold, meaning "wise ruler."
18. RICHARD: "Powerful and brave." Old German name composed of the elements ric "power" and hard "brave, hardy, strong."
19. RONALD: English and Scottish name derived from Old Norse Rognvaldr, meaning "wise ruler."
20. WALTER: English form of German Walther, meaning "ruler of the army."

Finally, try each name by writing it out completely with first and last name, in both formats. Select one that has a good rhythm when put together with the first and last names. Names beginning with C-, D-, and K- seem to work best with the first name, Michael.

1. Conrad:  Michael C. LastName / M. Conrad LastName
2. Donald:  Michael D. LastName / M. Donald LastName
3. Kemp:  Michael K. LastName / M. Kemp LastName