Weird and unique baby names have become more normalized than ever. Let’s be honest, the longer a “weird” name stays in the zeitgeist, the less weird it seems. (Looking at you, baby Apple, because now that you’re older, Apple seems to be the cutest name in the world? We should believe you, Gwyneth.) But for many, choosing a super Unique names can be a bit neurotic-racking, which is why a quirky middle name is a good choice.
A middle name is always a fun thing to do when naming your child. Some people choose to be super traditional and use last names or very noble names that they don’t necessarily want their children to have but want to be a part of who they are. Others simply choose a common middle name that goes with their first and last name—Anne, John, Mary, James, for example. But these middle names are especially fun if you want something a little spunky and quirky. Some are downright cute, like My Little Pony names, and some are just a word that sounds good and fun, but isn’t entirely suitable for a name.
The other names on this list have been used as first names in the past, but they can still offer something unique to your baby’s middle name. Hey, no one’s going to know their middle name anyway, right? People rarely use their full legal name except on their driver’s license and diploma, so why not add a little cheer or fun to it?
blue
Justin and Hailey Bieber just named their newborn baby Jack Bruce Bieber, and I kind of love it. Color names have been “in” for a long time, and while Queen Bey could use Blue as a first name, for some of us mere mortals it feels better as a middle name – like John Travolta’s daughter Ella Bleu.
bean
Many people give their babies cute nicknames, and “Doudou” has always been a very popular nickname. I mean, it does look alike at first, so sliding it into your child’s legal name feels pretty complete.
Pigeon
Dove has long been a word of love and it has such a sweet vintage quality to it. I just love it as a nickname, you could even call them “Pidge” for short.
rainbow
Rainbow is definitely unique, so choosing it as a name may make you look prettier. (Who cares, though?) If you want this name but want your baby to be more subtle, you can use it as a middle name. It’s like a magical little surprise for your child, and isn’t that what we all want for our children?
otter
A middle name for a cute animal? Always win. Zoey Deschanel chose Otter as her daughter’s middle name in 2015 and Wolf as her son’s middle name in 2017.
like
Okay, maybe love isn’t quite “quirky,” but if you want something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, it’s still unique and a sweet choice for your baby. Love is also great because it is beautiful and short-lived, so it applies to long names, long surnames, or a combination of them. (Honestly, this works for Jennifer Love Hewitt too.)
berries
Cute food names are very popular in first names, such as Clementine or Olive, but some are still a little too unique, which is why they’re perfect for middle names. I think Berry is so cute and it also reminds me of a nickname from Womb.
kangaroo
You know, like Kangaroo and Wallaby from Winnie the Pooh? Roo is so cute, I often add it to my own daughters’ names as a little nickname from one of their favorite books (Clara Roo, Lucy Roo) , Rabbit Lu, I love you.
dolop
Look, I think Dollop would work as a middle name because it’s one of the cutest words ever. How many times have we called our babies “a ball of sweetness”? Exactly. Just say the full name: Elizabeth Dollop Smith. Peter Dollop Rodriguez. Madison Dollop Jones. I just love it.
cookie
Cookie is another cute food name that sounds retro and quirky as a middle name. I feel like it’s more of a “girls” name, but obviously Cookie is unisex and a little boy named Robert Cookie Lewis sounds perfect to me.
Snow
Do you like winter baby names? Like cold weather? Try coming up with a quirky, cute nickname for Snow. It’s definitely suitable for boys or girls, and it has a certain literary vibe to it thanks to Snow White and Jon Snow.
storm
This is another name that feels unique, but you can also see people using it as a name without fear. (Kylie Jenner, for example.) But for those who love a good storm or weather moment and want to commemorate it for their children, try Storm as a middle name. It feels strong, but also has a distinctly natural vibe that makes it feel almost calm and grounded.
moon
Let’s be honest, space names have become popular – think Luna, Nova, Stella – but if you really just want to name your baby Moon, why not do it? However, you can use it as a middle name and it will still sound really cool and cute. Audrey Moon Wilson? Henry Moon Vance? Lauren Moon Parker? That’s what I’m here for.
Honey
As a kid, I was fascinated by Darling in both names. peter pan and 101 Dalmatians. If you’re like me, and you’re a little annoyed that the love of your life doesn’t have that last name, why not give it to your baby as a middle name? I like it and think it’s, well, Honey.
Duck
And a cute animal name? why not! Ducks are so funny and brave. It’s already great as a nickname, so inserting it in the middle of your child’s full name is a nice little choice. Hazel Duck Smith or Jonathan Duck Lewiston—either a short or long name goes well with this quirky nickname.
jam
Like many food names, they sound cute but are a mouthful as names. Jam reminds me of England, Paddington Bear, cozy spring mornings – this unique nickname is full of country vibes.
Birdman
I know Birdy has become very popular as a first name, but it also works as a quirky middle name if you want a more traditional name as your baby’s real name. You can also spell it Birdie if you prefer, or just Bird.
