20 boy middle names parents are loving right now

Choosing a middle name for your baby can be challenging, and there are many ways to go about it. Whether you're looking for a classic name with a modern touch or a name that represents your culture or heritage, there are endless possibilities.

Parents are always looking for ideas and advice in the BabyCenter Community's Baby Names group – so we went there to see which middle names people are talking about the most right now.

These are some of our favorite middle names for boys that come up again and again in parent conversations in the BabyCenter Community.

Alexander

Alexander is a strong, timeless name with Greek origins, meaning "defender of the people." This powerful name has been worn by kings, emperors, and military leaders – most famously Alexander the Great, the Macedonian ruler who built one of history's largest empires.

Alexander has been a popular choice for centuries, consistently ranking in the top 100 boy names in the U.S. since the 1970s and peaking at No. 4 in 2009.

"[We were] thinking maybe Alexander for the middle name," says BabyCenter Community member DracoMeowfoy. "That's my husband's middle name, and I think it sounds good."

With its historical depth and three-syllable ring, this name comes up frequently in our Community forums as a middle name choice that goes well with a variety of first names, like Liam and Bryce.

Anthony

Anthony is a classic name with ancient roots, derived from the Roman family name Antonius. Though its exact origins are uncertain, it has been associated with strength and nobility for centuries – most famously through Mark Antony, the Roman general and husband of Cleopatra.

This enduring name has been a favorite in the U.S. for over a century, ranking in the top 100 since the 1900s and climbing to No. 7 in 2007. With its strong, classic sound, rich history, and versatility, Anthony is a popular middle-name choice often talked about in our Community forums.

"We have decided more than likely our baby boy's middle name will be Anthony, named after my dad," says Community member Mommyy2b2018.

Bryce

Bryce is a strong, one-syllable name with Scottish roots. Thought to derive from a Welsh word meaning "speckled" or "freckled," this name brings to mind rugged landscapes, crisp mountain air and the breathtaking beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

As a middle name, Bryce adds a modern, energetic touch to both classic and contemporary first names. It peaked in popularity as a first name in the early 2000s, ranking No. 98 in 2000, but remains a go-to middle name choice for parents looking for something short yet impactful.

Cade

Cade is a sleek, one-syllable name with Old English origins, meaning "round" or "barrel." It has a rugged, adventurous feel, bringing to mind open fields, wild horses, and a fearless spirit.

As a middle name, Cade adds a cool, modern edge to both traditional and trendy first names. It first appeared in the top 1,000 boy names in 1972 – right after Cade's County, a Western crime drama starring Glenn Ford, premiered on TV in 1971. But before that, it gained attention thanks to the character Cade Calvert in Gone With the Wind.

Cade is one of the more uncommon names on this list – it's never ranked in the top 100, peaking at No. 201 in 2001.

Elijah

This timeless and enchanting name comes from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning "Yahweh is my God." Elijah carries a sense of wisdom, strength, and spirituality thanks to its deep biblical roots – Elijah was a prominent prophet and miracle worker in the Old Testament.

Elijah is a popular middle name choice, adding a melodic and classic touch to both trendy and classic first names. It's been in the top 1,000 boy names for more than 100 years, but is more popular now than ever before – it's been in the top 20 for two decades, and ranked No. 5 in 2023.

Everett

Everett has Old English and German roots. It is derived from the Old German name Eberhard, which means "brave boar." In recent years, Everett has become a popular nature-themed name as its connection to the wild boar evokes a sense of adventure and strength.

BabyCenter Community member stef1787 had to decide whether to use Everett as a first or middle name: "Everett is an honor name, which we typically do as a middle name."

Everett has been steadily rising in popularity over the past two decades, appealing to parents who love vintage charm with a fresh edge. Its first stint in the top 100 boy names was in the early 1900s, and after falling out of favor, it's now getting a revival. Everett rejoined the top 100 in 2018 and was most popular in 2022, when it ranked No. 81.

Ezra

Ezra is a short yet powerful name with biblical roots. Meaning "help" or "helper" in Hebrew, this name carries a sense of wisdom, resilience, and humility. Ezra was a Jewish scribe and priest who is traditionally regarded as the author of the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles, and Malachi in the Bible.

As a middle name, Ezra adds a fresh yet timeless touch to both classic and modern first names. It has soared in popularity as a first name in recent years, peaking at No. 15 in 2023, but remains a stylish middle name choice. While trends come and go, Ezra's simplicity and charm make it a beloved option for either a first or middle name.

Felix

Originally a Roman surname, Felix means "lucky" or "successful" in Latin. This short and charming name is full of spunk and spontaneity.

As a middle name, Felix adds a touch of energy and elegance to more traditional first names, such as Charles, Edward, and Thomas. It has been used for centuries, from Roman emperors to famous literary characters, making it a timeless yet playful choice.

Felix has consistently appeared in the top 500 boy names in the U.S. for nearly 150 years – but has never ranked in the top 100 as a first name, making it recognizable but still uncommon. Given its positive meaning and distinctive flair, Felix is a stylish and meaningful middle name talked about plenty in our Community forums.

James

James is a timeless name that has remained popular for decades, ranking in the top 20 names in the U.S. since the early 1900s. This regal name has ancient biblical roots and is considered a variation of the Hebrew name Jacob, which means "supplanter." Worn by kings, saints, and literary icons, James evokes a sense of tradition and strength.

James is a hugely popular first name – it's been in the top 10 boy names in the U.S. for all but a handful of the almost 150 years that the Social Security Administration has tracked baby names, and was the No. 1 boy name from 1940 until 1952.

As a middle name, James adds a refined touch to many different types of names, from trendy and modern to traditional and classic. It's also often given as an honorific – says BabyCenter Community member fyrewife, "In my husband's family, everyone of his mom's siblings has a child with James somewhere in their name, or something close like Jamie or Jameson."

Jameson

Similar to James, but with a modern flair, Jameson is a strong, sophisticated name with English and Scottish roots. Meaning "son of James," this name has a refined yet trendy feel and blends well both with short names like Luke or Cole, and longer names like Alexander or Benjamin.

As a first name, Jameson has remained consistently popular over the past 50 years, though not nearly as popular as James. Jameson broke into the top 1,000 in 1969, peaking at No. 77 in 2019.

Jude

Jude is a short, strong name with a smooth, effortless feel. It has biblical roots, derived from the Hebrew name Yehuda, which means "praised." Juse has been used as a first name for centuries, from saints to musicians – most famously in "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.

As a middle name, Jude adds a cool, modern edge to classic first names while keeping a timeless charm. It flows well with both long and short names, making it a versatile choice. Whether paired with something traditional like William Jude or fresh like Ezra Jude, it brings balance and style.

Jude intermittently ranked in the top 1,000 boy names starting in the 1950s – but didn't take off as a first name until 2000, the year after Jude Law starred in The Talented Mr. Ripley. It's been climbing up the charts ever since, reaching peak popularity in 2021, when it ranked No. 151.

Lucas

Lucas is a modern-sounding name with classical roots as a version of the biblical name Luke. It's the Latin version of a Greek name that means "man from Lucania," a region of southern Italy. It's thought Lucania gets its name from an ancient word meaning "bright" or "shining," and some experts give Lucas the meaning "light-bringer" or "light-giver."

Lucas hasn't reached the same level of popularity as Luke, but it's been taking over the boy name charts over the past few decades – it's been in the top 100 boy names in the U.S. since 1993, and has been a top-10 name since 2018.

As a middle name, Lucas adds a warm and timeless feel to a variety of first names. It flows well with shorter names like Jack and balances longer ones like Theodore.

Michael

Michael is a timeless and powerful name with Hebrew origins, meaning "Who is like God?" (It's meant to be a rhetorical question, implying no one is like God.)

Michael has been a dominant name for decades, ranking as the No. 1 boy name in the U.S. for all but one year from 1954 until 1998.

While it's since declined as a first name, Michael remains a classic middle name choice. Michael adds strength and familiarity to any combination. It pairs well with both traditional names like James and more modern picks like Justin.

Nathaniel

Nathaniel comes from a Hebrew name that means "God has given." It appears often throughout the Bible, making it a meaningful choice in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

This timeless and sophisticated name has consistently appeared in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. for more than a century – but unlike many other biblical names on this list, it's more recently popular, peaking at No. 60 in 2008.

Whether chosen for its meaning, sound, or family significance, Nathaniel enhances any first name with its distinguished and refined presence. It's a strong choice for parents looking for a middle name that's both meaningful and enduring.

Ray

Ray is one of those middle names that just feels effortlessly cool. It's short, strong and works with almost any first name – traditional or modern.

It's most commonly seen as a nickname for Raymond, an Old French name rooted in the Germanic words ragin, meaning "advice" or "decision," and mund, meaning "protector." Some sources give it the poetic translations of "wise protector."

But ray is also a vocabulary word that means "beam of light," giving this name a warm and positive vibe.

Ray peaked in popularity as a first name in the early 1900s, ranking in the top 100 until 1948. It's less popular today, but has remained a steady favorite as a middle name. Ray is also commonly passed down as a family name, giving it a vintage charm.

Whether paired with something classic like William or trendy like Leo, it adds just the right touch of simplicity and style.

Ryan

Ryan is a solid, go-to middle name that adds a cool, modern touch without feeling too trendy. Originally an Irish name meaning "little king," Ryan skyrocketed in popularity as a first name in the late 20th century, especially in the '80s and '90s – though it was never popular enough to break into the top 10 boy names in the U.S., peaking at No. 11 in 1991.

While it's not as common as a first name today, it remains a strong middle name choice. It pairs well with both classic and contemporary first names – think Jacob or Atlas. It's short, easy to say, and has a friendly, approachable feel.

"Ryan is a name I'd really like to use as a middle name," says BabyCenter Community member MamaBear1624, who was torn when she found out she was pregnant with a baby girl. But the name has a special meaning to her: "My younger brother who I lost at an early age was named Ryan."

Silas

Silas is a name that brings a mix of vintage charm and modern cool. The name's earthly, timeless appeal comes from its Latin roots in the word silva, meaning "woods" or "forest."

It's one of many vintage names experiencing a resurgence – and like others, it's more popular today than it ever was in the 1900s. Silas has been among the top 1,000 boy names in the U.S. since the late 1800s, but only broke into the top 100 in 2020.

Silas pairs well with both classic and modern first names – think Henry or Levi. It adds depth without being overused, making it a great choice for parents looking for something unique yet familiar.

Vincent

Vincent is a strong, classic name with Latin roots, meaning "conqueror." It has a rich history, worn by saints, politicians, athletes, and famous figures like Vincent van Gogh. As a middle name, Vincent brings a touch of elegance and old-world charm while still feeling modern and versatile.

A longtime favorite, Vincent has been in the U.S. top 200 names since the 1900s. While it's a well-loved first name, it also shines in the middle – balancing short, trendy names like Milo or complementing classics like Theodore. Timeless yet distinctive, Vincent makes any name feel effortlessly refined.

William

William is a classic name with a rich history, dating back to the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century – in fact, the duke behind the invasion was named William the Conqueror.

This Old French name has roots in the Germanic words wil, meaning "will" or "desire," and helm, meaning "helmet" or "protection" – and is often poetically translated to mean "strong-willed protector" or "resolute warrior."

It's been a favorite for centuries, carried by kings, poets and presidents alike. A staple in the U.S. top 10 boy names for over a century, William has remained consistently popular. As a middle name, William adds a timeless, regal touch without feeling too formal.

Zane

Zane is a sleek, modern name with a cool, edgy feel – it adds a sharp, one-syllable punch to any first name. Zane has a few meanings as a name, depending on which culture it's rooted in.

As an English name, it was originally a surname thought to come from a Middle English word meaning "cured" or "healed." It's also an anglicized version of the German and Jewish surname Zahn, which was originally a nickname for someone with large or snaggled teeth (from the Middle High German word zant, which means "tooth").

In Italian, it comes from the Venetian version of John (which is rooted in Hebrew and means "God is gracious"). It could also come from an Arabic word that means "handsome" – though that version of the name is more often spelled Zayn.

Zane first gained attention in the early 20th century and has remained a stylish choice ever since, but is relatively uncommon – it's one of the few names on this list that has never ranked in the top 100 first names in the U.S.