One of the biggest decisions parents make before their little one enters the world — and sometimes even right after — is picking out the perfect baby name. As hard as it is to come up with a first name that fits, sometimes, finding the right middle name for baby is even harder. After all, it has to go with the first name and the last name (and forget about the initials spelling anything embarrassing!). Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to baby girls, and plenty of them are adorable and mesh well with any other names that Mom and Dad might have come up with for their future baby.
There can be a lot of pressure when it comes to picking a baby name, and that doesn't change when it comes to middle names, either. But whether you're looking for a more modern name or something traditional, there are a lot of really good options out there — including ones that are uncommon, in case that's something the parents-to-be are worried about.
Although some people have had names picked out for years before having children, this is where we come in. It's totally OK to be drawing a blank — it's still possible to find a great name that holds a lot of meaning … or not. It's fine to pick a middle name that just sounds good, too!
Read on for some of the most classic, versatile middle names out there for a baby girl. If none of these names are the perfect fit, maybe they'll inspire the name that is? Either way, all that matters is finding a name that both parents are happy with — and even though that's obviously easier said than done, this list might be a good jumping-off point for discussion.
ALICE
The name Alice comes from a Greek word that means "truth," and aside from that meaningful detail, it's also a classic that will go well with almost any first name. It's also a perfect, subtle choice for Disney fans, too. Alice in Wonderland, anyone?
BELLE
Names like Isabelle and Annabel have been popular in recent years, and this variation on those names can make a good middle name. Belle, which is French, means "a beautiful girl or woman." Who doesn't think their baby is beautiful?
DAISY
Looking for a floral name? This one might do the trick … especially for parents who are also Great Gatsby fans. Daisy is an adorable, happy name, and although in pop culture we've heard it stand alone, it can also make a great middle name, too.
JADE
Whether mom's favorite gem is jade or she just likes the way the name sounds, Jade would be a cute addition to almost any first name. As a bonus? Spanish tradition has it that Jade can be used to cure colic in babies … and some of us need all the help we can get in that department!
RUBY
Another gem-inspired name to add to the list — especially for parents who are fans of the color red (or even Dorothy's slippers from The Wizard of Oz). Ruby is a name derived from Latin whose meaning goes back to the stone it represents — and if Jade isn't mom and dad's thing, Ruby just might be.
BLAKE
This gender neutral name can be used for any baby, but it's especially adorable for a little girl, including as a middle name. And as a bonus? It goes with almost any first name and last name combo perfectly, which can be seriously tough to find.
ELOISE
Any fans of Eloise At The Plaza? That spunky New York City kid might not be such a bad fictional character to take a little middle name inspiration from. It seems like the name has been gaining in popularity over the past few years, but it sounds beautiful with a simple first name.
LANE
Once known as an English surname, the name Lane has come into popularity for baby girls (and sometimes boys) in recent years. But it's also a pretty perfect middle name for parents who are looking for something short and sweet (and that will go with most first names).
BROOKE
The name Brooke has English origins, and it's also a great addition to any baby girl name, whether it's short or long. It's a classic, but it's a classic for a reason — this name is timeless. No matter how the trends change, Brooke will always be a solid middle name.
QUINN
Looking for something a little more unusual, but that will still go with anything? Try Quinn. This Gaelic name is derived from the word "conn," which means wisdom and intelligence. For parents who are looking for something meaningful, Quinn could be a great choice.
SOPHIA
Although Sophia has gained popularity as a first name, it's still an adorable (and a bit unexpected) middle name. The name itself comes from Greek and means "wisdom," which is a pretty wonderful thing to bestow upon a child with this name.
EMMA
As one of the most popular girls' names out there, some parents might be wary of naming their baby Emma, just in case they end up with the same name as everyone else in their class. But it's definitely fair game as a middle name for moms and dads who have really fallen in love with it.
ROSE
For moms and dads who are feeling floral, Rose is a classic choice. Not only is it a beautiful name, but it's another one of those middle names that goes well with just about any other name combo. And for those Titanic fans out there, come on — this one's a no-brainer.
JUNE
Whether or not baby girl is born during this summer month, June is a great choice for a middle name. It's also regal — it comes from the Latin word Juno — the name of the Roman goddess of marriage. As a bonus, it's also not too popular right now, so it'll help baby stand out.
HOPE
The meaning of Hope is an obvious one, and it's a perfect middle name choice for parents who want to add something meaningful to their baby's name. It's not too common, but it's also not too out there — and fortunately, it sounds good with a lot of first names, too.
ARIA
Aria was once an uncommon name, but more and more, it's coming into popularity. But instead of using it as a first name, like a lot of parents do, maybe it's better suited for a middle? It sounds especially pretty with shorter, one-syllable first names.
KIT
The name Kit was once super popular, but has now faded in a big way. So why not bring this name back in 2020, this time as a middle name? It's short, it's cute, and its roots come from a Greek word that means "pure, unsullied" — so sweet. Kit is also gender neutral.
JANE
Another totally classic name that isn't necessarily as popular today as it once was, but it could make for the perfect timeless middle name for a baby girl. It's simple, it's easy to spell, and it goes with everything — basically the trifecta when it comes to picking out a middle name.
HARPER
Lately, we've been seeing Harper more and more as a first name, but what about a middle name? It's a pretty choice, especially for a baby with a simpler first name. And if baby's parents are super into music (especially the harp), then it may hold a special meaning to them.
JO
Whether mom and dad are looking for a simple middle name that goes with anything or if mom's a huge fan of Little Women, Jo is a cute choice. Of course, it's usually a nickname for Josephine, but Jo is an adorable substitute for those who are looking for a short and snappy middle name.
