middle name
A 'middle name' is an additional given name placed between a person's first and last names, often used to honor family or cultural traditions.
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Definition
A2General
(common)An additional name placed between a person's first name and surname.
Example
- Her full name is Sarah Jane Smith, where 'Jane' is her middle name.
B1Cultural
(common)A secondary name used to honor relatives or cultural traditions.
Example
- In many cultures, a middle name is given to honor a grandparent or other family member.
B2Legal
(formal)A secondary name that is part of a person's full legal name but is not commonly used in daily interactions.
Example
- On legal documents, you must include your middle name if it is part of your official name.
B1Philippines
(regional)One's mother's maiden name.
Example
- In the Philippines, a person's middle name is typically their mother's maiden name.
B2Figurative
(informal)A trait or activity closely associated with a person.
Example
- For him, punctuality is practically his middle name.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "middle name":