Middle Names for Boys (with Meanings and Popularity)

Along the same lines as Fable or Madrigal, Parable is a cute choice for literary families. It might also be considered as a pseudo-biblical name, given the fame of the Biblical parables.

Actress Shannyn Sossamon used this as the middle name for her son Audio; one of the most do-not-try-this-at-home combos we've heard.

Royal names are on the rise. Along with names such as King, Prince, and Royal, why not Palace? Why not indeed.

Modern virtue name, playing on the word "tough".

While nature names, even those of fierce animals and mountain peaks, are used for children these days, architectural features like this somehow seem a bit cold.

Royalty is a super-hot name for girls, but there's no reason it can't be used for boys too. In fact it is, but only about 5 percent of the time, making it one of those unisex names whose usage is tipped so far toward one gender that it isn't truly unisex. But still, English words are usually not intrinsically gendered so Royalty is perfectly appropriate for boys as well as girls and is one of the fastest-rising unisex names.

Maybe if you're planning to have only one child -- and iffy even then.

Why beat around the bush with a name like Elvis or Axl when you can come right out and name your baby Rocker? Your grandma will be scandalized, but teenage Rocker will kiss your feet.

Baby name as political statement.

The singular version sounds more contemporary.

In the Capability Brown vein -- not a choice to be made lightly.

A big, bold, ultra-rare virtue name. Could it follow in the footsteps of Justice and Liberty?

Many parents are seeking a strong name--well there's no denying that Strong fits that bill.

Stricter than Peace or Justice.

Cool middle name possibility.

Undoubtedly there's a parent out there who sees this as the ultimate cool name. It's anything but.

Chosen by one musician, Todd Rundgren, for his son, but unlikely to be emulated by others.

Rhymer feels right at home with names like Ryder, Ryker and Riley, but brings an artsy edge to this group of names.

Trey or Trip or even Deuce, yes; Deux is tougher.