Who started the need for Middle Names?

Question

Why do we have middle names? I know some people don't, but most people do, where did all this get started?

Answer 1

If you don't like your first name you could use ANY name.

I don't have a middle name, but my full name consists of two syllables so it sounds incomplete. Maybe that's why.

Answer 2

UK, or European influence

Answer 3

Adding the second name, of a grandparent or elder, is very common in eastern cultures, in fact it is a necessity.

Answer 4

Parents often stuck a grandparents name in the middle to show them some courtesy [ or make sure little Johnny got in the 'will' ! ]

Answer 5

If you don't like your first name, you could use your middle name. I think that's pretty cool

Answer 6

I wonder this too, lol =] Most ppl don't like their middle names... I have no idea why they are necessary. Maybe so you can tell people apart haha