The phrase “middle name” first appeared in an 1835 Harvard University periodical called Harvardiana, but the practice dates back much further.
In ancient Rome, having multiple names was an honor usually bestowed upon the most important people—like Gaius Julius Caesar. He was originally named Gaius Julius, but was honored with the title “Caesar.” In modern times, lengthy Spanish and Arabic names adopt paternal or maternal names from previous generations to trace the individual’s family tree. In Western cultures starting in the 1700s, aristocrats started giving their children lavishly long names to indicate their high place in society. The practice slowly spread to the middle and working classes.
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