The name Ivy has a wonderful earthy feel and timeless sound.
It makes me think of those vivid green branches of ivy that are so strong and effervescent they grow upwards on the sides of houses and trees, creating a beautiful tapestry of leafy green cover. And much like the vine, the name Ivy is strong and resilient, often representative of faithfulness.
Now that you’ve decided on her first name (or maybe you’re still wondering if Ivy would be a good middle name!) you need a favorable match. So what are some beautiful middle names for Ivy? If you’re still searching for options, this list is just for you! We’ve compiled some of the most stately middle names for Ivy from all around.
You can also find inspiration from your own life experiences, family, and other memorable connections. Is there a place that’s special to you? My friend decidedly named her baby girl Sydney because it was her way of honoring the city she was from in Australia.
Or maybe there is not one place in particular that has made a significant impact, but you love the idea of travel and adventure. You could still choose one of these names for your baby girl’s middle name. Other famous city names that could work beautifully for Ivy are:
Did you know that even a few hundred years ago the art of giving children middle names was not a common practice?
Granted there were some families who gave their children as many as 30 names! The famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso was given 23 names to honor saints and family members! (His full name was Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso.)
Other royal families and nobility gave their children several names to attest to their high place in society and belonging in a certain family.
Commoners, as they were called, rarely gave their children more than two names – a first name, often in honor of either a relative or a saint, and a last name, the surname. Some families in Europe did follow the practice of giving their children a first name and a middle name along with their surname, but it was usually because they could not decide between a saintly name or another favored name.
By the 18th century, immigrants settling in North America were beginning to give their children middle names and moving away from naming them after family or saints. It turns out that three is the perfect number! This practice of giving a middle name to each child has stayed with us for generations. (And we’re here for it!)
If you don’t take your inspiration from cities or other places in the world, where else might you find inspiration for an original and dignified middle name for Ivy?
Have you considered your family tree?
Sometimes we may not know the first name of a great aunt or distant cousin, who unbeknownst to us, could inspire the perfect middle name for Ivy.
The name Clementine is offered on the list both because it is gaining popularity as a classic girl’s name and because it was the name of my great-great-grandmother’s sister. I would have never known had my father not recently taken an interest in our family genealogy!
Here’s another idea: what about your favorite book or movie? Beth makes me think of Beth March (full name Elizabeth) from the famous novel, Little Women. Or how about a woman who is famous for doing something monumental?
When I think of the name Amelia, I immediately associate Amelia Earhart, who bolstered the advancement of women in the field of aviation. Then, there’s my friend who fell in love with the name Perrey when she heard the name on a television show!
Another place for inspiration is to consider the milieu to which Ivy already belongs, i.e. nature itself!
Dawn describes the rising sun and is a wonderful way to stick with the theme of nature.
Hazel originates from the hazelnut tree; and Magnolia is an evergreen tree whose hind leaves bear a beautiful golden brown color. And these aren’t the only name options that reflect the stunning feats of nature. There is also Laurel, Palmer, and Rose!
Lastly, there are classical and traditional names which have stood the test of time. They have within them their own timeless beauty, and many would pair excellently as a middle name for Ivy. Abigail, Eleanor, Madeline, or Victoria all add elegant grace to the name Ivy. (Oh, Grace is another one!)
Double Names and Nicknames
One fantastic benefit to finding a middle name that you love (maybe even as much as you love her first name!) is that you can choose to call your daughter by her middle name instead should the need arise.
For example, are there five other girls named Ivy in her class? Or maybe someone else in the family decides to name their little girl Ivy as well. (I know…what a quandary!)
Having given her a middle name that you also love gives the flexibility that you can call her by this name, too!
And then there’s the case of double names, which usually includes a person’s first and middle names said as one name.
A friend from years ago was called Mary Margaret the whole time she was growing up. By the time she moved away to college, it didn’t feel right to only introduce herself as Mary – so Mary Margaret she is!
Many one-syllable middle names become oft-said with their first name counterpart. Ivy Beth and Ivy Kate are great examples of first and middle names which become double names!
It’s also helpful to consider what nicknames may result from the name combination and your middle name of choice. It may be hard to predict what nicknames some members of your family may come up with, but it’s good to let them know if you don’t want any!
What Is Cadence?
This word comes up frequently in our middle name series! So what is cadence and what does it have to do with names? Cadence is a word typically used to refer to tempo, rhythm, or beat. The idea is to put complementary sounds together in order to create the most pleasing sound to the ears.
When you are considering middle names for Ivy, cadence matters because it can tell you whether a name pairing sounds charming or discordant. The best way to know is to practice saying the names aloud with your last name. Say them fast and slow, loud and quiet, and consider how they sound.
Does it feel like a mouthful?
Does it sound short or edgy? Or does each name flow well together in pleasing harmony?
In some cases, alliteration can be your best friend! In other cases, it won’t create the elegant flow that you’re looking for. Consider the name Ivy Mary.
The consonants create the same ending sound for each name. Does it sound sweet or choppy?
Do you like the way it sounds or does it sound too similar? What about the name Ivy Brooklyn?
They both have consonants rounding out the end of the name, but the names sound more complementary and less identical in their endings. Let your ears tell you what works!
115 Inspired Middle Names for Ivy
I hope these tools for finding inspiration have been helpful for you in considering the perfect middle name for Ivy. Without further adieu, here is our list of beautiful middle names for Ivy!
Do you know the best part of this whole assignment? You have the privilege of naming your sweet little girl!
We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to choose “the perfect name,” but truly, she will grow into the name that you give her. Your own intuition will guide you to give her a name that fits both her unique person and your own family.
I remember still being torn between two names when I was preparing to give birth to my son. As I held him in my arms those first few hours of his life, the name that I should give him became crystal clear. Filling out his birth certificate was the sweetest moment.
To this day, four years later, he continues to live up to his name. Together, his first and middle names loosely translate “gracious protector,” and as the eldest brother, this is amazingly who he is becoming.
One day, you will be touched to find that your Ivy, strong and faithful, bears a middle name that describes her just as well. I hope this list has been a source of consolation as you decide on the perfect middle name for Ivy. Congratulations to you!
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