they are honoring a family member? I’ve been thinking about using my dad’s name as a mn for our 2nd daughter (due this spring). It is a clearly masculine name, I would NEVER use it as a first name for a girl but what do you think about boys names used in the middle slot? In my family last names are often used for middle names so I guess this isn’t that much different.
It’s pretty traditional in my family to use masculine or last names as middle names, so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. Personally I have a boys name for my middle, with a very popular feminine first name and it’s never caused me any issues. In fact I always thought it was kind of cool, set me apart from the million other girls with my same name.
No, it doesn’t work even if you’re honoring family.
I feel that the middle spot is the place to take liberties, whether it’s using that out-there-name that you aren’t bold enough to use as a first name, honoring a family member (even if you aren’t fond of the name or, as in your case, it’s a family name that might not be used traditionally as a middle name – this also applies to old family surnames being placed as a middle name to retain them).
So I say yes, definitely. The other alternative is to see if there is a feminization of your father’s name as this is the most recognized way to honor men – and has resulted in some great names.
I think a middle name can be just about anything you want it to be. Middles are the perfect spot to honor someone or to be a little daring, because they are so rarely heard “out in the world.” There is no “wrong” or “right” when it comes down to it. I think a masculine name would be fine in the middle spot.
I am not a fan. Granted, I come from the perspective that I share a name with my uncle, and I’ve always wanted something more feminine, and maybe she wouldn’t mind, especially if it’s a middle. But is there a more feminine variant you could opt for? Honestly, I’m not opposed to having a family name from a guy–it’s the sharing an exact name with an uncle I don’t like! I have come across pretty obviously masculine middles with fully feminine firsts ([name_f]Vivienne[/name_f] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m], [name_f]Eloise[/name_f] [name_m]Julian[/name_m], [name_f]Autumn[/name_f] [name_u]James[/name_u], for example), and they aren’t terrible, but I’m a total girl. I wouldn’t be happy having a masculine name at all. I’m barely okay with having a unisex name. 
Could you do something like [name_f]Jane[/name_f] for [name_u]James[/name_u], Waleska for [name_m]Walter[/name_m], [name_f]Henrietta[/name_f] for [name_m]Henry[/name_m], [name_u]Patrice[/name_u] for [name_m]Patrick[/name_m], etc.?
I don’t see why not, after all how often do middle names even come up? I couldn’t tell you all of my relatives’ middle names let alone other people I know. I agree that the middle is a good spot to take a few liberties.
I think its totally acceptable. I know girls named [name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_m]Charles[/name_m], [name_f]Ann[/name_f] [name_m]Rob[/name_m], and [name_m]Carlton[/name_m] (after grandfather [name_m]Carl[/name_m]). I think, depending on the name, you could even use it in the first spot. I think honoring family is always a lovely tradition and a great way to connect your daughter to her grandfather.
I think masculine names as middles is cute, especially if it’s honouring someone 
Go for it!
As long as the name isn’t really uber-masculine (eg. [name_m]Butch[/name_m], [name_m]Rocky[/name_m] etc) and there is no known feminization of his name, I think the middle spot is the perfect location to honour your father.
I think it would be fine. Especially if honouring your father is important and you don’t like any alternative name. (Same meaning, feminization of the name etc)