We are struggling to decide on a middle name(s) for our daughter! We are set on her first name, [name_f]Quinn[/name_f]. We really want to incorporate the name [name_f]Joy[/name_f] into the middle name for a number of reasons, mainly that it’s a family name. [name_m]The[/name_m] problem is our last name is 1-syllable so you end up with a 1-1-1 pattern which to me sounds abrupt and choppy (unless I’m overthinking it?). We can add in the name [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] which is also special because it’s my middle name. If so, would you leave these two names separate (Joy [name_f]Nicole[/name_f]) or hyphenate them (Joy-Nicole)? What sounds better, and what’s easier with government paperwork? Or do we scrap the idea and keep the 1-1-1 name even though it doesn’t flow well?
Thank you!
1 Like
In this particular case, I’d lean towards hyphenating. Something about [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] Joy-Nicole [name_m]Smith[/name_m] (example surname) seems less choppy to me than [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] [name_m]Smith[/name_m].
However, I do think the variety of sounds makes [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] work even without a second middle. They’re both one syllable, true, but they’re very different in terms of sound, letters used, and amount of letters, which adds additional flow compared to [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Claire[/name_f] or [name_f]Jane[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f].
3 Likes
My aunt’s name is like this and it flows okay – but only you can decide if the flow is off with your surname 
I’d probably leave the two middles separate myself, as I know some places don’t accept hyphens – so you might want to look into the rules where you are!
If you’re not sure on having two middles – or a hyphen – there’s the option of ‘elaborating’ [name_f]Joy[/name_f]:
[name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joyella[/name_f]
[name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joyelle[/name_f]
[name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joyanna[/name_f]
[name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Avajoy[/name_f]
[name_f]Quinn[/name_f] Evajoy
[name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joylene[/name_f]
[name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joyful[/name_f]
2 Likes
Thank you! We just can’t part with [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] or [name_f]Joy[/name_f]. Our other kids’ names have a much better cadence and I just can’t figure this one out!
I think the names [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] and [name_f]Joy[/name_f] flow good enough with a one syllable surname. If it does bother you, adding [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] is a good option! I personally prefer no hyphen and I expect that will also be easier with paperwork
1 Like
I think [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] [surname] or [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] Nicole-Joy [surname], incase she’s called by first and middle/s without the surname its a 1-2-1 syllables.
1 Like
Well, my middle names were hyphenated by my parents, and when I changed my given first name I kept them but removed the hyphen because I felt like it was clunky with the hyphen, so no hyphen definitely get my vote.
1 Like
I would keep the middle names separated, without the hyphen. I believe it is much more simple that way. I also think that having a full name with two middle names or two surnames is more common than having a hyphenated middle name.
1 Like
I thought about this too!
Thanks for your perspective!
1 Like
Thanks! It’s good to hear from people with experience!
Thank you! I need to think about it. My last name starts with a “K” sound.
These are some pretty names!
I would be very tempted to go with [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] on the principle that they are genuinely the names you most want to use. While [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] is still a meaningful choice, the decision is based on resolving a concern rather than being a top choice on its own merits.
[name_m]The[/name_m] flow that matters most in my view is first name to surname since middle names aren’t used in everyday situations. In most cases 1-1 sounds fine.
[name_m]The[/name_m] 1-1-1 rhythm feels a bit abrupt I think partly because it’s not very common. I do think if you went with this option, it would become familiar and take away some of that awkwardness. Slowing down the pace also helps connect the sounds a bit. [name_m]Like[/name_m] a gentle stroll, rather than a quick jog or jaunty step.
All the best with your decision whichever way you choose to go!
1 Like
I’d definitely keep them separate! As someone with a hyphenated first name myself, I find it can be a bit of a hassle in practice with forms, databases, paperwork, etc. And personally, I think [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] [Surname] looks and sounds much nicer than [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] Joy-Nicole [Surname] . [name_m]The[/name_m] separate middle names also feel a little more classic and give you the flexibility to use [name_f]Joy[/name_f] or [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] individually if you ever want to. I actually don’t think the 1-1-1 syllable pattern is necessarily a problem either, if you love [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] [Surname], I’d probably keep it rather than adding a name solely for flow. But if [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] is meaningful to you too, [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] [Surname] sounds lovely to me!
1 Like
I totally understand what you mean…thank you!
1 Like
Thank you! Now I need to decide whether to keep [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] or not.
1 Like
I’ve known a few people with the 1-1-1 syllable pattern and I honestly find it cool on them! I wouldn’t hyphenate if you opt for 2 middles.
1 Like
I like [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] Joy-Nicole - I wouldn’t put [name_f]Nicole[/name_f] straight after [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] as the Ns run into each other. I also like Joy-Nicole as a hyphenated, “single” name. [name_f]Quinn[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] X might be too staccato for m but it is quite epic and modern.
1 Like