16 First & Middle Baby Name Combinations That Just Roll Off The Tongue

The #16 and #9 most popular boy names of this decade, according to the Social Security Administration, also happen to sound terrific together. Logan is a Celtic name meaning "dweller at a little hollow," while James is the Greek variant of Jacob, Hebrew for "supplanter." Perhaps your little one will grow up to be quite resourceful and have a respectable green thumb — the latter is an underrated, but covetable skill.

Talk about a perfect match! Stella, which means "star," not only sounds pretty with the one-syllable middle name, but put together, you have a daughter who's your true "star of hope." It’s a very sweet option, and works for children who are gentle or formidable, or both.

Even though some multisyllabic name pairings can sound awkward, this one somehow works. It's especially appropriate if your family has Central or South American roots, since these two names are two of the most popular boys' names in Argentina. There are plenty of nicknames you can pull from these names: Nicky, Santi, Tino, Nicolino… you get the idea.

Two super-cool French names that don't sound too out-of-place on this side of the pond. Elodie comes from the Greek for "foreign riches,” and Harry Potter fans will love giving a nod to the character Fleur Delacoeur with the French word for "flower.” It’s a fitting name if you’re a Francophile or have French in your blood and hope to pass the trait onto your little one.

Each of these two names have a UK vibe and sound even better together. Gavin comes from the Welsh for "white falcon," while Carter is an occupational name for "cart driver.” If your baby’s surname also has two syllables in it, your child’s entire name will have a lyrical cadence to it that will make it a joy to repeat.

If you prefer a unisex first name for a girl, then choosing a more feminine middle name can add a nice softening effect. Kinsley, which comes from the Old English for "king's meadow," matches well with a dainty one-syllable middle name (like Grace, Rose, or Bree), and you might find yourself getting in the habit of always using both the first and middle names together, because they just sound so good together.

For fans of Biblical names, these two time-honored boys' monikers make a good pairing; Benjamin is Hebrew for "son of my right hand," while Luke comes from the Greek for "from [the town] Lucanus.” Both of these names are classic and timeless on their own, and together they make up a sensible name that will stand the test of time.

Who says that the middle name always has to be shorter than the first? These two girls' names (#5 and #78 on the Social Security Administration's popularity list) sound even better in this short-to-long order than they do the other way around. Ava means "life" in Hebrew and "bird" in Latin, and Katherine comes from the Greek for "pure."

Names with too many similar vowel or consonant sounds can sound odd, so you might not want to pair Zachary (Hebrew for "The Lord has remembered") with another "ee"-ending name like Riley or Brady. But Ryder (British for "messenger") works nicely; in fact, Zach Ryder sounds like it was made for a movie marquee.

Matching thematic or unique names can be awesome, if you can find two that blend well together. This lovely pair both appear on Nameberry's nature-inspired name list and make a good combo for a baby girl. Need something for her brother? Try a pairing like Stone Vale or Rowan Fox.

With a four-syllable first name, you kind of have to think small for a follow-up, even more so if their surname will have multiple syllables as well. The long Alexander (meaning "defender of men") and the short Paul (meaning "small"), are a classic dynamic duo. They can go by their first name, middle name, Alexander Paul (if they’re the formal type, or keep it casual and have their friends call them AP.

Alliterative first and middle names can be awesome if you choose the right ones. These two, for example. Abigail (Hebrew for "father of exaltation") and Ada (German for "strength", are a good blend in terms of length and sound. Another option for a girl: Gabby Grace. For a boy, you could double up with Robert Ryan or Jeremy Jace.

If you're going to go with a first name that's unique to a particular country or origin, then you might as well commit to going the same way for the middle name. Killian or Cillian, an Irish name meaning "war strife or church," might sound peculiar next to Ivan or Giovanni. But matched with Finn, which is Irish for "white," you've got a winner. (Looking for a super-Irish girl's duo? Bridget Aine or Moira Regan are strong and memorable possibilities.)

Vintage baby names are another category where you're better off picking from the same list. Amelia is quite a name to live up to, and it’s no surprise if it’s on your shortlist: it’s a great name. Try something like this pairing; Amelia, from the Greek for "industrious," sounds nice with an equally old/new middle name like Ivy or Rose.

"Occupational" surnames are popular as first names for both boys and girls, and these days, you might even see them filling in for first and middle names (Cooper Hunter, Chandler Sawyer). To give your little one’s name balance, try matching a job name like Parker (from the English for "park keeper") with a more traditional name, like Michael (which is Hebrew for "who is like God?").

Finally, you could choose a pair of names that honor inspiring historical figures. For instance, Rosa Mae not only sounds sweet and beautiful, it also pays tribute to two notable African American women: civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut.