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Can you legally have two middle names?

While there is no strict rule about how many middle names a citizen can have in the US, there are limitations to the number of characters in a name in certain states. Numerical digits are prohibited by naming laws in several states.



Yes, you can legally have two or even more middle names in the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other jurisdictions. There is no federal or international law limiting the number of middle names an individual can possess. In 2026, many people choose multiple middle names to honor various family members or preserve a mother's maiden name. While it is perfectly legal, it can sometimes present minor logistical challenges with digital forms, as many older computer systems and government databases are programmed with a single "middle initial" or "middle name" field. On official documents like passports or driver’s licenses, all names are typically listed in full. If you are changing your name via deed poll or court order, you can simply list the desired names, provided they do not contain offensive language or intended fraud.

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Guidance is set out at: www.gov.uk.” 2.13 The personal details section on a passport can only include up to 30 characters (including spaces) for first and middle names, and a further 30 characters for surnames.

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