Baby number 2 is due in 7 weeks-yay! We have a list of first names so now we're thinking about middle names.

DS has Anglo first name, Nigerian middle name and Nigerian last name (DH's father is from Nigeria). I had always thought next child would have same combo. But I'm rethinking... Options are:-

1. Nigerian middle name
Same as DS and I like Nigerian names

2. Chinese middle name
DH's mother is Chinese, so could honor that side of family
We have a close relationship with MIL.

3. Anglo middle name
Eg my father's middle name

What do you think? Stick with having same types of names for siblings or consider other cultural backgrounds?

I wouldn't pick names in a culturally precise pattern, rather I am picking names that sound good together.

Maybe that is what you mean though, that you are going to choose a middle name from different sides of the family, and then pick a first name to go with that?

Or you'd pick the first name first, then pick the middle name from different sides of the family?

We went for double middle names so one from each side of the family.

It also helped that the names chosen flowed well together.

DS1 GF first name, GF first name Surname
DS2 GF middle name, GF middle name Surname
DD GGM first name, GM middle name Surname

So we used different combinations as to what sounded right. With DD our other choice was GM First name, GM First name

I would probably choose either a Nigerian or Chinese middle name, your second child might think their name is a bit boring if they have two Anglo names while their older brother has a Nigerian middle name, or conversely the older brother might not like that their middle name is unusual while their younger sibling has a 'normal' name (for Australia).

I'd go a Chinese MN.

Hmm good question. We plan to use the following pattern to name our kids (half Aussie, half Taiwanese):

English first name
Chinese middle name
Chinese family name

I don't know what I'd do if there was a third cultural/linguistic background in there.
Maybe go for a Chinese MN this time since your first child has a Nigerian MN? Naming a child in Chinese is more complicated than just choosing something you like though. Traditionally it is based on the exact time of birth and a lot of other factors. Usually people use a fortune teller kind of person to select the most lucky name (based mostly on the characters used not so much the sound of the name). Hope this helps.

I think as long as the child's name as a whole flows well, then that's the most important thing.

I was thinking that as well actually.