How To Monogram With Two Middle Names
Marking momentous occasions, you’ve most likely seen monograms used for marriage or the birth of a child.
While monograms have a long history, the rules for creating one have become more flexible over the years as variations with naming children and marriage traditions change.
Here we discuss the history of the monogram and answer some of the tougher questions like how to monogram with two middle names or a hyphenated last name.
What is a Monogram?
A monogram is a design consisting of one or more letters, typically a person’s initials. Monograms have been used for centuries as a way to personalize items and add a touch of sophistication.
Many luxury fashion brands use monograms as part of their branding, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. These monograms often become recognizable symbols for the brand, making them easily identifiable to consumers.
History of the Monogram
The first monograms developed in ancient Greece. The city would produce coins containing the first two letters of the city as an indication of where the coin was manufactured.
This practice transferred to authority figures in ancient Greece and Rome who would use monograms to mark their belongings for official purposes.
King of the Franks, Charlemagne, was known for using monograms to mark goods in areas he conquered. This was to display his royal and military power.
During the Middle Ages, artists and artisans would sign their initials into sculptures, painting, textiles, and pieces of furniture they made as a way of claiming ownership over their artwork.
The Victorian era brought our more modern day usage of monograms. They became widely used in both private and professional settings. Monograms were used to distinguish clothing and identify belongings becoming a fashionable trend.
Today, the monogram is mostly used during occasions that mark important transitions, such as marriage or the birth of a child.
Traditional Monogram
The traditional monogram rules consists of interlocking initials of a person’s first, middle, and last name. The monogram would read first name initial, last name initial, middle name or maiden name initial. The last name initial (in the middle) would appear larger than the other initials on either side. While the letters vary in size, they would all be uppercase letters.
How to Monogram with Two Middle Names
If you have multiple middle names, you may be wondering how to do a monogram. There is no specific rule on how to monogram with two middle names. Since the choice is yours, there is no wrong way. Below are some ideas on what to do if you have four initials.
Block Arrangement Monogram
The most popular method is the block arrangement monogram. Here you would start with your first name initial, follow with your first middle name initial, then follow with your second middle name initial, and end with your last name initial. All of the initials would appear in the same size.
Diamond Arrangement Monogram
This one is exactly like it sounds, where the monogram takes on the shape of a diamond.
The top of the diamond is the first letter of the first name, the bottom is the first letter of the last name, and the left and right are the letters of the middle names (in consequential order).
The top of the diamond and the bottom of the diamond are both slightly bigger than the two letters on the sides.
Stack the Monogram
Some prefer a stacked monogram style. For this look the first three initials are stacked from top to bottom in order (first name initial, first middle name initial, second middle name initial). It is followed by a larger sized last name initial to the right hand side.
Drop a Letter
A final option would be to drop one of your middle names (or the maiden name if married). This would result in a three initial monogram going with the traditional look.
Double Names with No Spacing
Some people have double names with no spacing. For example when you take a double name like Anne Marie and combine it you get Annemarie. Throughout the years, many people dropped the extra “e” in the middle and it became Annmarie.
In this instance, most people would treat it as a single name and do the traditional monogram with three letters in name order (first initial, middle initial, and last initial). This could be done in a block arrangement or with a larger middle letter.
If you have a double name like AnnMarie and want to include both Ann and Marie in your monogram, you can follow any of the monograms with two middle name suggestions above.
One Letter Monogram
Many people opt for a one letter monogram or single initial. This can be the first letter of your first name or the first letter of your last name in a large letter. You often see this on coffee mugs, towels, or pillows to name a few. This is a clean look that is quite popular. Some people even opt to move away from traditional and use lowercase letters with a one letter monogram.
Can a Monogram be Two Letters?
Yes, a monogram can be two letters. Some people do not have a middle name. In this case the monogram would be the first letter of the first name and the first letter of the last name. They would be side by side and the same size.
The two-letter monogram can also be used for two first names, a hyphenated last name, two middle names, or two last names. It’s really up to you which names you do and do not want to include in your monogram.
Couples Monogram
The traditional couple’s monogram or married person’s monogram follows the traditional three-letter monogram rules. The proper monogram etiquette is that you start with her first name initial, followed by the shared married name initial, and end with the husband’s first name initial. The last name initial in the center is larger than the first name initials on either side of it.
Monogram if Partner is Keeping Maiden Name
If both partners are keeping their last names it becomes a four letter monogram. In this case you would start with the first letter of her first name followed by the first letter of her last name. Then it would be followed by the first letter of his last name and finally the first letter of his first name. The two last name initials in the middle would be larger than the two first name initials on the sides.
Monogram with Hyphenated Last Name
If the last name is hyphenated you will have a four letter monogram. The order of the initials would be the first letter of the first name, followed by the two last name initials (in order), and end with the first letter of the middle name. The two last name initials in the middle will be larger than the two initials on either side.
Same-Sex Marriage or Same-Sex Partners Monogram
The most common same-sex marriage monograms are a two letter monogram. These are done with the first letters of the first names or the first letters of the last names. The order of who is first and who is second would be up to the couple. This comes down to personal preference!
The couple could also do a four letter monogram treating the situation as having two first names and two last names. Here you would most likely want to go with the block arrangement monogram, the diamond arrangement monogram, or the keeping the maiden name monogram styles mentioned above.
What is a Good Monogram Font?
When creating your own personal monogram, you will want to consider the font and letter style. Are you looking for a highly decorative script font or do you lean towards modern monograms and design elements? Here are some suggested monogram fonts you can use for creating your perfect monogram.
How to Pick the Style of Monogram to Use
There are a few things to consider when picking the style of monogram to use. First, think about the overall look you want to achieve. Are you going for a classic or modern look? Then, decide what type of monogram will best suit your style.
Once you’ve settled on these details, all that’s left is to choose a font style or have one custom-designed.
Be sure to let family and friends know your preferred initial order in case they may surprise you with a personalized gift.
Some monogrammed items commonly given as a wedding gift include monogrammed towels, champagne flutes, robes, pillow cases, cutting boards, or other household items.
Monogram items often given as baby shower gifts include baby blankets, burp cloths, onesies, baby shirts, and bedding.
Final Thoughts on Monograms
Some people love following traditional methods, while others take a more modern approach. No matter which way you choose, monogramming should be fun and specific to what you want. Be creative and pick a monogram design that is best for you!
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For more name ideas and inspiration head over to our Middle Names section.
Krissy lives in California with her family of three that make up “The Hadicks.” With a passion for research and helping others, The Hadicks was developed as a resource for other parents and parents-to-be!