The middle name is where a perfectly good set of initials goes wrong. Here is what to check, and how.

Why this is the middle name's problem

First name and surname are usually decided first and separately. The middle name is the letter that completes the set, which means it is the letter that creates the accident. A.S.S., P.I.G., B.U.M., D.U.D., F.A.T., R.A.T., S.O.B.: every one of these needs a middle initial to happen.

Check both orders

Children write their initials in the order they are taught, and other children rearrange them for sport. Test the reverse as well as the forward reading.

Check the monogram order too

Traditional monograms place the surname initial in the centre and larger: first, surname, middle. That reorders your letters entirely, and it appears on towels, luggage and wedding stationery for a lifetime.

Words are not the only risk

Initials that spell nothing can still spell something to a specific community: a school, a football club, an acronym in your industry. Say them aloud to someone outside the family.

The two-second fix

The initials checker on this site tests every combination automatically, in both orders, against your actual surname. It takes less time than reading this sentence.

Questions parents ask

What initials should you avoid?

Any set that spells a word your child would rather not be called. The common ones are A.S.S., P.I.G., B.U.M., D.U.D., F.A.T., R.A.T., S.O.B., G.A.S. and W.A.R. Test both forward and reversed.

Do monogram initials use a different order?

Yes. A traditional monogram puts the surname initial in the centre, larger, so the order becomes first, surname, middle. Check that combination separately.