Secondborn

Secondborn refers to a person who is the second child in a family by birth order. The term is used in sociology, psychology, and genealogy to distinguish birth order, and it is often considered alongside other positions such as firstborn and laterborn or middle child.

In psychology, birth order theory—most associated with Alfred Adler—has suggested that firstborns tend to be conscientious and achievement-oriented, while secondborns and laterborns might be more cooperative, flexible, or people-oriented. However, empirical research on consistent, universal traits by birth position is mixed, with outcomes influenced by family size, parenting practices, culture, and socioeconomic factors. As a result, many scholars treat birth-order effects as small and context-dependent rather than deterministic.

Culturally, inheritance and social expectations in some societies favor primogeniture, which can shape the experiences and opportunities available to secondborns. In other contexts, secondborns may carve out distinct roles or lead in different domains, and family dynamics often play a significant part in individual development. The label is thus descriptive rather than prescriptive, reflecting position within a family rather than defining personality or destiny.

In genealogical work, specifying birth order helps distinguish individuals across generations and within larger families, especially when names are repeated. Overall, secondborn is a neutral descriptor used to denote birth order, with varied implications depending on cultural, familial, and individual circumstances.