The video 'Origin of Everything: Why Do We Have Middle Names?' explores the historical and cultural significance of middle names. It traces the practice back to the 13th century, as described in Stephen Wilson's book 'The Means of Naming: A Social History.' The concept gained popularity among Italian elites and later became prevalent in Europe and the U.S. by the 19th century. The video discusses how middle names originally provided protection by associating children with saints and evolved into tools for distinguishing people with common names. It also highlights the use of patronymic names in cultures such as Russian, derived from the father's name, and similar historical practices across continents. The video emphasizes the variability of naming conventions across cultures, illustrating its relevance in understanding cultural identity and tradition.