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Having twins means two opportunities to pick the perfect names — and double the pressure! Parents of twins need to not only consider how they will establish each child’s distinct identity, but what story their children’s names will tell together. So think about your heart, your heritage, and what will be called forth in your children every time someone speaks their names. And while you’re doing that, consider some of these twin name ideas for some inspiration!
More from Mom.com: Names for Twin Girls That are Perfect Together
Twin tips: Choosing unique twin names for boy and girl
Choose names that encourage individuality
Dara Lovitz, mother of twins and author of Twinsight: A Guide to Raising Emotionally Healthy Twins, recommends against choosing names that rhyme. “This reinforces the notion that they are each part of a set as opposed to two separate individuals,” Lovitz told TODAY.
Choose names that won’t cause confusion
“Madison and Madeline sound alike and both might have Maddy as a nickname,” Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH, wrote for VeryWellFamily.com. “Be sure to test the names out loud.” Dr. Weiss also recommends avoiding names that begin with the same letter. “[This] might bring mix-ups in data systems, especially considering that the twins will likely have the same birthdate,” she explained.
Choose names that are linked but distinct
Consider connecting your twins’ names through a common theme. Ideas include:
- Similar/contrasting meanings
- Literary heroes
- Famous historical figures
- Favorite time period
- Specific country or heritage
- Family names
Choose names that are “even”
Names should have the same level of commonness and ease in pronunciation. You don’t want one kid whose name is always misspelled, mispronounced, or can never find their name on the keychain rack, or for the other to feel less special because their name is not as unique.
Decide how you will assign names
Will you name your kids based on birth order, or wait to see which one suits each child best?
More from Mom.com: New Mom Gives Twins the Same Exact Name and People Have Some … Thoughts
Themed teams: Inspiration for twin girl, twin boy, and twin boy and girl names
These name pairs are inspired by some of the themes previously mentioned. Each of these are strong and meaningful, both individually and together.
Names with the Same Meaning
Chloe and Kenna
Popularity rank: Chloe, #18; Kenna, #681
Meaning: Blooming growth (Chloe); fierce determination (Kenna)_
Lauren Wong, mom of 8-month-old twin girls, chose these names for the meaning behind them — both are related to overcoming and fullness of life. Little did she know how appropriate they would be; Chloe and Kenna came 3 months premature, miraculously born at 1.5 pounds and 12 inches. “Though their 100+ days in the NICU were rough, Chloe showed us how she fought to ‘grow’ everyday and Kenna awed us with her ‘fierce determination’ to live,” Lauren shared. “We thank God they are now healthy and thriving!”
Ezra and Ophelia
Popularity rank: Ezra, #25; Ophelia, #272
Meaning: Help, assistance
Love your Bible, love your Shakespeare, love the power of historic names that are fresh all over again when combined. Both Ezra from the Hebrew and Ophelia from the Greek mean "help" and, despite their different origins, the names are musical and simple enough to sound connected and contemporary.
Contrasting Names
Melanie and Phoebe
Popularity rank: Melanie, #130; Phoebe, #214
Meaning: Pure, light (Phoebe); dark (Melanie)
You'll tell them apart by their blond and dark hair and by their melodic names that end on the same sound but describe opposite attributes. Phoebe was a Greek goddess of the moon. Melanie, also Greek, was a steadfastly sweet character in "Gone With the Wind." The names are so lovely, it's worth skipping nicknames.
Names From Mythology
Maeve and Connor
Popularity rank: Maeve, #104; Connor, #118
Meaning: She who rules (Maeve); dog lover, wolf lover (Connor)
Both from Irish mythology, Maeve is the name of the queen of the fairies and Connor is of the High Kings of Ireland, whose legendary exploits often involved magical dogs or wolves. These two will make their own myths and magic, small lively bundles of potential with short, beautiful names.
Biblical Names
Jacob and Jonah
Popularity rank: Jacob, #32; Jonah, #135
Meaning: Supplanter (Jacob); dove (Jonah)
Jacob, originally a Hebrew Old Testament name, was the founder of the 12 Tribes of Israel and comes from the same source as the name James. Jonah, famous for his journey inside a whale, is the Hebrew word for "dove." The two names summon the qualities of perseverance, faith and strong focus — and Jonah is related to a potent symbol of peace. Two J's, two syllables, two very distinct handles for a double helping of dynamic baby boys.
Starry names: Famous twin names that shine
When it comes to being original yet classy, harmonious but not similar to the point of confusion, these celebrity names shine!
Ava and Grace
Popularity rank: Ava, #7; Grace, #35
Meaning: Grace, poise, blessings
Daughters of soccer superstar Mia Hamm, these names mean exactly the same thing — blessings bestowed, elegance and poise — grace. Ava is a variation of Eve, the biblical first woman. Grace comes from the Latin "gratia" for thanks, alluding to the "blessings" interpretation of the word.
Finley and Harper
Popularity rank: Finley, #218; Harper, #11
Meaning: Fair-haired courageous one (Finley); harp player (Harper)
This melodious-sounding pair of names belongs to the granddaughters of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Lisa Marie Presley’s now 14-year-old fraternal twins were both given gender-neutral, surnames-turned-first-names, Finley of Irish origin and Harper of English origin.
Benji and Joel
Popularity rank: Benji, unranked (Benjamin, #9); Joel, #212
Meaning: Son of the right hand (Benji); Jehovah is God (Joel)
Benji and Joel Madden are the founding members of American rock band Good Charlotte. Both names are of Hebrew origin, and are strong, traditional names that symbolize power.
