Conference oass::babynames

    I have a brother and a sister who are twins, their nams are 
    William Albert and Elaine Michele (is that right??), well anyway
    they are totally different, besides the obvious.  I personally think
    that twins should be givin totaly unrelated names or names that
    belong together (one example would be to name a boy and girl pair
    Jack and Jill).
    
    

    My mother is one of a set...Her sister was named Joan and she was
    named Jane.
    
    I was so sure I would give birth to twin sons once and I had picked
    out the names Timothy John and James Julian. ( Tim and Jim...cute?)
    Instead I had one son and due to family bickering about getting
    named after this one and that one, I decided to try and please
    everyone. (a baaaaaad mistake) My son's full name is:  
    Julian John Francisek Andruszkiewicz. ( I call him John )
    -sunny-
    

    I think they should be different, though complementary.  For example,
    someone had mentioned earlier that she knew some twins named Courtney
    and Ashley.  I think these are good "twin" names -- similar in type
    but distinct enough not to get confused.  Some other twins I've
    known:
    
    		Mary and Cathy (Catherine)
    		Diane and Maryanne
    		Marty and Maria
    		Debbie and Diane
    		Dave and Steve
    		Timothy and Thomas (Timmy and Tommy)
    
    As for what we'll do if it's twins?  First, get over the shock,
    then ask you all for help!!  (I should know in two days when I go
    for an ultrasound.)
    
    Tracy

    My mother and aunt are identical twins, and were made to dress alike
    for many years, yet they were given very different names - Frances
    and Evelyn (both family names).
    
    Another aunt had fraternal (boy and girl) twins and named them Stephen
    and Stephanie...they got called Stevie and Steffie as kids.
    

    Re .0:
    
    I had an ultrasound yesterday and found out, by the way, that I
    won't be having twins...just one.  (PHEW!)
    
    -Tracy

    Too, bad Tracy, you're gonna miss out on all the fun!!!
    
    I strongly react against similar sounding twin names, though I don't
    really know why.  Even if they are called Twin1 and Twin2 (Thing
    one and Thing two, Doctor Seuss??) they still are very different
    people.
    
    I knew a family with a son and a daughter Edward and Elizabeth.
     Until I got to know the familt better I had no idea they were twins.
    
    
    Randy

    My wife Ruth has a fraternal twin sister named Elizabeth. The other
    siblings in their family are Mary, Christine, Kathleen and William.
    
    I met Elizabeth as "Beth" and that's the name we use in our home.
    She, however, always goes by "Liz" at her place of work, saying
    that she thinks it sounds more professional.
    
    Her parents were very prolific, and seem to like biblical names.
    

    I cannot help but notice, none of the contributing noters herein
    are twins.  Well, I am. I have an identical twin brother.  As far
    as the name issue goes, I feel the first consideration should be
    whether the babies are identical or fraternal twins.  As far as
    fraternal twins are concerned, it seems absurd to name them similar
    or even complimentary names.  After all, would you name two siblings
    born separately similar names.  In actuality, fraternal twins are
    no more alike than regular siblings, sharing nothing more than a
    birthday.  (For the neophyte, "fraternal" does not necessarily mean
    "of opposite sex".  It refers to the fact the babies developed from
    two separately fertilized eggs.)
    
    Identical twins (referring to one fertilized egg which has split
    or one unfertilized egg which splits and then is fertilized) have
    to contend with obvious similarities to begin with.  Why make it
    worse with similar names like "Timmy and Tommy" or "Lynne and Lynda."
    For the sake of being cute?!  My brother and I have complementary
    names (Scott and Steve) which I feel is probably the best choice
    for identical twins, but just having the same initials has caused
    quite a bit of confusion.  While registering for courses at the
    same university one or the other of us was forever being crossed
    off lists as being "a misprint."
    
    Beyond this minor aggravation, I think our names being complementary
    expressed the unusual bond between us while sparing us the humiliation
    of the "Johnny and Donny" syndrome that parents of twins frequently
    experience.  Thanks to Tracy for having the insight and consideration
    for pointing this out.
    
    I appologize for what may seem a negative attitude but too many
    people have expressed their unfounded opinions about twins to me
    without having experienced "living with oneself."  Here are a few
    suggestions:
    
    		David and Douglas
    		Donovan and DeWitt
    		Taylor and Tyler (too much?)
    		Diane and Maryann
    		Kristen and Karen
    		Amy and Angela
    
    Best of luck Tracy and please keep us posted!!!!
    
    				Scott

    Just thinking of how I would've felt, I agree with the complementary
    name theory.  Twins I have known:
    		Theresa and Elizabeth
    		Susan and Robin
    		Debbie and Diane
    We spend our early lives fighting for our independence and finding
    our own identity, so why make it harder with names?  But then, my
    husband and I feel the same way about naming our children after
    someone too.  
    
    Just my two cents,
    Robin
    

    	... two cents well invested in youth ...
    
    			Scott
    

          My next door neighbors have twins and their names are
          Laura and Gina.

          Dave
          p.s. Just throwing my .02 worth.    

    I agree with Scott, why name fraternal twins similar names? that
    seems ridiculous.  I like complentary names for identical twins
    though...
    how about these:
    
          Ashley and Alyson (my favorite,but could turn into Ashley&
                              Ally, YUK!)
          Matthew and Michael             
          Eileen and Elly
          Josalyn and July/June/Jill
          Josalyn and Jason
          Chelsy and Cheryle (another favorite)
    
    

    Hi, I'm also a twin (identical twin).  I don't like cutesy matching
    names for anyone.  In my case, my mother had no idea she was having
    twins until she woke up afterwoods.  She had already picked out
    names, (if I was a boy, my name would have been Norman (YUK!!!)).
    She had picked out Maryann as a girl's name.  When she was told
    she
    had twins, she simply decided to split the name in half!  My sister
    is Mary and my name is actually Anna not Ann.  My mother was living
    at a convent of sorts when my sister and I were born and the nuns
    insisted that there wasn't such a name as Ann (this was in Germany)
    so she extended Ann to Anna which was her name.  
    
    My opinion is to keep the names seperate, they'll have enough of
    a hard time finding their own idenities.  Don't dress them alike
    either.   Just my .02 cents......
    
    

    My great-grandmother and her brother were twins named William Tell
    and Minnie Belle.  My great grandmother hated her name and used
    Belle.  I don't know how her brother felt, but I bet he never told
    people his middle name.  
    
    My husband has twin sisters named Jean and Jane (identical twins).
    
    My son and his wife are expecting twins (my first grandchildren).
    They don't know the sex or whether they're identical or not, but
    have been talking about Darius if one is a boy.  Any ideas for a
    girl or boy name to go with that?

    I love the name Julian.  I would name my firstborn son (if I had
    one) Julian.  If it were a girl, I'd name her Jordanna or Adrianna.
    I like Adrian and Julian for twin boys.  I once knew twin girls
    named Sheila and Amanda, how's that for names that "go together"
    ???!!!

    Re .14
    
    ...So were they called Bill and Belle?
    
    Tracy
    

    My friend (in note 89) is still looking for names for her
    soon-to-arrive twins.  She has one girl's name and one boy's name
    selected: Jillian Ashley and Joseph Allen.  (The same initials are
    coincidence; additional names don't have to use these initials.)
    She needs another girl's name and another boy's name in case she
    has two of a kind.   She had decided on Amanda, but has since changed
    her mind.
    
    Any ideas, anyone?
    

    Hi, I've just been introduced to this file .
    What about Jennifer Ashley ( a personal favorite) or 
    Ashley Nicole. 
    I am also expecting (due date) is Jan. 3, 1988, but, Doctor
    expects a Christmas arrival.  I've already had 3 ultrasounds
    to determine why I'm so large. but, so far only one little one
    has been seen.  Hope the babies are healthly.
    Deb  Colo. Spgs.

    Deb--
    
    Good luck!!  What names have you picked out?
    
    -Tracy
    

    I just got introduced to this file. I love names, especially family
    names. I also am an identical twins. My parents had no idea we were
    twins til they did the C-section. Luckily for my parents I have
    four aunts, after whom my sister and I are named. Our names are
    Nancy Litchfield and Prudence Kate. My dad's side of the family
    has 4 sets of twins. Luckily none of the names are cutsy. I feel
    very strongly that twins (especially identical) should have individual,
    distinct names. It is difficult enough finding your identity without
    additional handicaps.
    
    nancy
    

    
    
    BOYS			GIRLS
    
    Hovig (my son)		Ani
    Zorig                       Aleen
                                     
    Avo             		Arpi
    Apo                         Salpi
        
    Those are names of twins I have met in different places in the 
    BIG USA.
    

    I went to scool with twins named Shane and Silvia.  The other 
    children in the family were Sammy, Sheila and Sherry.  How's
    that for keeping with the S's?  I forget the parents' names.
    
    Liz
    

    ...By the way, Shane and Silvia were 'both' girls.  Their
    last name was Stern.
    
    Liz
    
    

   Hi Tracy,
    If a girl, Kiera Lynn
    for a boy, Alexander Montogomery
    (my husband is a Star Trek fanantic)
    so far we've only chosen single names 
    The middle of Aug. I go to a specialist for another ultrasound.
    
    Hope you and your little one are well.
    
    Deb
    
      

   

    
    
    
    AUGUST 20, 2987  I had the ultrasound done ---- and only one baby
    was seen.  The test was 1 1/2 hours long.   Debbie

    I have twin brothers, their names are Jud and Jay.  They are nothing
    alike.  I think there should be twins in everyones family.

    I have a friend who has sisters that are fraternal twins.  They
    were born the day before Christmas.  Now being into the Christmas
    spirit at the time of labor and knowing that twins were due, they
    decided to name the girls Chris and Carol (Chrismas Carol).  How's
    that for cutesy names, but only if you know when there birthday
    is.

    I know fraternal twins whose names are Michele & Michael. Very fitting
    for them.
    
    I had a friend whose sister was named Mary, not unusual but her
    last name was Christmas. How is that for Christmas spirit?

    Talking about names that go together, my cousin Larry named his
    brood Larry, Laurel, Lenny, Lonny, Lance, Lane, and Linden.
    
    His brother David also went in the same direction.  David, Dale,
    Darryl and Dana.
    
    Not bad, 1 girl out of 10 boys.  My family on the other hand is
    Michele, Sherrill, Michel, Kristine, and Andrea.
    
    Andrea

    My brother and his wife had twins almost a year ago and they had
    a boy and a girl.  They named them Derek William (my brother's name
    is William Derek) and Amber Leigh.  They look absolutely nothing
    alike other than they are both cute.  Amber is really hyper and
    Derek is the calm, cool one.  It's neat how they have such opposite
    temperaments (this early).  Derek is bigger and stronger so he wins
    in the fight for the toys.  I wouldn't mind having twins (they run
    heavily in my family) but don't know if I could cope.  Anyways,
    those are my thoughts!
    
    Lori Chester
    
    
    
    

    By the way Derek William's and Amber Leigh's last name is Rusu which
    is my maiden name.k
    
    Lori Rusu Chester
    

    I was the one expecting to become a grandmother of twins.  They
    were born on August 26 and are identical boys.  My son and his wife
    chose to name them Ciaban Keith and Schuyler James (pronounced Keevin
    and Skyler).  Everyone asks where they came up with the names and
    comment "Only in Southern California".
    
    Whatever they were named, they're awfully cute and I'm thrilled
    with my first grandchildren.  If only they weren't so far away ...
    or should I say thank God they're so far away.

         I JUST FOUND OUT I'M PREGNANT WITH MY FIRST. WE ALREADY CHOSE
    THE NAMES. I WENT TO COLLEGE WITH A GIRL NAMED JAIA (JAY-A). I'VE
    ALSO WORKED WITH A GIRL NAMED JANA. BOTH NAMES ARE MY FAVORITE FOR
    GIRLS, SO IF I WERE TO HAVE TWINS GIRLS THEY WOULD BE JAIA LEE &
    JANA ROSE. NOT BECAUSE THEY RYME BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE MY FAVORITE.
    IF JUST ONE GIRL THOUGH WE DECIDED ON JAIA LEE. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT
    EITHER OF THEM MEAN. I KNEW A SET OF FATERNAL TWINS NAMED RANDY
    & BRANDY & THEY NEVER MINDED THE SIMILARITY.

    
    For Identical twin boys:
    
    Richard David (who goes by david) and
    Phillip Hamilton (Phillip)   
    
    some twins I have been close with.
    ccccc
    
    
    
    

    RE. .18
    
    Deb, 
     Did you have your baby yet?  My birthday is Dec. 23, I wondered
    if yours was born around Christmas?
    

    Fraternal Twins (cousins)  Ashley & Amber ugh!
    
    Friends:    Lynn & Lisa
                Karen & Sharon
                Joan & John - BTW John's wife gave birth to triplet boys
                              18 months ago. Saw them in church on Easter
                              and I certainly didn't get anything out of 
                              Mass with them in front of me.  They are #'s 
                              4,5, and 6.  They already have a girl five 
                              and custody of two nephews 11 and 15?  

    My younger brother has twin boys that are 7 years old.  He always
    said he would name is first son Brandon E. (My Father's name was
    Earl E.- - the "E" did not stand for anything).  So they now have
    a Brandon E. and a Brian Don.  Their last name is Miller.  I thought
    this was kind of cute.

    I'm a fraternal twin - my name is Catherine Lynn and my
    sister's is Caroline Gwynn.  She hates her middle name, I wish I
    had it!
    
    

As I have mentioned in another note, I babysat for a set of twin girls
whose names were Tara and Brianna.

My neices (twins also) are named Kimberly and Stacy.

    Hi everyone,
    
    I'm a fraternal twin.  My mother and father thought they were going
    to have boys and they had the names Jack and Gerry picked out. 
    When we came out as girls they just changed them to Jackie and Geri.
    
    I loved being a twin when I was little.  My mother dressed us alike
    until we got to that age when we didn't like it anymore and she
    let us dress differently.  Having a twin is like always having a
    special friend there. 
    
    It's great being a twin!
    
    Geri

                  {Sometimes it doesn't matter}
    
    I went to school with identical twins with the perfectly nice names
    of Bernette and Beverly.  However, one was sort heavy and the other
    talked a lot.  You guessed it - we called them Hippy and Lippy!

I just had fraternal twin boys.... I named them Brendan Michael and Cory
Andrew.  They are nothing alike, but LOTS of work!!

I wanted to make sure they had their own identity, although they are 
being dressed alike (I got two of everything for them, so I have no choice
right now!!!), but I did want them to know that they are each an individual
with individual needs...etc...

Renee

    My grandpa had twin brothers...
    
    	Lloyd and Floyd   
    
    And I had friends at school..
    
    	Elaine and Eileen   
    
    (It took me four years to learn to tell
    them apart, and if I meet an Elaine or Eileen, I still mix up
    the names)
    
    
    Frankly, I would _avoid_ the above combinations or similar
    alliterations..
    Nancy

    My grandmother is an identical twin, and she and my great aunt 
    are VELMA and THELMA.  Personally, I think this is hideous.
    Now that they are older, they look less alike, but in old family
    portraits, they are identical.  They were dressed alike until they
    we adults....I guess way back in 1915 you didn't argue about such
    things.
    
    If I have twins I would name them individual, distinct, non-rhyming
    names.  I think it is so much harder to remember who's who if the
    names are rhyming or 'too' close.
    
    Twins I've know:
    
    Matt and Mark (I think Mark's the one with the crooked nose...)
    Jim and Tim (absolutely identical, I still don't know who's who...)
    Lora Lee and Lora Ann (so much for originality!)
    
    For me?  Well, I like Lucy and Amelia or Daniel and Christopher.
    At lease I'm prepared....and, as usual, very opinionated!
    
    Happy Hunting,
    
    
    Linette Marie Felicity
    (named for St. Linus, of all people!!)
        

    My sisters are not twins, but almost.  They are 11 months apart,
    and mom called them Katherine Ann and Carol Marie (Kathy and Carol).
    Now they both have a daughter each, and one is named Mary Ann, and
    the other is named Anne Marie.  (Named after each other's middle
    names.)

	I once knew a family where the boys (not triplets) were
	called Alejandro, Alfredo, and Alberto.  Alejandro was the
	only one who didn't go by his full name -- he got called
	Alex.  In the family, Alfredo often got called Fredo and
	Alberto Tito.  Interesting that Spanish nicknames aren't
	formed the same way they are in English -- or everyone
	would've answered to Al!

		-- Cliff

    
    Friends of ours have a son and daughter that are 2.5 years apart
    and their names are Nathan and Natalie.  My husband calls them 
    Nate and Nat.  He can't stand it when people name their kids with
    similar names especially twins.  
     
    Some twins that I've known:
    
    William + Peter (Bill + Pete)
    Elizabeth + Bobby-Jo (both girls)
    Paul + John
    Gwendolyn + Sarah
     I don't think I've ever known any twins with matching names.
    
    The first three sets of twins didn't look all that much alike.
    They each had something different about them but Gwen and Sarah
    look so much alike it is uncanny.  They are in the Sunday School
    class I teach and I still have trouble telling them apart.  Their
    parents don't dress them the same so once I get the right name I
    don't forget (on that day).  They are only 2 and they are so cute.
    
    I'm pregnant with my first (due in Sept) and there is a possibility
    of twins (due this generation on his side AND my side).  He said
    that if it is twins, they HAVE to be girls and HAVE to be as cute
    as Gwen and Sarah or they go back.  I'm only 2.5 months and I haven't
    had any ultrasounds done yet so it only a slight possibility.

    On March 15 my wife delivered identical twin boys, Robert Douglas
    and Stephen Clay.  We were given a lot of matching clothing as people
    assume that being twins, and identical, they will be wearing the
    same things. Although we do sometimes dress the alike, and they
    do look cute, we tend to dress the differently since they are different
    personalities and it also assists people in identifying them.
    
    As they get older we will dress them differently more often to enforce
    their individuality because they will have identity problems all
    their lives, (I often mistake one for the other). The choice of
    course will be theirs later anyway, but why hinder them from the
    start.
    
    
    Proud father, Jeff.

    I believe in NOT dressing, naming, treating twins alike.  I have
    twin brothers, (Older than me), so I had been raised with, as twins
    I know now call it, "twin-sympathy".
    
    Twins I have known:
    
    Richard and Randall (Rick & Randy; my brothers)
    Patricia & Letitia (Patty & Tishy; and they HATED it!)
    Jane & June
    Jane & Jean
    Guy & Gail
    Dawn & Samantha
                          
    Except for Guy & Gail, all of the others are identical.
    Twins run on both sides of my family, rather heavily (my mother
    was a twin, I have twin brothers, my other 2 brothers were supposed
    to be twins, I have twin uncles on my father's side, etc.) so my
    siblings and I were all worried.  But now it is up to either one
    sister, my younger brother, or myself.
    
    My husband and I have names, just in case:
    
    if it is girls, Deborah Leigh & Celina Emily
    if it is boys, Robert Leigh & Kenneth Leo
    if it is one of each, Deborah Celina & Robert Kenneth                   
    
    All of these names have meanings: "Deborah", "Robert" & "Kenneth"
    are very dear friends of ours.  "Celina" was my great-grandmother.
    "Leigh" is my husband (yes, that is how it is spelled!), "Emily" is
    my mother-in-law's name turned inside-out (Ella May), "Leo" is my
    father.
    
    The day that I become pregnant, and find out that I _will_ be having
    twins, I have every intention of telling people NOT to buy 2 of
    everything matching!                                   
    
    Names have always been a fascination of mine.
    
    K.C. Fahel

    I have a history of twins in my family-especially in this generation
    and I am prepared for the possibility someday!!  
    The twins in my family now:
    
    Girls-Elizabeth and Abigail
    Eric and Rebecca
    Karl and Neil
    
    If I had twin girls, I have already decided I would name them:
    
    Kassidy and Carolyne
    or
    Kassidy and Kylie
    
    Kassidy is my favorite name for a girl!
    
    Lori, and no I'm not planning to have children yet!

    In PEOPLE Magazine, there was an article on Twinsburg, Ohio, that
    has a Twin festival, with photos of some twins.  Here are the first
    names.  (I have a code for approx. ages: O=older than 50, Y=younger
    than 16, M= in between)
    
    David and Dan - M
    Marilyn and Carolyn - M
    Janice and Julie - Y
    Tyler and Luke - Y
    James and Nicholas - Y
    Jim and Joe - O
    Ned and Fred - M
    Linda and Sandi - M
    Jerrika and Terrika - Y (can you believe THAT one?)
    Chrissy and Cindy - M
    Devon and Erin - Y
    Jacki and Vicki - Y
    Eva and Neva - O
    Lori and Lindsey - Y
    Sharon and Sara - Y
    Denise and Diane - M
    
    For the record, these are all same-sex twins, and all but James
    and Nicholas are identical.  (That's an interesting pair; James
    is tall and thin and slightly blonde, Nicholas is shorter, fat and
    has black hair.)
    
    K.C.

    I went to school with twin girls Charlene Cara and Darlene Dawn.
    And I took care of twin foster babies awhile back named Regina and
    Geniveve

    
    Just my .02$ worth.
    
    I went to school with a few sets of twins
    	Cara/Carol--identical
    	Amy/Tim
    	Tom/Beth
    	Rebecca/Randy
    	Don/Dan
    	Robert/Robin-one each
    	
    I used to babysit a set of ideentical twins Jason/Christopher and til
    the day I stopped, I couldn't tell them apart--they loved that!!
    
    I have always wanted a twin sister, or at least one very close in age,
    but instead got a brother 4-1/2 years later.  Rumor has it that there
    are twins in my family on BOTH sides, therefore I'm psyched.  I don't
    believe in the cutsie names or outfits either--everyone deserves to be
    their person.
    
    --raquel
    
    	                   

    How about   Lauren and Leigh ?????
    
    /Kim

    
    I have twin neices named      Malorie and Michaela
    
    Their parents have a thing about M's ... Mom's name is Marcia
    					     Dad's dame is Michael
    					     Older sister's name is Marla.
    
    
    
    Joan

    I have twin aunts Beatrice and Bernice.  My brother has Jill and Jason,
    and his older son Garrett has identical twin daughters Jillian Patricia
    and Jenna Rose.  I have a cousin who had twin girls -one died at birth.
    My husband had twin cousins Leslie and Lynda.  Leslie died of ovarian
    cancer about three years ago at age 23.  Lynda is lost without Leslie-
    they looked alike, dressed alike, roomed at UMass together, and moved to
    Michigan to work after graduation.  First time their environment was
    different- they worked for two different corporations, but lived
    together. When Leslie got sick they both moved back home. In 5 months
    Leslie passed away and Lynda has been living at home since- lost
    without her sister.

    I need some help with twin names for a friend of mine --
    
    She is 9 weeks and is definitely having twins (verified by two 
    ultrasounds).  She doesn't know the sex yet but says that boy/
    girl twins run on her mother's side.
    
    Her name is Korilyn Whitley and her husband's name is Alan Whitley.
    
    Any suggestions for Baby Boy and Baby Girl Whitley?
    
    My favorites are Jacob Morgan and Rebekah Leigh.
    
    Thanks for your help,
    
    Kathy   P.S.  her due date is Nov 16

Congratulations to your friend!

Off the top of my head, I think these names sound good with Whitley, but it's
hard to guess - not knowing their choices for middle names, their heritage, etc.

[these are not really matched up]

Boys:			Girls:
	Dean			Michelle
	Nathan			Danielle
	Mitchell		Monica
	Daniel			Erica
	Taylor			Samantha
	Dillon			Amanda
	Eric			Elise
	Victor			Veronica
	Jason			Jenna
	Lukas			Dana
	Raymond			Kara

Somehow a lot of D-names came to mind, and girls names ending in "a" sounds.
I think Whitley is pretty easy to work with, so I hope they have fun coming up
with possible combinations for the twins!

Let us know if you can get more specifics on names they like, family names,
middle names, etc.

Good luck,
-Cori

    RE: 39.57 
    
    Did you friend Korilyn have her twins?   Hope everything went well! 
    
    fill us in will you?    
    
    Thanks,!!
    
    Christina