Creative Strategies for Naming Twins

I learned I was having natural, fraternal twins at my four month ultra-sound. It was a terrifying moment charged with so many feelings but no doubt, one of the greatest days of my life. After the reality of that news wore down (which took months), and the closer to "due" date we became, the name planning began. What a ride.

Having been a mother before, I thought naming single babies was hard! What a laugh. Twin names can be almost impossible to land on. But, there are things that can seriously help and ease the tension. So, if you are expecting twins, consider this!

Establish What You Agree On

When two people come together to name twins it can cause friction. Not every conversation will end fruitfully, but it can be encouraging that you may have come a tad closer to a decision. If you have a discussion about naming with your spouse and it is going south, be sure to summarize aloud what you agree on.

State the obvious just to remind yourself that you are in agreement on some things. Consider your conversation and just say, "Well, we both know we don't like names that end in "y". That's a start." Perhaps it is that you both want Irish names. Perhaps the only thing you agree on is that you don't want the names to rhyme. What ever it is, cling to it openly. Slowly, as you weed things out, what you care about most will come into focus. It is a simple way to start and it lays good groundwork to build upon as the search continues.

With so many health concerns that surround a twin birth, just getting them into the world is stress enough. By doting on the things you agree on, aloud, you are focusing on facts in a positive way. Take the positive where you can get it. A twin pregnancy is hard stuff!

Use Your Baby Shower

At my shower, my mom came up with a game called "Name that Twin." It was really fun. She made lists of all the names we were considering and names others were considering for us with a check box by them. Everyone that came had to put their own name on the paper and select their favorite twin names for us. There was also a line for "other." That proved to be great entertainment. Men in the room put things like, "door" and "mat." It was silly and we never used any names on those lists, but it proved good fun and was a great keepsake for the twin's baby books.

The Final Hour

The last week, before my scheduled inducement, my husband and I had still not landed on names. One night, we decided to make separate lists. He listed his 15 favorite names and I did the same. Then, we switched lists. One for one, we got to cross a name off of each others list and explain why that name wouldn't work for us. The last two names on the lists were the winners. In fact, they are the names of our twins today.

These lists are in their baby books, too. They are entertaining to look back on because that night my husband and I shared talking was a fun night, worth remembering. It was the night we put the whole matter to bed and really felt good about our choices. Even if you don't stick with the names, I encourage you to try it. You may be surprised what names make the draft.

Keep it to Yourself

I think this is true for any parent: Once you land on a name, keep it between you and your husband. Grandmothers and siblings have such opinions and they may weigh on you over time. It is always best to go with your gut and not let anyone sway what you and your husband solidly agree on. Plus, it will be an unchangeable surprise on Birthday and the children will forever reflect your decision - and your decision alone.

What's in a Name? A lot! But mainly it is hours of pregnant moms (and dads) talking. This is a time to cherish and focus on the positive. It is a time to create memories through shower games or tangible lists that make you smile years later. Most important, it is something that should be agreed upon and trusted to the hearts of proud parents to be!