Video:How to Name Your Twins

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Transcript:How to Name Your Twins

Hi I'm Jana Singer for About.com. Today I'm going to talk about some Do's and Don'ts when it comes to naming twins. Children's names affect them for the rest of their lives, and there are many traditional and non-traditional ways to determine the best names for your new family members. First I'll go through some tips, and then I'll share things to look out for.

Twins' Names Commonly Share the First Initial

One of the most common ways to name your twins is to choose two names that start with the same letter. According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular twin names in 2010 all follow this trend. A more indirect way to make sure your twins' names are connected but different is to make an anagram. Names like Alan and Lana both use all the same letters but sound very different.

Each Parent Can Choose a Name for a Twin

In some ways, choosing twin names can be easier for a couple. If you decide to each choose one of the names, you're sure to compromise. You can find a traditional common thread, like a grandmother from each parent, or you can each choose a different name for a different reason. This method allows the twins to develop individuality.

Consider Nicknames for Twins

Now I'll share some things to keep in mind when choosing which method to follow. Rhyming twin names can be very cute for children, but it's old-fashioned, and adults with rhyming names don't think it's as cute as you did when they were babies. Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not one or both of the names can be shortened into a nick name. Make sure to stay consistent. Matthew can be shortened to Matt for example, but you wouldn't want to pair that with Mason, which doesn't have a commonly known short version. Naming twins can be a little more complicated than naming just one child, but as long as you're thoughtful about it, it can be twice the fun!

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