Boy name for b/g twinset; opinions on matchiness

Name Advice
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[name_m]Hi[/name_m] everyone! I posted on here last October[name_f][/name_f] and you all had some great suggestions on twin set names.

[name_f][/name_f]

We are still struggling on a name for our boy. We have agreed on [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] for our daughter, and somehow that’s made me love every C name for boys that much more, because I had set a rule of the twins not having the same initial or matchy names.

[name_f][/name_f]

Reddit name nerds have strong opinions on twin matchiness, to make it clear that the twins are individuals. I agree with that, that they are individuals, and I don’t want them to have effectively the same name. But I’m curious to hear opinions here. Where is the line on matchiness? Is the line the initial? The sound? The similarity? For example:

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & [name_m]Cecil[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- same initial, but hard and soft c sounds so quite different.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & [name_m]Clarence[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- same initial, both hard sounds, but different sounds otherwise.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & [name_m]Casper[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- same initial, both C_s at the start but because of syllables that’s less noticeable. Is it somehow ‘better’ if it’s spelled [name_m]Kasper[/name_m]?
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & [name_m]Cosmo[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- the extreme example. Obviously these are male and female forms of the same name, and I think the line is at least above here :upside_down_face:

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]My[/name_f] overthinking on this topic comes mostly from the fact that I really love the name [name_m]Casper[/name_m].

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]My[/name_f] older son is named [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]. Name pairings that remain in the running:
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- came around to this name not being that weird for me to use, even though I know someone with the name. Really love it.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & [name_m]Casper[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- love it, wish they didn’t both start with C_s.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- love this name and meaning, love nn [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] or [name_m]Luc[/name_m] or [name_f]Lu[/name_f], and tend to fall back to it being our top choice… but it somehow doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe I find it a little hard to say? Maybe the sss sound in the middle of both names is throwing me? I don’t love having another ‘n’ ending name in the sibling set either.

[name_f][/name_f]

Our last name is four syllables long and italian, ends in o.

[name_f][/name_f]

If you followed the other thread, I still love [name_f]Florence[/name_f] for a boy and am fine with it in the US, but worry that it would not travel well, given it’s a top 10 name for girls in the UK, top 30 for Australians… etc.

[name_f][/name_f]

Thanks for sharing your opinions!

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[name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] is fine, and if you are worried about the C, [name_m]Kasper[/name_m] and [name_m]Gasparo[/name_m] are the same name. [name_f][/name_f] [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] also works, but it might be too popular.

[name_f][/name_f]

I love [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] with [name_f]Cosima[/name_f]. [name_f][/name_f] I also love [name_f]Florence[/name_f], but would spell it Florenz to make clear it’s the boys’ name.

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What a lovely name style!

[name_f][/name_f]

I personally think it’s fun to have somewhat related names for twins, without pushing it too far on ‘matchiness’, but also on ‘differentness’.

[name_f][/name_f]

Of course, the obvious example there is [name_m]Cosmo[/name_m] + [name_f]Cosima[/name_f], though even then they sound distinct enough it could still work. (Listen, I’ve known twins named [name_f]Carolina[/name_f] and [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], and [name_m]Cy[/name_m] and Kai) [name_f][/name_f]- and I might be today years old learning [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] is the feminine version of Cosmo; I truly don’t know what I thought it meant, but I never thought about that.

[name_f][/name_f]

On [name_m]Cecil[/name_m], it’s nice the initial is matching but the sound is different, but did you notice it’s actually much closer to [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]?

[name_f][/name_f]

I think [name_m]Casper[/name_m] and [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] have a nice balanced sound and vibe to it. They are completely different names, I don’t think changing to K is necessary unless that’s your preferred spelling. I swear, even though they have 2 similar letter sounds, they sound very different!

[name_f][/name_f]

Honestly, my favorites are your top 3 still in the running.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Sylvan[/name_m], [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- soft and warm sounds, makes me think of Sylvanian Families / [name_f]Calico[/name_f] Critters (in a good way!)

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Sylvan[/name_m], [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- pulling it more towards the posh and classic side. I hadn’t at all thought about the matching N ending for the boys, but I do think [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] and [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] match better than [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] with the set.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Sylvan[/name_m], [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- nothing straight fowardly matchy about it, but they have a background of nature related names, which is nice. These are also very soft sounding, makes me think of the night sky.

[name_f][/name_f]

On [name_f]Florence[/name_f], [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_f]Florence[/name_f] sound great together, but I do admit I would think it’s 2 girls. Is [name_m]Lawrence[/name_m] / spellings an option?

[name_f][/name_f]

In short, my vote goes to [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]!

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I think [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] go great together but they are a little too matchy so I would probably spell it with a “K.” I also love [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]- I like that they share the “os” sound but remain distinct from each other and have different initials.
[name_f][/name_f]So overall, I would vote for [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] (or Kasper!)

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Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

[name_f][/name_f]

I imagine most people wouldn’t immediately know the connection between [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Cosmo[/name_m]. [name_m]Cosimo[/name_m] and [name_f]Cosme[/name_f] are two other variants from the same root/meaning :slight_smile:

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Cecil[/name_m] isn’t one I’ve considered heavily, just a helpful example of a same initial but different sound. Agreed it feels too close to [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m].

[name_f][/name_f]

I like the idea of [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] feeling posh and classic in the sibset… in my head it is going to be tied to ACOTAR and romantasy worlds and that’s a different vibe. We liked this name prior to that series becoming popular!

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[name_m]Lawrence[/name_m] is a lovely name and I think fits the sibling set well. I’m not sure I love it enough to top my list, but I think about it a lot as I wish I did! I really fear the nn [name_m]Larry[/name_m]. Not my vibe. We’d hope for [name_m]Rory[/name_m] or [name_m]Ren[/name_m], probably.

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I definitely think that “matchy” twin names are usually more extreme than just the same initial – for example, [name_m]Oliver[/name_m] & [name_f]Olivia[/name_f] (much like [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] & Cosmo) or [name_f]Eva[/name_f] & [name_f]Ava[/name_f].
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Ambrose[/name_m], [name_m]Casper[/name_m], & [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] are all fabulous options here, but [name_m]Casper[/name_m] is definitely my favorite. Such a handsome name that sounds lovely with [name_f]Cosima[/name_f], and I don’t think the C_s is a big deal, especially because of the differences in syllables and all the other letters. [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] would be my second favorite; I really enjoy how he brings in both the soft, nature-y vibe of [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] and the more literary aspect of [name_f]Cosima[/name_f].
[name_f][/name_f]I still love [name_f]Florence[/name_f] as an option as well, though I do understand your point about it not travelling well… maybe [name_m]Florian[/name_m], [name_m]Florent[/name_m], [name_m]Florentine[/name_m], or [name_m]Floris[/name_m] as alternatives?

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I wish I loved [name_m]Florian[/name_m], but for some reason I don’t love it as much as [name_f]Florence[/name_f]. I’m not sure why!

[name_f][/name_f]

It may be that I bring 2-3 names to the hospital and decide then. Never thought as someone who constantly reads about and loves names to be the person doing that! I’m usually much more decisive.

[name_f][/name_f]

Your descriptions of [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] make me love both of them more! Thanks <3

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[name_f][/name_f]

For me, so long as the two names sound and look different enough and you’d have picked them both, separately, even if you weren’t having twins, I’m okay with slight matchiness, same initials and a subtle theme.

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In terms of your sets, my thoughts would be:

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[name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Cecil[/name_m] → different enough in sound and style

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[name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Clarence[/name_m] → similar style but different enough sound

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[name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] → a teeny bit matchy [name_f][/name_f]- it’s the cos/cas for me and similar end sounds (in my accent) [name_f][/name_f]- [name_f][/name_f] but it’s not too much at all [name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- they’re clearly different names [name_f][/name_f] and it doesn’t feel forced

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[name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Cosmo[/name_m] → would be too much for me

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(for what it’s worth, I’ve known twins with one letter differences in their names [name_f][/name_f]- think [name_m]Timmy[/name_m] and [name_m]Tommy[/name_m], [name_f]Alba[/name_f] and [name_f]Alma[/name_f], [name_f]Aniya[/name_f] and Ariya)

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Of your other names, I love [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]!

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First of all, love your naming style!!

[name_f][/name_f]

Secondly, while I do frequently use Reddit, it’s not generally known as being somewhere with balanced opinions lol (altogether, not just that particular subreddit). Many many many twins share names with the same initial, and I do think they can get too matchy (variations of the same name and sound alike names would be my personal line), I imagine many twins would enjoy the connection if you’re still treating them as individuals. I don’t think I would use twin names with the same initial, because I just tend to avoid that in general, but I see zero problem with others doing it.

[name_f][/name_f]

From the C names you’ve listed, I do think [name_m]Cosmo[/name_m] and [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] are definitely too similar for twins (shame because I adore Cosmo!!). [name_m]Casper[/name_m] is a great choice! I don’t think spelling it with a K would make a difference. Most people will just be hearing his name not seeing it, and will likely assume the C spelling. [name_m]Clarence[/name_m] and [name_m]Cecil[/name_m] are great too!

[name_f][/name_f]

As for the other names, big fan of all three! They all sound great with [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] and [name_f]Cosima[/name_f]. I don’t know how much of an issue [name_f]Florence[/name_f] on a boy would be abroad. I do see your point, but unless you travel frequently or plan on living abroad, I don’t really see it coming up much. If you’re thinking of when he would be an adult and possibly doing those things, I’d imagine he’d find a way to stand on his own with it. Sounds like [name_m]Casper[/name_m] may be the right choice, though! I’m personally rooting for him!!

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I’m not into ACOTAR, so I didn’t even know there was a [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] there. While it’s popular now, it’s only within a specific circle of readers, and not the kids generation at all, so I don’t think it’s a big worry? It would be different if it was a made up name like in other series.

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On [name_m]Lawrence[/name_m], I don’t think anyone born near the 21st century thinks of [name_m]Larry[/name_m] as a nickname, or even uses it as a name. [name_m]Ren[/name_m] is a great nickname, I think it’s quite realistic to use it. Maybe a different spelling would help the feeling? [name_m]Lorenz[/name_m], or [name_m]Lorenzo[/name_m], [name_m]Renzo[/name_m]. It’s funny it’s one letter off from [name_f]Florence[/name_f], yet feels like a world away from it.
[name_f][/name_f]You do seem to love the -ence sound, I hope there’s something that can be worked out with that for you.

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It’s a good point, and I don’t think[name_f][/name_f] that it will ever get to say, [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] level popularity, so it’s probably not something I should worry about.

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Lol! We had a [name_m]Larry[/name_m] at my work recently, middle aged guy, and I was surprised! I wonder what his full name was. I agree with your point though, I doubt most people in our circles would think to call him that.

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Isn’t it funny how one letter difference can be so huge! Our last name is very italian, four syllables, ending in o, so [name_m]Lorenzo[/name_m] feels like it would scream italian while the rest of our names do not. The double o for first and last is tough for me as well. It’s a nice name, though!

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I do like that -ence sound! It’s ok if it’s not in the cards. I’d probably have reconsidered [name_f]Florence[/name_f] for our daughter at this point if my husband didn’t love [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] so much. He has 0 opinions on names most of the time, so when he does love one I also love, I like to work with that.

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@futuremama
Aw thanks! It’s a good point about Reddit, I try to take the comments there with a grain of salt. I had thought I’d never use same initial for twins or siblings but here I am stuck on C names when it comes down to it :sweat_smile: I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!

Personally I agree that spelling Casper with a K won’t make a difference, and that everyone would assume the C spelling. I prefer the C spelling anyway. It was just an interesting detail to throw into the mix of thinking through what is ‘too matchy’. Some people reference administrative things that would be First initial. last name that could get especially confusing for twins with same birthday. But it seems like not that big of a deal.

@greyblue - I hadn’t considered Cosima and Casper having similar ending sounds in certain accents! Thanks for pointing that out.

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As I love to say (lol) I’m a twin and against matchy names (mostly because the twin relationship while special is also a burden at times and you already feel very enmeshed and compared - and twins naturally feel it’s a zero sum game). Some of this though is lessened by them being boy/girl twins and for the same reason, I think some matchiness in b/g is OK - so long as not too obvious - Cosmo is for sure too close as you say - let alone cutesy and babyish.

I love Sylvan & Cosima, and I think Cosima would especially pair well with Kasper (I like the K spelling with Sylvan for some reason, think seems more forest-like and mystical) and, my second choice would be Ambrose (I know there are good threads on nn option for Ambrose).

I really like Lucien too but it somehow gets a little lost with the others (it’s quite close to Sylvan). I also think whatever you choose needs a stronger consonant in there.

Maybe Lucian (Italian, Loo-shen) or Florian (I prefer Florian to Florence for a boy but likely just gender norms at play).

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Personally I agree that there is a line on being too matchy-matchy, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t use the same first initial. Siblings, twins or not, can share the same first initial all the time. I would stay away from names that sound the same though.

[name_f][/name_f]

For example, my mom (the baby of her family) and her siblings share similarities in pairs. [name_f]My[/name_f] mom’s eldest brother, Kɛɪth, and sister, Kᴀrɛn, start with the same initials. [name_f]My[/name_f] mom’s youngest brother, Robɛrt nn [name_m]Bob[/name_m] (which is the name he goes by 99% of the time), and my mom, Bᴀrbᴀrᴀ nn Bᴀrb (which she goes by 99% of the time as well), may have different names at first glance, but their nicknames are so close that they can easily be mistaken (in some accents, the R sound is dropped making Bᴀrb sound more like Bob)… this makes it too close for my liking.

[name_f][/name_f]

Ultimately I would stick to what names are important to you without worrying about the belief that twins who share the same first letter are too matchy.

[name_f][/name_f]

As for the Reddit community giving their opinions on twin names, I have to wonder how many have children of different ages who sport the same first letter themselves? [name_m]Just[/name_m] because you have twins, it does not change the fact that they are siblings other than that they are born on the same day (or around the same time).

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You can make a bunch of rules about naming, but in the end I think its most important that you love it! Don’t let strangers on the internet sway you away from a name you love.

[name_f][/name_f]

To me it sounds like you’ve thought this through and while cosima and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] are a little matchy, they aren’t over the top matchy or the kind of matchy that will cause problems in day to day life. [name_f][/name_f] So I wouldn’t give up the name you truly love, with that being said I do love [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m], but if you love [name_m]Casper[/name_m] more I would definitely go with that.

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I think [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] are still distinct enough that individuality wouldn’t be a problem. [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m], [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] would be a great sibset!

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I think any of your three “finalists” would be great choices.

[name_f][/name_f]

By the way, I love the idea of a boy’s name with a possible feminine nickname (since you mentioned you’ve called [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] “Sylvie” before). [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] “Lucy” (or “Lou” for a truly unisex option) [name_f][/name_f]- or [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] “Amber” or “Rose/Rosie” [name_f][/name_f]- would go along with that theme.

[name_f][/name_f]

If I had to vote for one it’d be [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] (one of my favorites, and with that spelling there would be a [name_f]French[/name_f] connection between his given name and his older brother’s nickname).

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[name_f][/name_f]

We’ve been really happy with this approach as well. It felt like a nice way to give our children options in how they identify. That is one reason I keep [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] on the list, I love the nn [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]. Especially right now as we both adore the character [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] (short for Lucifer) in the House in the [name_m]Cerulean[/name_m] [name_f]Sea[/name_f] series. [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] also fits the approach well, as you mentioned, a number of nn options that are either more neutral or feminine [name_m]Rory[/name_m], [name_m]Ames[/name_m], [name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Rosie[/name_f], [name_f]Roz[/name_f]. I had intended to choose a name with a more neutral or masculine nn for our daughter as well, but [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] doesn’t work as well with that approach and my husband really likes it and it was one of my top finalists as well.

[name_f][/name_f][name_f][/name_f]

I’m sure many do have children with the same initial! Interestingly, two of [name_f]Claudia[/name_f] Schiffer’s children (not twins) are [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Caspar[/name_m]. Third one is [name_f]Clementine[/name_f]. When I was reading about her having a daughter named [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] I was so shocked to see she also used [name_m]Caspar[/name_m]! What are the chances :sweat_smile:

[name_f][/name_f]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

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I would use [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] instead of [name_m]Kasper[/name_m]. A Variation of the Name [name_m]Kaspar[/name_m].

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Cosima[/name_f] anf [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] is a beautiful sibset

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I think [name_m]Cecil[/name_m] [name_m]Clarence[/name_m] and [name_m]Casper[/name_m] / [name_m]Kasper[/name_m] fit great with [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] and [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] but [name_m]Cosmo[/name_m] is definitely too close in my opinion

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]My[/name_f] grandma has a twin brother, and their names are basically the same name but different gender. I don’t think she minds it at all, but in her case you could tell her parents were only expecting one baby and basically said “this if it’s a boy and that if it’s a girl”

[name_f][/name_f]

I also love [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m] and [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] with their names too! I know you’ve mentioned you don’t love the repetitive n at the end of [name_m]Lucien[/name_m], but I think that’s could be sweet that the kids all share similar letters. I think [name_m]Lucian[/name_m] is a lot closer to [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] than [name_m]Lucien[/name_m] though it’s still very different

[name_f][/name_f]

And I do think [name_f]Florence[/name_f] is cute for a boy, though I do see it more as a girl name myself! I love the nickname [name_m]Ren[/name_m]