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Name Help: A Twin Sister for Ruby Rose

July 1, 2022 By appellationmountain 33 Comments

Name Help: Twin Sister for Ruby RoseName Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed.

We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight!

Marie writes:

My husband and I are expecting our first, and I thought we had a girl’s name all set. Ruby Rose has always been my #1 name. It’s what I wanted to name the kitten we got when I was in fifth grade. (That didn’t happen, and looking back now, that’s a relief, because I’m not sure I could name my baby after the cat!)

The twist? We’re expecting TWINS!! Both girls.

Here are our ideas:

Name one girl Ruby and one Rose. My husband came up with this one. On the positive side, I’d get to say “Ruby and Rose” together all the time! But it’s hard to let go of Ruby Rose as a single name, if that makes sense.

Name one girl Ruby Rose and find another name we love for our second daughter. This is the way I’m thinking. I’d really like the second name to have the same sound and rhythm as Ruby Rose. I’m considering Maggie Mae and Lily Lou, but my husband thinks they’re just kind of okay. (And I probably agree.)

Some other solution … Maybe it’s a sign that we should start from scratch? Or is there something else I’m not thinking of?

I’m not due until September, so we have a little bit of time. Except that twins come early, so I’d like to be prepared!

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

Abby replies:

Congratulations – and what a surprise!

Ruby and Rose both strike a certain note, don’t they? They’re vintage, but with a modern sensibility. Neither is especially frilly, but they’re both definitely feminine. And they’re both associated with the color red, though it’s not quite like naming your baby Blue. They’re well-established, mainstream choices that would wear well on a small child or an adult.

So they’re strong names and they’re well-balanced together, too.

I can definitely see your husband’s point. They’d make great names for sisters, well-matched but not in a too-cute way.

Unless … were you planning to use Ruby Rose as a double name?

It sounds like your favorite name is “Ruby Rose.” But is it actually “Rubyrose,” all together? If you’re thinking of it – and intending to use it – as a single name, that’s a little harder, right?

Because the equivalent of Rubyrose isn’t Maggie Mae. It’s Annabelle.

My guess is that you’re thinking of her name as Rubyrose, but probably intend to call her Ruby in every day life.

Here’s the million dollar question: How did you imagine introducing her?

If you conclude that you plan to use Rubyrose as a single name, then I agree – your husband’s suggestion of dividing Ruby and Rose for your twins doesn’t work.

RUBY and ROSE

But I’m hoping that’s not the case, because Ruby and Rose make great sister names.

I’d be inclined to call them Ruby and Rosie, which might be even a little more matchy – but it’s quite sweet!

That means we need to think about middle name options:

  • Ruby Louise and Rose Margaret – Inspired by the rest of your shortlist. They could be Ruby Lou and Rosie Mae for short!
  • Ruby Rae and Rose Riley – Briefer, more modern middles with the right number of syllables to balance both names.
  • Ruby Eloise and Rose Elinor – Two EL names that work for sister middles.

RUBY ROSE and ANOTHER ALLITERATIVE NAME

Of course, it’s easy to imagine another alliterative name working just as well for Ruby Rose’s sister.

  • Ruby Rose and Mila Marie – Ruby has your all-time favorite name, but Mila shares her middle with you.
  • Ruby Rose and Lily Lane – I wonder if Lou and Mae feel too slight to stand up to Rose as a middle name? Something a little longer in the middle spot might make a better match.
  • Ruby Rose and Bella Blue – Blue in the middle is just plain fun!

RUBYROSE and ANOTHER DOUBLE NAME

  • Rubyrose and Annakate – I think Annakate is a little more surprising than Annabelle, but works just as well.
  • Rubyrose and Emmajean – Again, Emma Jean is a fairly familiar first/middle combination, so it might work well smooshed together.
  • Rubyrose and Adamae – Like Ruby Rose, I think Ada Mae just plain works as a double name.

STARTING FRESH

I’ll admit that this sort of stumps me. Because you have one name you love, and no really good reason to give it up.

So I’m not going to comment on this possibility, but I’ll invite readers to think about whether Ruby Rose just isn’t the right name to use – in any combination – this time around.

My favorite option is to split the name into Ruby and Rose, with fresh middle names for both girls. Ruby Rae and Rose Riley appeal to my ear.

But I’m not sure if that feels like the best possible solution.

What would you do in this situation, readers?

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Comments

  1. Emme says

    March 15, 2023 at 10:02 PM

    I agree, breaking Ruby and Rose up seems best. What about Red as a shared middle? Ruby Red and Rose Red. Or, if you don’t plan on using Rubyrose as a double name, and you don’t mind some matchy-ness, Ruby Rose and Rose Ruby. It does seem a little unfair to give twins essentially the same name, but it might be worth it.

    Reply
  2. Jules says

    July 6, 2022 at 4:07 PM

    I completely agree, it’s such a sweet origin of twin first names. And avoids the feeling that one twin got your all time favorite name and the other got something that you liked ok to try to make it match. Ruby Louise and Rose Margaret are wonderful full names with cute nicknames Ruby Lou and Rosie Mae.

    You could probably swap some other middle names here that give the same cadence for nickname options. For example, someone suggested the middle name Isabelle for Rose, which could similarly give you Rosa Belle. Or something like Katherine –> Ruby Kate or Rosie Kate; Theresa –> Ruby Reese, Ruby Tess or Rosie Reese, Rosie Tess; Beatrice –> Rosie Bea. I’d play around with the options to see what sticks for you!

    Reply
  3. Mandie L says

    July 6, 2022 at 8:31 AM

    My first thought was that OF COURSE Ruby Rose’s twin sister would have to be Yang Xiao Long, but I wouldn’t actually use either of those names because of the immediate association with RWBY (not that it’s a bad association, just that I try not to name my kids after TV/movie characters).

    I like the idea of splitting Ruby and Rose between the sisters.

    Reply
  4. Megan says

    July 5, 2022 at 2:54 PM

    BIG AGREE. I immediately googled the name because I recognized it. I like this middle/first theme swap idea. A two syllable first one syllable second also keeps the original vibe.
    Ruby Fleur & Roselyn or Rosa Pearl
    I think Roselyn keeps the very vintage but of the moment feel that Ruby has a bit better than Rosa does.

    Reply
  5. klbgarrison says

    July 4, 2022 at 12:01 PM

    I love the timeless yet vintage feel of Ruby Rose, and though Ruby and Rose as twin sisters does seem irresistibly sweet, Ruby Rose is the name you’ve had your heart set on for so long, and it doesn’t seem like that’s changing for you. I like Maggie Mae, but here are some other names with the same classic vintage sweetness of Ruby:

    Clara: Ruby and Clara
    Annie: Ruby and Annie
    Mabel: Ruby and Mabel
    Pearl: Ruby and Poppy
    Alma: Ruby and Alma
    Jean: Ruby and Jean
    Lucy: Ruby and Lucy
    Hattie: Ruby and Hattie
    Nora: Ruby and Nora
    Caroline: Ruby and Caroline
    Faye: Ruby and Faye

    Some illertariton ideas:

    Clara Caroline
    Annie Amelia
    Mabel Madeline
    Poppy Pearl
    Alma Anne
    Jean Jospehine
    Lucy Leigh
    Hattie Harper
    Nora Nicole
    Caroline Claire
    Faye Felicity

    Reply
  6. Lua says

    July 2, 2022 at 4:10 PM

    Ruby Rose and Agnes Alma

    Ruby Rose and Gemma Grace

    Ruby Rose and Cora Cate

    Ruby Rose and Eva Ellen

    Ruby Rose and Eve Esther

    Ruby Rose and Jane July

    Ruby Rose and Fae Frances

    Ruby Rose and Mary/ Mira Moon

    Ruby Rose and Polly Opal

    Ruby Rose and Sophie Sky

    Ruby Rose and Vita Vera

    Reply
  7. Mere says

    July 2, 2022 at 1:40 AM

    If you go with Ruby Rose and call her “Ruby Rose”, I think it is a little too matchy to do Xletter Xletter name. So maybe try these:

    Lilou
    Imogen
    Mirabel
    Cecily
    Evangeline

    I would do Ruby Rose Middle and Lilou Middle. For example, Ruby Rose Mae and Lilou Margaret; and you would call them Ruby Rose and Lilou (with any number of nicknames).

    I do also like the suggestion of Sylvie Snow. For that I would call them Sylvie and Ruby and keep Snow and Rose as middle names.

    Reply
  8. Maddison says

    July 1, 2022 at 11:56 PM

    I vote you split it and make ones middle name Ruby and the other Rose. I think it makes the most sense for the situation and is the most egalitarian solution. Rather than one sibling getting the favorite name.

    I’m going to hyphen the combos to show it could work that way but it would work first and middle too

    Nola-Ruby & Betty-Rose
    Kaia-Ruby & Colette-Rose
    Alice-Ruby & Georgia-Rose
    Brielle-Ruby & Elodie-Rose
    Esme-Ruby & Jolie-Rose
    Mavis-Ruby & Edith-Rose
    Cleo-Ruby & Daphne-Rose
    Zelda-Ruby & Kenna-Rose
    Vada-Ruby & Mercy-Rose
    Willa-Ruby & Mabel-Rose
    Louise-Ruby & Abby-Rose
    Diana-Ruby & Ophelia-Rose
    Imogen-Ruby & Harriet-Rose
    Giselle-Ruby & Matilda-Rose
    Simone-Ruby & Heidi-Rose
    Camilla-Ruby & Bonnie-Rose
    Celine-Ruby & Gwyneth-Rose
    Bianca-Ruby & Sabrina-Rose
    Joan-Ruby & Viola-Rose
    Estelle-Ruby & Eileen-Rose

    Reply
  9. Kelly Rae says

    July 1, 2022 at 11:20 PM

    I say use the name you love as first and middle for one twin. I love that you mentioned Ruby Rose are both color names. Why not stay with that trend for the second twin? What about Violet or Violeta? Violet is both a color and a flower just like rose. It’s vintage and current just like Ruby Rose. Ruby Rose & Violet Fern. Ruby Rose &. Ivy Violet.

    Reply
  10. diane says

    July 1, 2022 at 10:37 PM

    Here are some ideas to consider:
    Ruby Jane and Rose Elise
    Ruby Eugenia and Rose Theodora
    Ruby Jane and Rose Sophia
    Ruby Rowena and Rose Rebecca

    Good luck with your decision.

    Reply
  11. Sheri says

    July 1, 2022 at 9:05 PM

    Another Ruby and Rose fan, but I wonder if it would feel more like a first name as Rosa?

    Ruby Louise and Rosa Margaret

    Ruby Lou and Rosa Mae

    Violet Verity and Hazel Helene also stopped me in my tracks, if you want to keep Ruby Rose together ❤️

    Reply
  12. Rachel says

    July 1, 2022 at 8:53 PM

    Maggie Mae makes me think of the Beatles song so I wouldn’t go with that one. I’d split them up and go Rose and Ruby with different middle names. They’re both nice names.

    Reply
  13. keats says

    July 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM

    So many great options! I love the idea of splitting the two so they each get something you love. I agree with others Ruby Louise and Rose Margaret / Ruby Lou and Rosie Mae are perfect. They keep the cadence of Ruby Rose while dividing it into two.

    However, they will be sharing so much for life, maybe you want to give them something all their own? I do love the suggestion of Poppy Pearl. Ruby and Poppy sound like great twin names. And I love that it inverts the gem and the flower to avoid them feeling too themed and limiting options should you have #3.

    As for other options, June hits a similar spot for me as Ruby. As does Teddy or Minnie or Winnie or maybe Sadie. What about Magnolia nn Maggie? Magnolia Mae nn Maggie would be well matched too. Ruby Rose and Magnolia Mae.

    Best of luck!

    Reply
  14. Amy3 says

    July 1, 2022 at 6:28 PM

    I love how you framed this as a story to tell the girls later on. And that the much-loved name had an element for each of them. This really gets me.

    Reply
  15. Kerri McPow says

    July 1, 2022 at 6:12 PM

    I like the idea of keeping your favorite combo, and I’ve never heard of the actress. What about Ruby Rose and Olive Ophelia? Rose and Ophelia both have a “classy” vibe to my ear. I like Hazel too, but prefer a longer middle I think: Hazel Helena?

    Reply
  16. The Mrs. says

    July 1, 2022 at 5:13 PM

    I agree that this name is ideal to be divided between the sisters!

    BUT… what if you have another girl in a few years? Any ideas of your naming style? This might help you dec, ide whether to split the name or create another gorgeous one.

    I know an abundance of twins (and have two sets the same age myself), and at some point, having items color-coded for each child becomes helpful.

    So! If Ruby Rose has the red/pink items, what color would her sister have?

    Violet Verity might have purples, or Marigold May would have yellows.

    Best wishes!

    Reply
  17. Emily says

    July 1, 2022 at 2:34 PM

    Ruby Rose and Wendy Mae or Winnie Mae

    Ruby Rose and Stella Sky

    Ruby Rose and Daisy Drew

    Ruby Rose and Hazel Hope

    Those are my first thoughts on favorite sister combos here. I LOVE the idea of double alliteration.

    Reply
  18. Hannah says

    July 1, 2022 at 2:29 PM

    Ruby Rose immediately makes me think of the actress. I’d be confused about whether the name was a tribute to her. Since she has a very edgy and sexual vibe, I think the association detracts from the sweet, vintage feel you’re going for.

    Frankly, it doesn’t feel right for a baby. To me, it’s like naming a kid Brad Pitt Lastname or Megan Fox Lastname. I would steer clear.

    I think splitting the names would make it clear you’re not naming your child after the actress. Maybe Ruby can get a floral middle name, and Rose can get a gemstone middle name, so there’s a balance between the two. For example:

    Ruby Iris
    Ruby Aster
    Ruby Magnolia
    Ruby Violet

    and

    Rose Garnet
    Rose Pearl
    Rose Coralie
    Rose Olivine

    Reply
  19. Emily says

    July 1, 2022 at 2:09 PM

    I agree with Abby on the idea of your names as sisters, as often repeated above. I personally find Ruby Rose a bit fairytale-esque and would want to lean into middles that made the names on their own a bit more grown-up sounding.

    I love Ruby with Louise or Jane. All three are on my top favorites so I am naturally about either combo.
    I like Rose with a longer name (3-4 syllables) to balance the one syllable, perhaps something from your family or your husband’s? Margaret is nice, or Isabelle. I think it sounds good with about any longer name I can think of.

    Reply
  20. Natasha says

    July 1, 2022 at 1:42 PM

    Ruby Rose and Sylvie Snow

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      July 1, 2022 at 11:23 PM

      Love it!!

      Reply
  21. C in DC says

    July 1, 2022 at 1:10 PM

    A twin parent here. I totally understand your dilemma. We used a name we’d always liked with something new and fresh for our 2nd twin. The same family surname in the middle.

    I think Ruby and Rose hit that sweet spot of sounding like sisters but aren’t quite matchy-matchy. Then you can slide any names you like into the middle spot.

    Some name suggestions that are all over the map:
    Margot
    Isla
    Iris
    Topaz
    Citrine
    Lilac
    Tulip
    Suzanne
    Kiley
    Jane
    Sylvia
    Grace

    Reply
  22. Keri says

    July 1, 2022 at 12:43 PM

    The first thing I thought of when I heard the name Ruby Rose was the actress/model, and I’ve never even seen anything she’s in. Would that association bother you? I’m not sure if splitting the names up would help lessen the association or not – as Abby said, it depends whether you’d call her Ruby Rose, or just Ruby.
    If you’re looking for another name, do you want them to be super matchy? It sounds like you’re going in that direction just because you think you have to. Something like Stella Mae, Hazel Kate, Maya Lou, would all sound good without being overly matchy.

    Reply
  23. Hannah says

    July 1, 2022 at 12:41 PM

    Hazel Hope is my first choice!

    Or

    Iris Imogene

    Hazel can mean a plant or the color, like your first pick. It also matches the syllable count in Ruby Rose. A perfect sister name without being too similar.

    Iris is also a flower and can also mean rainbow, which is lots of colors! I love the alliteration!

    Reply
  24. Patricia says

    July 1, 2022 at 12:32 PM

    For your twins I like the idea of using Ruby for one twin and Rose for the other and second Abby’s suggestion of “Ruby Louise and Rose Margaret – Inspired by the rest of your shortlist…” Those two names — first and middles — are very compatible without being “cutesy”. And I think your girls will love the story of Ruby Rose: your long-time love of the name Ruby Rose and that when you found out you were having twins, it seemed meant to be that one would be called Ruby and the other Rose.

    Best wishes!

    Reply
  25. Donna says

    July 1, 2022 at 12:31 PM

    Ruby Rose and Emmy Jo
    Ruby Rose and Mia Mae
    Ruby Jo and Rose Elaine

    Reply
  26. Renee says

    July 1, 2022 at 12:02 PM

    Pearl Poppy (or Poppy Pearl) is my vote for a perfect sister to Ruby Rose! I LOVE saying both Ruby & Pearl. Why not lean into the formula?

    Jade Jasmine
    Opal Orchid
    Beryl Bluebell

    Or interpreting Ruby as simply an old fashioned name and flipping the pattern (like Iris Imogene suggested above – SWOON!)

    Daphne Dot (or Dove!)
    Calla Cate
    Hazel Hope

    Kinda love those three with Ruby Rose!

    Good luck!

    Reply
  27. Emmy says

    July 1, 2022 at 11:46 AM

    I have a little rule for myself, I read the question then think of my answer before reading any other answers.
    I’m 100% loving Ruby and Rose.

    Pick some exquisite middle names and you’re good to go…
    My thought…
    Ruby Seraphine and Rose Sapphire

    If you’re really really welded to Ruby Rose then perhaps choose another similar name…
    Scarlett Sloane gives you the colour link.

    Personally, I’m loving the two girls as Ruby and Rose. Imagine with the nns Ru and Ro.

    Reply
  28. A says

    July 1, 2022 at 10:35 AM

    I’m not sure what direction I’d take this but here are some other ideas similar to Ruby Rose. Some might be too matchy-matchy but I’m gonna throw them out there anyways

    Opal Odette
    Gemma Jean, June, Jade, Joan
    Scarlett Sue
    Leona Lark, Louise, Lucille
    Norah Nell
    Amelia Anne
    Josie June
    Sadie Sue
    Ivy Isobel
    Iris Imogene
    Penelope Pearl
    Alice Annette
    Hazel Mae
    Matilda Mae
    Stella Sue
    Cora Kay
    Vera Violet
    Ella Estelle
    Emilia Eloise
    Lilah Lucille
    Emma Elise

    Reply
  29. Margot says

    July 1, 2022 at 10:04 AM

    Abby has hit it out of the park with this one. Bella Blue! Lily Lane! Anna Kate! Also like @AlisonD’s suggestion of Juniper Jade. It matches up the alliteration, the gemstone and the botanical themes of Ruby Rose. If you think that you’d only use Ruby as a first, I’d suggest using Ruby and Rose as fns. But if your plan is to use “Ruby Rose” together, then another alliterative choice you love for the second twin seems the way to go.

    Reply
  30. Christine says

    July 1, 2022 at 9:10 AM

    Lily Lane! Love that they are all nouns but all used as names as well, plus the alliteration.

    Reply
  31. Alison D says

    July 1, 2022 at 9:07 AM

    Ruby and Rose are beautiful sibling names. But if you want to keep Ruby Rose as one name, how about Juniper Jade?

    Reply
  32. Willow says

    July 1, 2022 at 8:18 AM

    Maya Sage!

    Reply

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