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Name Help: Ethan, Tess, Levi, and …

January 18, 2019 By appellationmountain 33 Comments

Name Help: A Sister for Ethan, Tess, and LeviName 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!

Ellie writes:

Choosing names has always come easy for us. We named our son about ten minutes after the ultrasound tech declared, “it’s a boy.” Our daughter was down to two or three favorites, but we agreed right after she was born.

Their full names are Ethan Edward and Tessa “Tess” Marie. Edward and Marie are family names that happen to be kind-of-sort on both sides of our families. Our last name is a presidential surname that starts with C and ends with -er.

We are now expecting twins – a boy and a girl. They will complete our family.

We have a name picked out for our son: Levi Andrew. But for a daughter, we’re stuck.

I’m not sure if we have any can’t-break rules, but generally:

  • Because our last name is a popular first name, we don’t want to use anything like Madison that would lead to confusion.
  • I don’t like alliteration. Tessa was almost Clara, but I decided Clara C. sounded too cartoon-character to me.
  • We would prefer to avoid repeating initials, so no more names that begin with E, T, or L.
  • Nicknames are okay when they’re obvious, like Tess for Tessa.

Neither of us is very adventurous. We’re not going to have a kid named Blue Ivy or anything like that. But we do know a lot of kids at this point, and names like Olivia, Isabella, Evelyn, and Emma/Emily and Amelia are probably out because we know more than one, though they are all names that we like.

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

Dear Ellie –

Congrats on your twins! With your new son named, you’re halfway there … now let’s see if we can’t come up some ideas for your daughter.

The more kids you name, the tougher it can get to avoid repeating sounds. We’ve ruled out four letters of the alphabet: C for your surname, plus E, T, and L for your other children’s names. That leaves 22 letters, though, so I think we can work with that.

Alice – Spare and straightforward, but filled with a mix of storybook innocence and real-world resilience, Alice strikes me as a fitting sister name for Tess. It’s a different initial, too, and while I questioned if Ellie and Alice were too close, I think they pass the test nicely.

Georgia – Tessa reads spunky, and so does Georgia. At just two syllables, it doesn’t require a nickname, though Georgie is obvious and available.

Grace – Single-syllable names tend to feel nickname-proof. That’s not quite true, but I think Grace/Gracie falls into the same category as Tessa/Tess – it’s a logical, obvious choice, one that your daughter could use or not over the years.

June – My first thought was Jane, but maybe June feels a little more like a sister for Ethan, Tessa, and Levi? It’s a fresh choice, upbeat and optimistic. But it also feels traditional, the kind of name that we all recognize, even if we don’t hear it often.

Molly – My first suggestion was Lily, but that clashes with Levi. So I substituted Molly instead. In many ways, it’s a traditional name – short for the evergreen Mary. But it’s also casual, a natural sister for Tessa.

Nora – Clara always makes me think of Nora. Because it avoids the initials C.C., would Nora suit?

Ruby – Ruby introduces a new vowel sound into the mix, and has a different first initial, and is pretty mainstream without being too common. Could Ruby work?

Violet – Okay, Levi and Violet might be a little too close. But I like the subtle link with the shared ‘vi’ sound in the two names, so I can’t resist adding it to the list. And I do think Violet meets all of your requirements nicely.

Overall, I’m most attracted to June and Grace. I think Junie and Gracie are nicknames in the same way that Tess is for Tessa. And I like the sound of Ethan, Tess, Levi, and June (or Grace) a lot.

But I know the community will have some great suggestions … so over to you! What would you name a twin sister for Levi Andrew?

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Comments

  1. Nessie says

    January 27, 2019 at 3:31 PM

    Grace and Ruby are perfect.

    But I’m thinking Isla, Pearl, Hazel, Heidi, Zoe, Stella or Rose.

    Or, if they like Clara, what about Sara or Zara?

    Reply
  2. holey says

    January 20, 2019 at 5:49 AM

    I’m leaving out whatever has been suggested already.

    For something less common, but still not too adventurous – Azalea, Beatrix, Zinnia.
    Somewhat more common but not excessively so – Priscilla
    More exotic – Uma, Una
    Probably not Ellie’s style, but who knows – Frida, Zelda

    Reply
    • holey says

      January 20, 2019 at 5:57 AM

      Also: Faye.

      Reply
  3. Jaime says

    January 19, 2019 at 11:21 AM

    I think Georgia, Nora, Ruby, Grace or Molly are spot on. Of those, I think Georgia and Ruby are my faves for you. I love June as well but think the others are slightly better stylistic matches.

    Another option that I love, especially with Levi: Phoebe

    Ethan, Tess, Levi and Phoebe

    Reply
  4. Andrea says

    January 19, 2019 at 11:20 AM

    I like Molly. Polly has the same feel. Or Allison, Annalise, Annika, Belle, Danica, Gillian or Jillian, Hope, Jocelyn, Julia, Mariah, Rosalyn, Victoria.

    Reply
  5. Jean C. says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:48 PM

    I feel like Abby’s suggestions knocked this one out of the park, and I especially love Georgia and Nora.
    I also like Iris, Vera, or the more unusual Veda. Maybe Paloma or Ruth. And I know the nickname first thing isn’t your style, but a Betsy (Elizabeth) or Kit (Katherine) sound like a great sister for Tess.

    Reply
  6. Charlotte says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:45 PM

    Ahhh I like their names! To me, Ethan, Tess/a, and Levi all have the exact same vibe – solid, real names that scream friendly and kind and down to earth. (I nodded my head in agreement when reading Abby’s suggestion that June might be more fitting than Jane and I think this is exactly why – both are lovely but Jane is just a *little* more prim and proper, where June is sweet and laid back.)

    If I had to name a sister for Ethan, Tess, and Levi, I’d consider:

    Anne – and I’d specifically plan to call her Annie. Annie and Tess?!?! Swoon. Ethan, Tessa, Levi, and Anne.
    Ruth – with Ruthie as an option. Tess and Ruthie. Ethan, Tessa, Levi, and Ruth.
    Pippa – ordinarily I prefer long formal names that can be shortened, but I think Philippa, Philomena, etc. would sound odd in this sibset. But I think Pippa would be smashing. Tess and Pip, Tess and Pippa, Tessa and Pippa – all great. Ethan, Tess, Levi, and Pippa.
    Hattie – I LOVE Harriet and I think it could work in this sibset, but I think Hattie might be an even better fit. Ethan, Tess, Levi, and Hattie.

    I am also in *love* with the idea of Posy and Josie or Jo. Is Josie a “real” formal name?? Honestly asking – not being snarky at all! Because I love the idea of Ethan, Tess, Levi, and Josie – I think they are perfect together. But Josephine sounds a little long for them. I think Jo would be a sweet nickname for a sister for Tess, as well. Posy also is gorgeous – but again, is it formal?

    Over all I think I’d go with Hattie as my first option, or I’d consider Josie as a name on its own, if it’s formal enough for them. But I’d be happy with any of these, and with Abby’s suggestions of June and Ruby.

    Reply
    • Charlotte says

      January 18, 2019 at 10:47 PM

      And LOVE the suggestions below of Meg or Mae! And Kate/Cate!!

      Reply
  7. crysandson@gmail.com says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:17 PM

    What comes to mind for a sister to Ethan Edward and Tessa “Tess” Marie and twin of Levi Andrew is Alivia ( or Olivia) Claire

    Reply
  8. Liza says

    January 18, 2019 at 8:57 PM

    I thought Nora right away! Sounds great with sibs and last name!

    Reply
  9. Erin Beth says

    January 18, 2019 at 8:18 PM

    My favorite suggestions are Molly and Nora. I would add Delia, Vera, and Joanna, but my favorite is Nora.

    Reply
  10. zenspiral says

    January 18, 2019 at 8:05 PM

    Hannah Kate
    Nora Rose

    Reply
  11. FE says

    January 18, 2019 at 7:10 PM

    How about Nell?

    Ethan, Tessa, Levi & Nell.

    Reply
  12. The Mrs. says

    January 18, 2019 at 7:00 PM

    How about Margo?
    Margo C—-er
    Levi & Margo
    Ethan, Tessa, Levi, and Margo

    Everyone gets their own first initial and ending sound. Plus, everyone has two syllables.

    Milly might suit you, too.

    Milly C—-er
    Levi & Milly
    Ethan, Tessa, Levi, and Milly

    Do love the suggestion of Gemma!

    Best wishes and congrats!

    Reply
  13. Renée says

    January 18, 2019 at 6:40 PM

    How about Audrey?
    Audrey and Hallie are the two I would add… But I love Abby’s suggestions too! I think Georgia would be my fave from Abby’s list.
    Audrey Jane
    Hallie Grace
    Georgia Lucy

    Congrats on twins!!

    Reply
  14. Dana says

    January 18, 2019 at 4:24 PM

    Congratulations!! LOVE the suggestions of Daphne, Darcy, Georgia, Juliet, Nina, Noelle, Phoebe, Rose and Simone. I also recommend Daisy, Frances, Maisie, Paige, Valerie and Whitney.

    Reply
    • Emma says

      January 18, 2019 at 11:07 PM

      Oh, yes. Daisy is a perfect suggestion!

      Reply
  15. Em says

    January 18, 2019 at 3:52 PM

    What about Maggie? Or Laya or Layla?

    Reply
  16. Emma says

    January 18, 2019 at 3:21 PM

    I really love Abby’s suggestions of Georgia & Molly for you! Audrey was one I would have added, but I see it already has been more than once. So I second that one. Still, Georgia might be my favorite…though Molly sounds great, too… I don’t know which I like most with the other siblings. You really can’t go wrong either way! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Keats says

    January 18, 2019 at 3:09 PM

    Congratulations on your two new arrivals!!

    I came to second Maeve with possible nn Mae. Ethan, Tess, Levi and Mae. Keeps the two syllable boy name / one syllable girl name pattern and keeps an “e” in all the names.

    Seems like you like the “e” vowel sound — both the long and the short. Your own name Ellie, is both the long and the short too! “Eee” for Ethan and Levi and Marie. “Eh” for Tess and Edward. So if not Maeve maybe another name with an eh/ay sound? Like Kate as a nn for Kaitlyn? Or Cecily? Tessa and Cecily seem like sister names. I think Grace works here too for the “eh/ay” reason too. Or perhaps Megan nn Meg? Meg is quite spunky. Ethan, Tess, Levi and Meg?

    Anyways, congratulations again!

    Reply
  18. Julia says

    January 18, 2019 at 3:04 PM

    I like Nova as a sister for Levi. Nice repetition of the V but they don’t sound the same at all.

    Nola is another sweet name I think would go nicely with Levi, Tessa, and Ethan.

    Love the suggestion of Olive.

    I know a little Tessa who goes by Tess. Her sister is Elise, which repeats the E first letter, but the two names do go nicely together.

    Reply
  19. Renée says

    January 18, 2019 at 12:51 PM

    What was the other name you had on your list for Tessa (besides Clara)? That one doesn’t feel right anymore?

    Tess is one of my all-time faves. Love the spunk. So a sister for Tess…(beyond the already great suggestions – i have a soft spot for Georgia, and Lucy, Hazel, Sadie, Gemma, Willa seem like the right match, although i was coming to say MAEVE! perfection both with sister and Levi)

    Ethan, Tessa, Levi & Mia
    Ethan, Tessa, Levi & Daphne
    Ethan, Tessa, Levi & Simone

    Anna is a funny one, looking at these comments. I would think it’s not very common these days, but when I had my first check-up with my second daughter (a few years ago), the nurse asked me what other names we had considered and when I said Annie, she said ‘oh thank goodness you didn’t choose that, we have Annies and Annas galore lately!’ That being said, I only know two Annas IRL spanning ten years, and my kids are in kindergarten and preschool. Maybe it depends on the area…

    Reply
  20. C in DC says

    January 18, 2019 at 12:18 PM

    Margot Jeanne
    Sophie Blair
    Zoe Elizabeth
    Tori Grace
    Lucy Jane
    Charlotte Ruth
    Laurel Anne

    Reply
  21. Romy says

    January 18, 2019 at 12:11 PM

    Maybe:

    Phoebe
    Vivian
    Sadie
    Julia (could go by Julie or Jules or use it in full)
    Zoe
    Gemma (I think this would make a great match for Tessa!)
    Fiona
    Isla (Levi and Isla sound really nice together, I think)
    Willa (another nice match for Tessa, and shares the L sound with Levi)
    Serena
    Olive (shares sounds nicely with Levi)

    I also love soneone else’s suggestion of Nina! From Abby’s suggestions, I think Molly fits best.

    Reply
  22. Brenna says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:34 AM

    I love the suggestions of Georgia, Sylvie, and Ada!

    I’d also throw in a few more:

    Anne/Annie (Anne is so classic and pretty–but I feel like I NEVER hear of any little Annies)
    Nina
    Rose/Rosie
    Mara
    Noelle

    Reply
  23. Sharimsh says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:33 AM

    If alliteration is out, then K would also be stricken from the list.

    I think from the above list, Nora and Alice address my favorite choices.

    I’d like to throw out there:
    Della
    Jenna
    Mira
    Jillian (Jill)
    Audrey
    Maeve (Mae)

    Reply
  24. Jordan P says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:31 AM

    I know we want to avoid repeating initials but Lydia is so sweet with Tess (and Ethan and Levi). But I’m usually anti twins matching sooo… I’ll second Ruby and Anna.

    Reply
  25. Stephanie says

    January 18, 2019 at 8:41 AM

    I don’t think June will work, if they’re trying to avoid ‘common’ names. I assume their last name is the same as Jimmy’s, so isn’t June too much like June C____ Cash?

    Of the ones Abby suggested, I most like Georgia. Georgia and Tessa are adorable together!

    Ada
    Audrey
    Darcy
    Flora
    Hazel
    Isabel / Isabella
    Sylvia / Sylvie

    My favourite is Ada. Ada and Tessa. Levi and Ada. Ethan, Tess, Levi and Ada. Adorable!

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      January 18, 2019 at 9:04 AM

      I didn’t even THINK of that! You’re right … June might not work.

      Reply
  26. Eloise says

    January 18, 2019 at 8:28 AM

    I really like June, Nora, Molly and Grace.

    Otherwise maybe:

    Juliet
    Hannah
    Rose
    Mary (nn Molly or Polly)
    Abigail
    Naomi (unless that is too different to Tessa?)
    Anna
    Sophie or Sophia
    Stella (too same-y as Tessa or good match?)

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      January 18, 2019 at 9:05 AM

      Love this list! Anna is one of those names we tend to assume is very popular. And I do know a bunch of girls with names like Annabelle. But Anna? I’ve only met one. I think it stands out nicely.

      Reply
    • Dr. Awkward says

      January 20, 2019 at 6:05 AM

      I think Naomi suits particularly well — especially because, like Levi, it’s an Old Testament name that ends in “i.” A subtle twin-link!

      Reply
      • appellationmountain says

        January 22, 2019 at 10:36 AM

        That’s a really good point!

        Reply

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