Naming a Twin Sister for Hazel: Colorful, Coordinated, Classic?

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HADLEY, OLIVE, CLAIRE or SOMETHING ELSE?

Kelsey writes:

After a very long wait, we are expecting twin daughters in November. The twin part took us by surprise. We had agreed on a single girls’ name, Hazel Katherine.

There’s so specific meaning or one reason for our choice. I like that it’s a little bit old-fashioned and also strong. Plus it seems like really good name for a fall baby.

Finding a name for her sister feels impossible. While I’m technically due around Thanksgiving, there’s a very good chance I’ll deliver as early as October, so I want to be ready.

These are our favorite names so far:

• Hadley – A close second behind Hazel originally. I do still like it and my husband really likes it, but I’m nervous about two names with the same first initial.
• Olive – A close friend suggested this and I sort of love it, but are two green names too cute?
• Claire – Another name I liked for a really long time. If you ask me for my style, I’d probably say classic, and Claire feels very much like the kind of name I always thought I’d choose.

We’ve ruled out/can’t use:

• Daisy – I just think it’s too summery or something compared to Hazel, and I don’t like the way the “ayz” sound is in the middle of both names.
• Eloise – My husband just doesn’t like the “wheeze” sound.
• Charlotte – Niece’s name.
• Nora – Another niece. I like Charlotte, but I love Nora and it was originally on our short list before our niece arrived. (No hard feelings, just think it’s taken!)

Maybe we just need some new ideas? I feel like if Olive, Hadley, or Claire felt like the one we’d know by now. Or maybe I need someone else to say “yes, this one.”

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

EXPANDING A LIST TO SHORTEN IT

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new daughters!

I’ve always liked the advice to name twins as if you’re naming your next two children, not a matched set.

And yet … twin names are inevitably said together more often, at least during childhood.

Plus, twin parents tell me practical considerations factor in. Since they’ll have the same last name and same birth date, sharing a first initial, too, can cause confusion.

While you might not notice a different naming style for sisters a few years apart, it’s potentially more obvious with twins.

That said, I think you might mix and match Claire, Hadley, and Olive to find a great name.

• Hazel Katherine and Claire Hadley – Both names mix a timeless element with something slightly more current.
• Hazel Katherine and Olive Claire – Are two great names too much? I’m not sure, but they’re anchored nicely by such traditional middles.
• Hazel Katherine and Hadley Claire – On paper, this is my favorite set and I think Hazel and Hadley are just plain fun to say together. But … I hesitate because of that whole shared first initial issue. (Twin parents, please weigh in and let me know if I’m overthinking: can a twin sister for Hazel also have an H name?)

I do think sometimes fresh ideas help. Either you’ll end up with a new name combination in the mix, or you’ll realize that you can’t improve on your current favorites.

My vote goes to Claire Hadley from your original list, but let’s see if we can add some more options.

FRESH SUGGESTIONS: A TWIN SISTER FOR HAZEL

AUDREY

While I do like Claire with Hazel, I think there’s lots of appeal to another complete, two-syllable name. Audrey is less traditional than Mary, but feels more complete than something casual like Sadie or possibly even Daisy.

ESME

Hazel’s sound is distinctive. Sure there’s Mabel and Hayes, but Hazel stands out. So does Esme. That hint of a Z sound in Esme helps, too.

EVELYN

Could Evelyn be the midpoint between Olive and Eloise? It’s another late 19th century favorite with some appealing shared sounds.

MILA

Because you like Nora, I wanted to throw some other two-syllable, ends-with-a names in the mix – but obviously Cora and Flora would be non-starters. Does Mila appeal? Like Hazel, it has older roots, but it’s quite popular right now.

PHOEBE

Hazel is a subtle nature name; Phoebe means bright, and also refers to a type of bird.

STELLA

Or maybe Stella is the nature-adjacent name that works best. The repeating EL sound links the names, too.

VERA

As with Mila, Vera is a strong, two-syllable choice with that A ending. The V of Olive feels like a bonus.

ZARA

While names like Hazel and Hadley might be too matched for your daughters, Hazel and Zara both share that high value Scrabble letter Z.

Overall, it’s tough to choose! But I’m most drawn to Claire Hadley from your list, and Audrey or Stella from mine. Possibly Stella Hadley or Audrey Evelyn?

Readers, over to you! What would you name a twin sister for Hazel Katherine?