A reader named Dana writes:
We are expecting twin girls and know we want to use Anna as one of our choices. Do you have any suggestions for our second baby girl? We already have two boys who are named Ivan and Ben, so you can see we like short, simple, traditional names…and nothing that rhymes! (Also Emma is not an option!)
Here are some names that I think Dana might like:
Cleo Cora Dara Elsa Eve/Eva Gina Gwen | Jane Jill Joan Judy Kate Leah Lucy | Mary Mina Nora Olga Rhea Roma Ruth | Sara Sue Tara Tess Thea Vera Zoe |
Like Ben, many of these originated as nicknames but are now used as independent names.
Which do you like best with Anna, Ivan and Ben? What other short, simple, traditional girl names would you suggest to Dana?
My first thought was Catherine, shorted to Cate (although Anna, Ivan and Catherine all make me think of Russian historical figures or literary characters, and Ben doesn’t as far as I know).
I also think Sophie would work well with the other three names.
From the list, I like Elsa, Leah, Lucy, Sara and Zoe. For me, Eva and Eve both sound too close to Ivan.
I think Anna and Mae, Anna and Tess or Anna and Lucy would all make lovely combinations.
Other ideas:
Britt
Cara
Clare
Elise
Fay
Lara
Lily
Maud
Meg
Nell
From your list I’d chose either Eva, Jill, Sara or Zoe. I’d add:
Grace
Carla
Irene
Martha
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!
Thanks everyone! We are still undecided, but this list helps! Hopefully we will narrow it down before our baby girls arrive :)
Just heard from Dana that Anna’s sister’s name is Sara.
Very nice choice – congrats!
Still on the topic of the Anna’s twin-name, I’m a twin and my name is actually anna! And…my twins name is Emma. I, on the other hand, think it’s a GREAT name for twins to have.