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Help[Opinions] Twin name question and name nerd novel question
The first question is for a story I'm writing, but it's relevant for general naming too. Do you think twin names should be separate or have some kind of connection? In my story, I originally named the twins Ariel and Harlow, but then I thought of changing it to Ava and Harlow, so the names would have a theme (classic movie stars). I like Ariel better, and I think it suits the character slightly better, but I really like the idea of the themed names. What would you do?
The second question is: if I go with the themed names, do I mention it in the book somewhere, e.g. 'their mother was a fan of old movies'? Or do I mention it in a subtle way e.g. have Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe pictures in the den? Or do I not mention it, and have it as a fun fact for name nerds to figure out and probably have no one except for name nerds realise it?
In another story, I have a character named Aurora Valentina, who was born at dawn on Valentine's Day (and named for that reason). In this case, I probably would mention it, but should I say why she was named, or should I just subtly mention her birth date etc in the book somewhere and have the name nerds go "Oh that's why!", but probably have no one else notice?
The second question is: if I go with the themed names, do I mention it in the book somewhere, e.g. 'their mother was a fan of old movies'? Or do I mention it in a subtle way e.g. have Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe pictures in the den? Or do I not mention it, and have it as a fun fact for name nerds to figure out and probably have no one except for name nerds realise it?
In another story, I have a character named Aurora Valentina, who was born at dawn on Valentine's Day (and named for that reason). In this case, I probably would mention it, but should I say why she was named, or should I just subtly mention her birth date etc in the book somewhere and have the name nerds go "Oh that's why!", but probably have no one else notice?
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I like twin names that do have a theme to them. I don't like when twins have very similar sounding names. So I wouldn't like a twinset Logan/Brogan, but I would like Violet/Iris.
And, if it were me, I would mention the mother was a fan of old movies. Whether you choose to be subtle or not depends on what works best for your novel.
As for Aurora Valentina, it would, again, depend on your novel. For some reason I'd feel less likely to mention it here... I think just slipping in her birth date somehow would be preferable.
And, if it were me, I would mention the mother was a fan of old movies. Whether you choose to be subtle or not depends on what works best for your novel.
As for Aurora Valentina, it would, again, depend on your novel. For some reason I'd feel less likely to mention it here... I think just slipping in her birth date somehow would be preferable.
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In real life I think twins, just as any siblings, should have individual names, although a subtle theme isn't terrible. But there are plenty of people out there who would think it was cute to name their twins really themey things, so for the sake of a story I would find it perfectly appropriate since it's realistic. But I guess it would depend on the twins' parents... is it something their parents would do?
I would definitely mention their mother was a fan of old movies in passing if you go with Ava and Harlow. That's the sort of thing you can stick into a story to develop characters nicely, and I try to do a lot of that kind of stuff in my own writing. Same with the Valentine's thing.
I would definitely mention their mother was a fan of old movies in passing if you go with Ava and Harlow. That's the sort of thing you can stick into a story to develop characters nicely, and I try to do a lot of that kind of stuff in my own writing. Same with the Valentine's thing.
This message was edited 6/2/2011, 7:17 AM
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I don't think twin names should be too matchy (rhyming, anagrams et.c), but they shouldn't be too different either. For example, if you had daughters called Mackenzie and Ellen I would think they were too different because they're such different styles.
Ava and Harlow is no better or worse than Ariel and Harlow. I don't think people would even get the classic movie stars thing because Ava and Harlow are relatively popular names anyway, and not just associated with the movies. It's not that obvious to me, so I probably wouldn't bother mentioning it as I think a lot of people would miss it.
Ava and Harlow is no better or worse than Ariel and Harlow. I don't think people would even get the classic movie stars thing because Ava and Harlow are relatively popular names anyway, and not just associated with the movies. It's not that obvious to me, so I probably wouldn't bother mentioning it as I think a lot of people would miss it.
This message was edited 6/2/2011, 6:59 AM
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I don't think you need to mention it, if people don't get it anyway they're likely not to care.
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I agree, if it's not vital to the story, don't explain it. You don't need to spell out everything.
And I'd go with Ariel if you like that best. I'm not big on themey twinsets, but like Ava and Harlow.
And I'd go with Ariel if you like that best. I'm not big on themey twinsets, but like Ava and Harlow.
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I think they shouldn't be similar in sound. I think it's fine if they have the same meaning or another connection.
Ava and Harlow are fine. I like the sibset. However if you like Ariel better I'd go with that. Especially because you think it fits the character.
I would mention that she was a fan. I watched a movie in which the children were named Sonja and Greta, after classic actresses and it was mentioned as well.
Just mention the date of birth, most people will get it.
Ava and Harlow are fine. I like the sibset. However if you like Ariel better I'd go with that. Especially because you think it fits the character.
I would mention that she was a fan. I watched a movie in which the children were named Sonja and Greta, after classic actresses and it was mentioned as well.
Just mention the date of birth, most people will get it.
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