Hello Swistle,
We need a bit of help as our baby naming duty just doubled! We are due to have twin girls in May. They will be our first children.
For a long time I have loved the name Primrose and lucky for me my partner does as well. Problem is we can’t find a name we love as much as Primrose for our other baby girls. I love the name for it’s whimsical, pretty nature and my husband likes the nick name Rosie. Im nervous the other name we end up using will always be the second best name. I need to love both names. I want our twins to have names that go together but aren’t to matchy matchy.
We both like traditional style British, Irish and French sounding names.
Names on our list include:
Charlotte (very popular),
Florence (we have a close friend who has a child with this name),
Maeve (we both like it but are underwhelmed when we compare it to Primrose),
Penelope for Nell (again we like it but Primrose is so frilly and fun where as Nell is much more serious and plain. Is it to much of a contrast?),
Clara (pretty but again it’s no Primrose),
Adelaide (I don’t like the nick name addy)Boy names we had considered before finding out the general were Freddie, Alfie, August and Sydney.
Our last name starts with an L and has two syllables.
Please help us find a girls name that we will love as much as Primrose
Thank you
Hillary
I want to start by reassuring you that, mathematically-speaking, it would not be weird if you had a slight preference for one twin’s name over the other’s. That is the way rankings work: when we make a list of things in order, especially things like names, we MIGHT have two things tied for first place, but it is not weird to have first place, second place, third place, and so on; and it is not weird to have first place and then, say, ten names tied for second place, five for third place, twenty for fourth place, and so on. We don’t notice this as much with singleton births (and the passage of time can affect the rankings), but it is completely normal: of COURSE you use your favorite name first! and then of COURSE the next name is Slightly Less Favorite! When you’re choosing more than one name at the same time, it’s more noticeable, but don’t let it send you into a spiral where you are looking endlessly for something that might not exist. Liking the names equally is an admirable goal, and is certainly the STARTING goal—but if we don’t achieve it, it’s not because you’ve failed, it’s because there might literally not BE two names you like equally well. You can adjust the scales of fairness by giving the twin with the first-choice first name the second-choice middle name, and/or by giving the second-choice name to the firstborn twin.
Now, onto the names. With a whimsical, unusual name such as Primrose, I shy away from a traditional, Top 10 name such as Charlotte. Clara is beautiful and one of my own favorite names, but as you say, it’s no Primrose; I feel the same about Maeve. If you don’t like the nickname Addy, I’d cross Adelaide off the list anyway—but also, while it comes much closer than some of the others to holding its own with Primrose, it’s still not quite right.
The two contenders from your list, I think, are Florence and Penelope, but each has an issue. Because the name Florence is unusual and distinctive, I think you may want to avoid duplicating it if a close friend has used it. No one gets exclusive dibs on a name, and you MAY use it; but my guess is that you’d prefer not to, for your own sake as well as for your friend’s.
Penelope has enough whimsy to hold up to Primrose, and the nickname Nell/Nellie is perfect with the nickname Rose/Rosie, but the name Penelope was the 26th most popular girl name in the United States in 2018 (the 2019 data is expected to be available next month), while the name Primrose wasn’t even in the Top 1000. For comparison, in 2018 there were 6,474 new baby girls named Penelope, and 77 named Primrose. That is a significant imbalance. I feel inclined to say it is okay in this case, because the names are just so beautifully suited otherwise, and I think “Penelope and Primrose” will DELIGHT everyone who asks their names. Like, people will keel over with delight. Also because it’s hard to know which is the preferable usage situation, so it’s not like one name is “better”: some people would prefer to be the only person anyone knows with that name; other people would dramatically prefer a familiar name they don’t have to keep explaining; and there is no way to know which way each girl will be. But with the nicknames, you give them OPTIONS: if Primrose wishes with all her heart to have a familiar, common name, she can go her whole life by Rose or Rosie; if Penelope finds herself surrounded by Penelopes, she can go by Nell or Penny or Lola or Pip.
In short, I think Penelope and Primrose is wonderful. If it were me, I would have hesitations about the popularity discrepancy, and I would be nervous that the pairing exceeded the cutesiness quotient, but I think in the end my love for the names might overwhelm that.
For other options, here is my first and favorite suggestion, and I find I am suppressing excitement while also feeling nervous you won’t love it as much as I do: Marigold. Primrose and Marigold; Rosie and Mari/Goldie. If it were me choosing the names, I would be done. I would feel some regret for the loss of the loveliness of Penelope and Primrose, but the evened-out popularity (there were 156 new baby girls named Marigold in 2018) and the coordinated whimsy would DO ME IN. Primrose! and Marigold!
That one is my clear favorite, but here are some others to consider:
Amaryllis; Primrose and Amaryllis; Rosie and Rilla
Calista; Primrose and Calista; Rosie and Callie
Camilla; Primrose and Camilla; Rosie and Cami/Milly
Clotilde; Primrose and Clotilde; Rosie and Tilly
Cordelia; Primrose and Cordelia; Rosie and Delia
Dahlia; Primrose and Dahlia; Rosie and Dolly
Emerald; Primrose and Emerald; Rosie and Emmie
Juniper; Primrose and Juniper; Rosie and Junie
Magnolia; Primrose and Magnolia; Rosie and Maggie
Persephone; Primrose and Persephone; Rosie and Percy/Persie
Winifred; Primrose and Winifred; Rosie and Winnie
OH yes, Swistle has nailed it. Marigold and Primrose is amazing. Goldie and Rosie. RoseGold the duo!
I do also love Penelope and Primrose, as they lead to Nell (or even Nella) and Rosie. Those match for sure.
For Adelaide, my favourite nickname is Lady which i think would be ADORABLE with Rosie! Lady and Rosie.
Or Mirabel and Primrose? Bel and Rosie?
I was going to say the same thing about Adelaide–the nn Lady is a much better option than Addy. So if you like Adelaide, you should keep it in the running.
Meanwhile, when I saw Penelope, my mind jumped to Persephone, which just felt perfect as an alternative to me. Primrose and Persephone.
I love the name Adelaide. What about using Della as the nickname? Rosie and Della, Primrose and Adelaide.
Oh my goodness! I read the title and thought Primrose and Marigold! AND THEN SWISTLE AGREED WITH ME! Day made. I have a friend with a daughter with the lovely name L0uise Marig0ld, and thinking about that name is just a spark of happiness. If Marigold is too whimsical for you OP my second choice is Penelope.
I practically fainted with delight when she suggested Marigold. It’s PERFECT.
YES! Marigold! Immediately after reading the letter, before even getting to Swistle’s reply, I had the thought Marigold would be an amazing sister name for Primrose! Love it!
However, other name options that are also charming are Fern, Briony, Verity, Matilda, Beatrix, Linnea and Iris.
Linnea! So pretty, and holds its own with Primrose :)
Stick with Primrose and Penelope. Rosie and Penny seems a better fit than Rosie and Nell though.
Wanted to add that I know a 5 year old Penelope who only goes by Poppy…Rosie and Poppy is ADORABLE.
Oh! Poppy would work wonderfully with a Rosie!
What about calling Adelaide “Della”? Or what about Matilda “Tilly”. Matilda and Primrose. Rosie and Tilly. Swoon!
Oh I love this letter so much. Primrose is just darling! I love it with Marigold so much. I also thought of Clementine. Primrose and Clementine.
My friend has a Penelope but her nickname is Poppy instead of Penny. Primrose and Penelope, Rosie and Poppy. 😍😍 PLEASE MAKE THAT HAPPEN.
YES! YES YES YES!
THIS is what I coming here to suggest as well — PENELOPE NN POPPY.
I was also going to suggest Poppy for Penelope and Della for Adelaide. I love both with Rosie!
Thought of another – Tallulah called Lulu.
What about Clementine? With nicknames Emmy, Cleo, Minnie, Tina, etc.
I was going to suggest Clementine also. Love Penelope, Marigold, and Cordelia as well!
I feel like I need to know right now!!!
If this sweet baby is not Clementine– which is so adorable!– I hope she will be Susanna, with the nickname Sunny. :)
Penelope, Magnolia, Marigold or Juniper all sound great with Primrose.
If you like Florence how about Flora? Someone I met once had a daughter with that name and it struck me as very fresh sounding!
I love Marigold and Magnolia with Primrose.
Clementine and Linnea are also lovely.
How about Margeurite, Fleur, Flora or Laurel ?
Other ideas : June, Cosima, Evangeline, Athena or Eloise.
On reading the title of the post I immediately wanted to shout MARIGOLD and am so glad Swistle suggested it. But I also LOVE Penelope (and Poppy is a nickname for Penelope which gives you two flower names which I LOVE!) and I also think Swistle’s suggestion of Magnolia is adorable with Primrose.
Congratulations!
THIS! All of this! I was thinking that LM Montgomery would have some lovely character names that would work well with Primrose, like exactly Marigold! So very sweet!
How about Primrose and Pearl? Rosie and Pearl seems like a cute combo. Or Primrose and Winifred, Rosie and Winnie/Freddie. Primrose and Reverie, Rosie and Evvie. I also love the name Odette. Sylvie. Birdie. Elodie.
Yes! This is my favorite suggestion so far!
100% Marigold
Agree with Swistle that Penelope and Marigold would both be great! I came to suggest one of her listed names at the end — Winifred. You said you liked Freddie for a boy, so why not Winifred nn Freddie (or Winnie) for a girl?
A) I love Primrose and Penelope, and while I love Rosie as a nn for Primrose, have you thought about Posy? Then you could have Penny and Posy which is also adorable.
B) Even more than Penelope, I love the other flower names suggested by Swistle and others. My favorite is Magnolia, because it’s less obvious than Marigold, but I love them all.
C) I was also thinking of virtue names, because they go so well with flower names. Patience, Prudence, Grace, Hope, Honor, Victoria…
And lastly, there are what I think of as lacy names. Names with little frills added. Georgette, Frederica, Venetia.
But I think Swistle nailed it.
Juniper or Magnolia were my favorites of Swistle’s suggestions. I also am a fan of Penelope, but do see the drawbacks.
These are my favorites too. We have a Magnolia and it is my favorite of our four daughters names. I still love telling people her name two years later and most people love it too. But I think the pair of Rosie and Junie is the cutest thing ever!
I’m so glad Swistle suggested Marigold, because I was already thinking of it as I was reading the letter.
Juniper nn June is also a great fit for Primrose nn Rosie, but Marigold is perfection. You get two elaborate flower names and two simple nicknames: Rosie and Mary.
With twins, I’d be extra wary of matchy names and I think that both Penelope and Marigold are too matchy. Penelope because of the matching initial P and Marigold because of the flower theme. Marigold is wonderfully whimsical in the same way as Primrose is, but I think that making the set a flower theme takes away from Primrose instead of complementing it.
Agree. same with the matching color nicknames.
I know a little girl named Cordelia (Swistle’s suggestion) who goes by Cordie for a nickname, it’s adorable!
I immediately thought of my grandmother’s name: Delphine.
Primrose and Delphine. Rosie and Della. Rosie and Del.
Lots of other lovely suggestions here.
Yup!
Delphine!! Gorgeous!
YES.
I was just scrolling down to comment, DELPHINE ALL THE WAY. A floral/nature theme without being as on-the-nose with it. Feminine, a bit of frill, gah it’s so perfect. Winifred and Linnea are also darling!
I feel Marigold and Magnolia are a bit matchymatchy, although I love them on their own.
My first two thoughts were Penelope and Marigold but I see you and Swistle beat me to it! Both would go beautifully! Of those aren’t feeling quite right, what about
Colette
Delia
Vivienne/Vivian nn Vivi
LOVE Primrose (Rosie) and Marigold (Mari or Goldie). Beautiful.
But Primrose and Juniper (June or Junie) is also wonderful. We know a 2 year old juniper (June/Junie, goes by all 3 names) and she is adorable. I also like the suggestion of Clementine and Primrose above.
There have been a lot of fantastic suggestions already, but here are two more combinations that I love:
Primrose and Susanna (Rose/Rosie and Susie/Sukie!)
Primrose and Phillipa (Rose/Rosie and Pippa!)
These are all very pretty names but would you really want to be an adult woman called Primrose or Marigold? Does it pass the Starbucks test? Or the CEO test? Sorry to be a naysayer, but personally I couldn’t imagine carrying such a cutesy name, as a nickname perhaps (we called my sister Rosie Posie as a small girl) but not as the name you graduate with, or write your resume with.
I was thinking Marigold before I started reading and Swistle nailed it!
Then I read the list and thought Persephone!!! I know a teenage Persephone who calls herself ‘Sephie’ and she rocks it.
What about Seraphine? nn Sera or Phi (fee) or Sally? Primrose and Seraphine, Rosie and Sally, Rose and Phi??
I think I like Seraphine because it is a balance to Primrose (length, popularity, lots of the same sounds) but doesn’t start with the same letter or have a floral theme. I know identical twins with very matchy names and I think it exacerbates the unfortunate habit people have of treating them like one unit rather than two individuals.
I love Seraphine, it gives the common nickname of Sara (if you just hear Sera that’s what you would think), and matches Primrose’s common nickname of Rose, with a much fancier full name.
I absolutely love Persephone too, as Sephie, but do also agree that twins with the same first initial is too matchy for me. I knew a Tammy and Tracey and they were always treated like one unit.
Equally Marigold and Primrose is perfect too.
Please have your babies soon and tell us what you call them – not too soon, but please update us quickly, we are all very keen to hear how this turns out!
Do you like Susannah? It has the slightly british clsssic feel. It is not highly popular (which I am glad about, but do not understand). It means lily, so matches in floral tones without being obviously matchy. And you could call her Annie/Anna.
Primrose & Susannah
Rosie & Anna
Rose & Annie
Rosie & Annie
Rose & Anna
I like them all!
I also like Sunny as a nickname for Susannah. Rosie and Sunny is cute.
Great thread– and thanks, Swistle, for posting these letters because I love any distractions from we-all-know-what talk!!!!
I’ll respectfully dissent with comments a little because, for me, Marigold fails the Starbucks test in that I’d be embarrassed to say this was my name. It seems like a hard name to live with. Same with Juniper, Persephone, Magnolia, and others in that vein of being fun in theory but awkward in real life.
I suggest something still quirky but not fantasy-naming:
Primrose and Fiona
Primrose and Zara
Primrose and Naomi
Primrose and Gloria
Primrose and Zelda
Primrose and Flora
Primrose and Eloise
Also, I think going with Florence is fine—the two Florences! It’s a cute connection and a great name to pair with Primrose.
Hmm, Primrose and Penelope or Primrose and Marigold both lean too much whimsy for me (of course these things are totally subjective).
I think I’d lean for whimsy but with the requirements that the other name not start with P and not be a botanical name. Names like Swistle’s suggestions of Winifred and Cordelia got that sweet spot for me. Some other suggestions include Isadora, Annabell, Anastasia, Octavia, Phaedra, Ursula , Seraphina.
Ok, so Phaedra does start with a P, but it gets a pass because it doesn’t start with the P sound.
Such a fun letter! I LOVE Swistle’s suggestion of Marigold, and wanted to offer Maggie as another possible nickname for it. Primrose and Marigold, Rosie and Maggie. I also love Penelope, and the suggestion of Poppy is adorable.
Oh I love Florence nn Flossie.
Primrose / Florence
Rosie / Flossie
I love all these suggestions and I REALLY hope you update us when you have chosen!!
I love the suggestion of Marigold nn Goldie, aka the Rose Gold sisters. Perhaps Araminta nn Minta?
You didn’t mention it, but assuming you know it was used for a main character in The HungerGames books/movies? Not a deal-breaker, just like to make sure parents know the major pop culture references before choosing a name.
Marigold is beautiful with Primrose, and the whimsy is ON POINT.
More flower power:
Iris. Primrose and Iris.
Violet. Primrose and Violet.
Vaguely botantical:
Elowen/Elowyn. Primrose and Elowyn. Rosie and Ellie/Winnie.
Bryony. Primrose and Bryony.
Hazel. Primrose and Hazel.
Willow. Primrose and Willow.
Linden. Primrose and Linden.
Categorizing program failure:
Darcy. Primrose and Darcy.
Carys. Primrose and Carys.
Camille. Primrose and Camille.
I was going to suggest Violet. You could have nicknames like Lettie or Vi.
Helena also seems like a good match.
Calliope? Victoria? Verity? Beatrix or Beatrice? Temperance?
I love the suggestions of Marigold, Magnolia, and Pearl. Primrose and Pearl is an especially dreamy pairing!
I also love May. Primrose and May. Simple, but delightfully sweet!
Or Bliss. Primrose and Bliss.
Or Beatrice. Primrose and Beatrice.
Or Ivy. Primrose and Ivy.
I was coming to suggest May too
Rosie and Dolly!! That is just too much.
Thanks for making my night with that’ suggestion!!
Another person who IMMEDIATELY thought Marigold before I even finished the letter. It’s perfect.
I also like Penelope a lot, and in general I don’t like twins Witt the same initial, but this works for me. I LOVE the already mentioned Nella as a nickname. Rosie and Nella are just so so sweet together.
And Delphine that was mentioned above is so sweet.
Has Gwyneth been mentioned? It feels like it would work as well. Rosie and Gwen.
I think it’s okay to pick “a name we mutually like” to go with Primrose. You will love it when it’s attached to one of your sweet daughters and that is okay :) I only liked my daughter’s name until it was hers, and it took a couple months to get to love but now it makes me swoon.
Congratulations! Please send an update.
I’ll suggest…
Primrose and Dorothy
Primrose and Juliet
Primrose and Emmeline
Primrose and Felicity
Primrose and Coraline
Primrose and Amelie
Primrose and Genevieve
Primrose and Ophelia
Primrose and Romilly
Primrose and Estelle
Swoon! Dorothy called Dot or Dottie!
Primose and Dorothy
Rosie and Dottie
Rose and Dot
My daughter (13) suggests Primrose & Aurelia.
I’m on team Primrose and Penelope, but Marigold is tempting, too.
There are a lot of good options in the comments, too many to list, but Clementine and Delphine jumped out at me. How about Hazel or Cosima?
Alternate to Charlotte – Charlotta
Rosie and Lotta
Also immediately thought of Juniper which was suggested
Paulina or Pauline
Rosie and Lina
Gillian or Jillian
Louise/Louisa/Lucia
Rosie and Lou or Lucie or just Rosie and Louise – which look like a twin set without sounding too similar
Miriam
Rosie and Mirie/Miria
I love Hazel with Primrose; it has the botanical connection and the right amount of whimsy!
I _really_ like Penelope and Primrose. They have a twinish connection in initials but their difference is part of the attraction to me. Twins themselves are often very different in personality. The difference in popularity isn’t really an issue for me. My MIL and her sibs are Karyn, Carol, Kerry (a boy), and George Jr. Karen and Carol were super popular for Boomer babies, of course, but where did Kerry come from?!
Growing up my family had a (male) family friend who’s name was Kerry. I don’t think it was that uncommon.
Primrose seems so Shakespearean to me which made me think of Rosalind (the Ros repeats but is pronounced differently for a subtle connection). Rosie and Lindy
Or Primrose and Valeria. Rosie and Val
Primrose and Helena. Rosie and Lena
Primrose and Mariana or Primrose and Marina
Primrose and Cressida
I agree with Swistle about Marigold and Penelope. And for Adelaide, my fave nn is Ada although I love the suggestion of Della as well.
A few more:
Cressida
Allegra
Arabella
Xanthe
Clementine
Gwendolyn
Juliet
Talullah
Magnolia
Zinnia
Calista
Felicity
Calliope
Amaryllis
Camille
Cecelia
Delphine
Daphne
Cordelia
Margot
Elodie
Matilda
Some of our dear friends had a baby three weeks ago who they named Briar – I felt like that has enough whimsy (and is nature-themed!) to be a contender!
Primrose is not my style, but it sounds like you love it! I don’t like the Primrose/Marigold combo for a couple reasons:
1) both are flowers and two floral names is little too cutesy for my taste.
2) The nicknames Rosie and Goldie both share the “oh” “ee” sounds and that seems too matchy.
Here are my suggestions:
Cleo. Rosie and Cleo
Genevieve. Rosie and Gennie, Rosie and Evie
Gemma. Rosie and Gemma.
Opal. Rosie and Opal.
Ruby. Rosie and Ruby.
Clementine. Rosie and Clem
Sadie. Rosie and Sadie
Maxine. Rosie and Max
Gwendolyn. Rosie and Wendy
I have 7 week old twin boys and for me it was important that the names sounded good together but didn’t start with the same letter or sound too matchy matchy. I made that decision because I’ve heard from many who have known twins with matchy names and they could never remember who was who, even if they weren’t identical. I ended up naming my twins Graham and Henry- they both feel like English gentlemen to me, but don’t feel matchy.
With that said I think to hit that sweet spot of complimentary without being too matchy I really like Primrose with: Delphine, Juniper, Talullah, Elowen, Bryony, Briar, Greer
I’m particularly partial to
Primrose and Juniper, Rosie and June
Primrose and Talullah, Rosie and Lou
Primrose and Elowen, Rosie and Winnie
I feel very strongly that Primrose and Marigold with Rosie/Goldie nickname is just TOO cutesy and matchy. I also don’t like that Primrose and Penelope start with the same first letter and are long, though with the nicknames Rosie and Nell I am less opposed to this combo, since they sound much more individual.
I thought of some more that haven’t been mentioned.
Margaux/Margo/Margot called Margie or Gogo
Primose and Margaux, Rosie and Gogo
Bonita called Bonnie
Primose and Bonita, Rosie and Bonnie
Tameria called Tammy or Mary
Primrose and Tameria, Rosie and Tammy
Lenora called Nora
Primrose and Lenora, Rosie and Nora
Francesca called Frankie
Primrose and Francesca, Rosie and Frankie
Dahlia called Lia
Primrose and Dahlia, Rosie and Lia
Marcela called Marcy
Primrose and Marcela, Rosie and Marcy
Minerva called Minnie
Primose and Minerva, Rosie and Minnie
I especially love Margaux (Gogo) and Bonita (Bonnie).
Marigold, Persephone, and Florence with Primrose give me heart eyes!
I love Penelope (Nell and Poppy are such cute nicknames) but the difference in their popularity would bother me a little.
I also really like Marguerite nn Margot or Daisy (I know it’s very French and Primrose very English, but I think they still work together)
Others I like are:
Cosima
Aurelia
Elodie
Sophronia nn Sophie or Fronsie
Blythe
Laurel
Marilla
Mariela
Beatrix
Artemis
Agnes
Clarity nn Clare
Araminta
Lavender
Lark
Philippa
One thing to think about is whether you might have more children and if so, would you feel like you had to go with a P or floral theme for them if you used a P or floral name for both girls? If you think about naming the second twin the way you would a second child that came a few years down the line, that might help, too.
I met a set of 8yo twin girls yesterday named Brynn and Genevieve and was surprised how well they worked together without “matching” in the slightest. So in that vein, along with traditional British/Irish/French request:
Primrose and Louisa
Primrose and Beatrix
Primrose and Merritt
Primrose and Mariel
Primrose and Mariana
Primrose and Gemma
Primrose and Juliet
Primrose and Verity
Primrose and Tamsin
Primrose and Emelia
Primrose and Willa
I adore Primrose and Penelope but here are some other suggestions:
Primrose and Felicity
Primrose and Aurora
Primrose and Angelica
Primrose and Genevieve
Primrose and Fiona
Primrose and Ellery
Primrose and Anastasia
Primrose and Cassandra
Primrose and Vera
I love Primrose!
I have it as possible twin name to go with Piper (and the nicknames I would go with are Primrose “Priya” & Piper “Poppy”)
Primrose “Rosie” & Rosemary “Rory”
Primrose “Rosie” & Bluebell “Belle”
Primrose “Rosie” & Genevieve “Viv/Evie/Gigi”
Primrose “Rosie” & Penelope “Poppy”
Primrose “Rosie” & Marigold “Margo/Goldie”
Primrose “Rosie” & Gwenevere “Gwenny/Winnie”
I also know a Primrose who’s sisters are Evangeline & Clementine
Primrose “Rosie” & Clementine “Cleo” would be cute
Primrose “Rosie” & Violet “Viv/Vivi”
Primrose “Rosie” & Holland “Holly”
Primrose “Rosie” & Margaret “Maisie/Molly”
Primrose “Rosie” & Odette “Ettie”
Primrose “Rosie” & Charlotte/Elliott “Lottie”
I also have Emmanuella “Emma/Emmy” , Thessaly “Tessa/Tess”, Alaska, Indiana “Indie” on my list if it helps
Forgot to add Seraphina “Sera/Senna/Finn/Sephi”
& Delphine/Delphina “Delphi”
& Wilhlemina “Willa”
I think Calliope is beautiful with Primrose. It’s a bit like Penelope.
Rosie and Callie.