A double name, or double-barreled first name, is often seen in Southern naming traditions and is when you choose two names for your little, often joined by a hyphen. It is an excellent option for those seeking unique baby names. A double name should not be confused with a first and middle name; people with a double name often still have a middle name. More: 1000 Popular Names for Girls Using a double name is also a way to pay homage to two relatives at once, especially if you have difficulty deciding which moniker to use. Double names are popular for boys and girls and may use classic and modern names.
The History of Double Names
I’m not sure anyone knows precisely how double-barrelled (first) names got started, but double surnames (hyphenated last names) have a slightly different meaning depending on your country of origin. In some cultures, People once used it to signal social class, while in other cultures, it’s simply the norm or an indicator of marriage or alliance names, mainly when used as a surname. If you choose to give your child a double-barrelled first name, a hyphen is a good practice but not a requirement. The hyphen indicates which name goes in which place instead of a first and middle name. However, in the history of double-barrelled first names, hyphens are not always used in everyday practice.
Guidelines and Rules for Choosing Double-Barrelled Baby Names
Remember that picking a name your child will be called for the rest of their life is no small task. It’s nice to pick a name that gives your children options as their identity grows and develops with them. Be mindful that aside from the two individual names, it can be shortened or made into a nickname. For example, you may want to give little Jenny the chance to be Jen, Jenna, or Jenny Sue. Another thing to keep in mind is how the two names “interact” with one another. For example, can James Thomas be shortened to JT, and is James Thomas easy to say/pronounce? Maternity Concierge, HeHe (Haley-Else) Stewart says, “I always suggest that you pick two or three top names and practice using them. Practice roll call just like in elementary school, practice using the name in a scolding sentence of “Get these shoes out of the hallway!!!!", and practice introducing your baby to people. This will give you a good sense of names that “feel good.” Most parents enjoy this activity and find it super helpful in making a decision.” If you are intrigued by the idea of the double name, we have compiled a list of 100 names to provide you with some name inspiration. This list includes baby boy names, girl names, and popular double names. Unlike our traditional name lists that provide you with the name meaning, this list will highlight nicknames for each double name.
Top Double-Barrelled Names for Girls
Double-Barrelled names for girls are currently pretty trendy. It’s a great way to spice up short one-syllable names for little girls. You can have your little girl stand out with the perfect full name, whether you choose to hyphenate or not. Suppose you’re having trouble deciding between two names or want to acknowledge two important family members. In that case, you can easily create unique baby girl names by creating your own double-barrel option. Here are some of the current top double-barrelled names for girls if you’re looking for inspiration.
Top Double-Barrelled Names for Boys
Double-barrelled names are less common for boys but still make unique name choices. This naming tradition is often recognized as a southern tradition, paying homage to family members. In addition, many male double-barrelled names take inspiration from the Bible. So, as you start your naming journey, here is a list of the top double-barreled boy names to get you started.
Top Unisex Double-Barrelled Names
These days, a current trend is to utilize unisex names or gender-neutral names that everyone will love. A family name can easily be paired together with a second name to make the perfect combination for any little one. If you’re not sure what the gender will be or want to keep it unisex, here is a list to get you started. For more baby name inspiration check out these popular baby name lists:
Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Girl Names in the U.S. Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Boy Names in the U.S. The 100 Coolest Baby Names in the World
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