17 Sweetest Baby-Name Pairings for Irish Twins

Irish twins, or siblings born less than a year apart, will grow up together, which is why you want coordinated name ideas that go together swimmingly.

When you have babies born less than a year apart, they’re known as Irish twins. Catholicism is widespread in Ireland, and Catholic families often have large families, hence the association.

If you’re expecting two kids under the age of 2, consider these baby names that work splendidly for siblings who are close in age.

Rowan and Reagan

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Rowan and Reagan are both full-fledged Irish names, and we love that they’re both trending and gender-neutral. Rowan means “red-haired,” so it’s our top choice for kiddos with lovely auburn locks. Meanwhile, Reagan means “noble one.”

A princess and a fiery rebel. Sounds about right.

Leo and Luca

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Leo, the Latin word for “lion,” has been around for centuries. In Germany, it’s used as a nickname that means “brave.” And then there’s Luca, an Italian name with Latin roots that means “bringer of light.”

Together, these two Irish twins are destined to be unstoppable.

Sadie and Sophia

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In Hebrew, the sweet name Sadie means “princess,” while the Greek name Sophia means “wisdom.”

Both are popular names, particularly Sophia, so consider using a variation, like Sofia or Sophie, if you want a more unique name.

Archer and Owen

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It wasn’t until the 19th century that Archer gained footing as a first name. Before that, it was just a word for a bowman. It’s more commonly used for baby boys, but it’s actually considered gender-neutral. Owen, a common Irish and Welsh name, means “noble young warrior.”

That makes these two brothers an army all on their own! For a female variation of Owen, try Eowyn, like the brave character from “Lord of the Rings.”

Hazel and Olive

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Hazel can be either a girl or a boy name, referring to the hazelnut tree. Hazelnuts are symbols of good luck and fertility, so we love the name as a subtle celebration for a rainbow baby. Olive, or Oliver for boys, is associated with peace and victory.

Hopefully, that peaceful nature comes out during playtime.

Parker and Jax

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Parker, an Old English name, means “keeper of the park.” We’re not sure if that means he’s destined to star on a reboot of “Parks and Rec,” but appreciating nature and community is a given. Jax is a playful variation on John or Jacques, meaning “God is gracious.”

The two names don’t necessarily correspond in meaning, but they roll nicely off the tongue.

Ava and Emma

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Ava and Emma are two of the trendiest names of the year. Ava has unknown origins, but it’s believed to mean “lively and birdlike.” Think “avian.”

To balance out the energetic Ava, Emma has a much more zen meaning: “whole.” Use Emma as the name of your youngest child as a message that, now that she’s here, your family is complete.

Ethan and Oliver

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Ethan is an ancient Hebrew name meaning “strong, solid and enduring.” It’s a great choice for an older sibling because who wouldn’t like an older brother who can always be relied on?

Meanwhile, Oliver is tied to the olive tree and to Old Norse roots meaning “ancestor’s descendants.” We’re all descendants from our ancestors, so we like the olive tree symbolism much better.

Ivy and Sage

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Ivy and Sage are two of the loveliest botanical names. Ivy, a climbing evergreen plant, symbolizes eternity and loyalty. In Greece, ivy wreaths were once worn by newlyweds as a symbol of their devotion to each other. Ivy is also extraordinarily resilient.

Sage is both the name of an aromatic herb and a Latin word meaning “wise.” It’s gender-neutral, so keep this one on your shortlist if you’re waiting to find out your baby’s gender.

Kaleb and Kai

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The Hebrew name Kaleb means “devotion to God.” It was originally spelled with a C, but if you’re pairing it with Kai, the K variation is cute.

Kai has a few different meanings, so feel free to choose the one that speaks to you the most. In Japan, Kai means “shell,” while in Europe, it’s considered a short form of Kaimbe, meaning “warrior.” The most popular meaning hails from Hawaii, where Kai means “sea.”

Fiona and Finn

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Fiona comes from an ancient Gaelic word meaning “fair” — although, in Ireland, it also means “vine.” So, Fiona is either a climbing plant or pale? We can’t complain too much, because the sound of the name is beautiful and classically Irish. Plus, Disney’s Fiona from “Shrek” is just about the coolest princess around.

Finn is the masculine version of Fionn, and in Irish folklore, it was the name of a warrior and hero. If your family has Irish ancestry, Fiona and Finn are perfect for boy-girl Irish twins.

Jameson and Jack

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We couldn’t make a list of Irish twin names without including a shoutout to Ireland’s drink of choice: whiskey. Regardless of whether you’re a Jack Daniels or Jameson fan, both names have merits outside of the bar. Jameson means, surprise, surprise, “son of James.” James itself is a Hebrew name meaning “supplanter.”

Jack is another biblical name meaning “God is gracious.” Even if the meanings of the two names aren’t your cup of tea, naming Irish twins after whiskey is 100 percent worth it.

Rory and Winter

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Rory, a name with Gaelic roots, is an English version of an Irish and Scottish name meaning “red king.” The name likely came from the prevalence of red hair in the region, so if gingers run in your family, Rory should definitely be on your list.

Winter, unsurprisingly, refers to the season. It’s a nice choice for babies born in the chillier months, but some parents choose it for what it symbolizes: quiet, rest and introspection. It’s the end of the year, but growth still happens under the surface.

Ash and Aspen

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Ash, from the Hebrew name Asher, has a particularly cheerful meaning: “happy!” It’s also the name of a tree, the Ash tree, which was considered a symbol of life and plentiful, fresh water.

It goes perfectly with Aspen, another nature name. Aspens have beautiful, heart-shaped leaves, and Aspen doubles as the name of a popular ski destination in Colorado.

Ella and Emmerson

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Ella, derived from a German name, has a magical meaning: “fairy maiden.” In Hebrew, it also means “goddess.” Emmerson, or Emerson, means “brave and powerful.”

Ella is almost always used as a name for girls, but Emmerson is solidly gender-neutral. Both are strong names, and they sound lovely together.

Dylan and Dakota

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Dylan and Dakota are both trendy gender-neutral names. Dylan, a Welsh name, means “born from the sea.” Dakota comes from the Native American Dakota language, meaning “friend.”

If Dylan is the elder of the two Irish twins, Dakota is a perfect follow-up. After all, siblings so close in age are often more like best friends than siblings.

Finley and Poppy

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Finley, a popular Irish name, means “fair-haired, courageous one.” It was traditionally used as a boys’ name, but now it’s used for both genders.

Poppy is the name of a beautiful, bright-red flower, symbolizing rest and peace. If Poppies aren’t your cup of tea, try Iris or Rose instead.

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