Although they are common terms heard inside the hospital room after a woman gives birth to multiples, the difference between fraternal vs paternal twins still isn’t common knowledge. There are certain misconceptions about what these words mean which should be corrected.

Twin Classification

When you hear the term “twins,” the first thing that comes to mind is the similarity in physical features and behavioral traits. Some even claim that twins have a higher level of connection compared to siblings born separately.

Even so, the fact remains that there are certain instances when twins don’t bear a resemblance to each other. This is due to various factors that result to the two broadest classification of multiples pregnancies: identical and non-identical.

As the name implies, identical twins resemble each other very closely. They form from a single egg cell fertilized by two different sperm cells, which split before being implanted in the womb. This type of twinning is also called “monozygotic.”

Non-identical ones, on the other hand, come from two different egg cells that were both fertilized and implanted in the mother’s uterus. They have as many similarities as the average siblings who were born in singles. Well, except their birthdays, of course.

While it may not be apparent at this point, the terms “paternal” and “fraternal” are incorporated within this concept.

Fraternal vs Paternal Twins Explained

Non-identical twins are also known as “fraternal” twins. The National Health Service (NHS) explained that they are also called dizygotic twins because they don’t share similar chromosomes.

Some fraternal twins share certain similarities as that of the average siblings, except for some rare occurrences that they don’t look alike at all.

The differences in features become more obvious for cases when the twins are of the opposite sex. According to the NHS, there is a higher percentage of fraternal twins compared to identical twins based on statistics recorded over the years.

Identical twins, on another hand, can be either “paternal” or “maternal”. It all depends on which parent gives them the genes. Paternal twins resemble their father more than their mother, and vice versa for maternal ones.

Aside from what we already know after they are born, there are a lot more things that differ between paternal and fraternal twins, including:
● their gender;
● the likelihood of occurrence;
● their blood type; and
● the risk level for TTTS.

Fraternal twins often have different genders while identical twins are nearly identical in most cases. The likelihood of fraternal twins depends on the country of origin and race while identical twins are always 3 in 1,000 babies born all over the world.

As for their blood type, identical twins are always the same with each other, while fraternal twins may differ in some cases. There is also a higher risk of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) in identical twins compared to fraternal ones.

How to Know What to Expect?

When preparing for the arrival of children in a home, it helps to have as much specific information as possible. However, the most accurate way to tell whether you’re having paternal vs fraternal twins is through DNA testing which, as you may have already guessed, can only be done after the babies are delivered.

Luckily, there are other ways to know what to expect what your incoming bundles of joy would be like:

1. Ultrasound
Like determining a baby’s gender, ultrasound scanning can also help you know whether you’re expecting fraternal or identical twins. In some cases, there is also a chance to determine if they are paternal or maternal, depending on factors such as the machine being used or the expertise of the doctor performing the sonography.

2. Placental Analysis
Another thing your obstetrician-gynecologist may look at when determining what type of twins that you’re having is the number of placentae present in the womb. Dizygotic twins often have two placentas— or two that are fused as one— while monozygotic twins have only one. It is important to note, however, that this method is not foolproof as there are instances that fused placentas aren’t detected right away.

3. Amniotic Sac Anaylsis
The number of amniotic sacs present during twin pregnancy can also help establish whether you’re having fraternal or identical twins. The amniotic sac is the inner membrane containing the fetus in the womb. It is filled with amniotic fluid, which explains its name.

Dizygotic twins are often diamniotic, which means they are enclosed in two different amniotic sacs. Meanwhile, identical twins, which are monozygotic, usually have one amniotic sac.

These methods may bear different results than what will become apparent after the babies are born. With that in consideration, it is essential that you use as many methods as possible to be more precise in determining whether the twins would be paternal or fraternal.

To be sure, you can take advantage of the information about the specific differences between fraternal and paternal twins as explained above. You can also determine the twin chorionicity for a more accurate prediction.

What is Twin Chorionicity?

Though the word may seem daunting, chorionicity is not very different from other terms related to pregnancy multiples, according to the NHS.

This term explains the number of chorions present in the mother’s womb. The chorion is the second membrane that protects the fetus and covers the amniotic sac.

Knowing the twin chorionicity can help determine whether you’re expecting fraternal (dizygotic) twins or identical (monozygotic) twins. Chorionicity is often used in combination with the analysis of amnion present in the womb.

Dichorionic and diamniotic (DCDA) twins have two amnions and chorions as they are developed separately after being formed from two sets of egg and sperm cells. This means that this multiples pregnancy is fraternal, except for some occurrences when identical twins are formed from one fertilized egg cell splitting earlier than usual.

Alternatively, twins that are monochorionic and monoamniotic (MCMA) are monozygotic or identical by nature. There are also instances when monozygotic twinning happens with a single chorion and two amnions (MCDA). This is when twins are in separate amniotic sacs that are within the outer membrane. This occurs when the babies are sharing a single placenta.

It is worth noting that it is impossible to have an MCDA or the Di-Mo combination as there cannot be two separate outer sacs when there is only one inner sac. Now that you know the difference between fraternal vs paternal twins, we hope you’ve learned a lot more than you hoped for with this article.

The question as to who carries the twin gene has a lot to do with the common notion that giving birth to twins runs in the family. Asking this question leads to a lot of discoveries and based on science, the gene for twins has much to do with understanding genetics.

Who carries the twin gene, mom or dad?

The quick answer to this question is that, in a twin pregnancy, it is the mother’s genes that determine twins. First up, giving birth to identical twins is not genetic, but conceiving fraternal twins is.

The mother may have the genetic trait of releasing two eggs in one menstrual cycle. If these eggs are fertilized simultaneously, then fraternal twins are born. The father’s genes are surely not able to cause a woman to release two eggs.

If giving birth to fraternal twins is genetic, what else affects who carries the gene for twins?

Research in genetics has shown that women with a mother or sister who had fraternal twins have a higher chance of having fraternal twins themselves. This is because the so-called “twin gene” that causes what is known as hyperovulation (when a woman to release two eggs at a time) is present in the family.

It is possible for the father to have the twin gene in him which is made possible by his own mother who is a carrier. This can then be passed on to his children. If, for example, his daughter inherits the twin gene, then it is more than possible that he would have fraternal twins as grandchildren.

What causes hyperovulation in women?

We know that hyperovulation happens when a woman releases more than one egg in a cycle and can occur in just one of her ovaries. We also understand that this definitely increases the chances of conceiving multiples. But then to understand this further, finding out what causes this can be an advantage.

Hyperovulation is caused by many factors. For one, genetics is the culprit. Some are just predisposed to hyperovulation which explains why twins run in the family. Another cause is taking alternative medicine and herbs, like cassava. Taking in a lot of cassava has been known to increase hyperovulation in some.

The third cause is medical treatment. Women who submit themselves to IVF treatment to donate her eggs will be given certain hormonal stimulants that cause the production of multiple eggs. Fourthly, women who have medical conditions like PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome have a high tendency to hyperovulate. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that involves having prolonged and infrequent menstrual periods or an excess in androgen (male hormone) levels.

Hyperovulation is also caused when a woman’s cycle readjusts after putting a stop to her intake of birth control pills. If they get off the pill, they are more likely to be fertile, and multiple eggs may be released.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hyperovulation?

Most women are not aware they are hyperovulating, but some have mentioned the following observations:

• A more considerable amount of cervical mucus or discharge than the average
• Two days of fertile cervical mucus, which coincides with two ovulation days
• Increase in pain during ovulation

For a woman to know for sure that she is hyperovulating, she would need to go through an ultrasound during the expected ovulation dates. What health professionals usually look for are multiple follicles and if they are maturing correctly in the ovaries.

How likely is it to have twins?

There has been a rise in multiple births these days because of fertility drugs and assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help women conceive twins. Aside from this, there are also other factors that increase the chances of having twins.

• If you are a twin or your family has a history of twins, then heredity would cause you to more likely to have twins or have them in your family.
• If you are more than 35 years old, you would naturally produce more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) than those who are younger. FSH is the hormone that causes the egg to mature for ovulation. Women who have an excess of FSH may go through hyperovulation.
• If you have had more pregnancies, having twins is a high possibility.
• If your body type is larger and taller than the average, conceiving fraternal twins may happen.

When can releasing more than one egg be a health risk?

If women take injectable hormone medications to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries, this condition is called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This condition is linked to having too much hormone medication in a woman’s system causing the ovaries to become painful and swollen.

OHSS can also happen by taking in oral fertility treatments such as clomiphene. In some cases, OHSS occurs naturally and is not related to any fertility treatment.

The symptoms of OHSS usually begin within the 10-day period after taking injectables. Symptoms vary from mild to severe. The symptoms of a mild to moderate OHSS include a mild to moderate pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tenderness in the ovaries, weight increase of more than three kilograms, and bloating in the abdomen.

Severe OHSS, on the other hand, would result in shortness of breath, a tight or enlarged abdomen, severe pain in the abdomen, rapid weight gain (15 to 20 kilograms) in just five to ten days, persistent nausea and vomiting, blood clots in the legs, and decreased urination.

If a woman starts to experience a number of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a health professional. Even if the case may be mild, the doctor would still want to observe the signs and prevent the condition from worsening.

Exploring the answer as to who carries the twin gene can lead to more important things when it comes to twinning. Being fully aware of every detail related to conceiving twins and giving birth to them would make you more prepared for what is to come. We all need some reassurance.

When it comes to inquiring as to just how rare are twins, it is helpful to get some perspective from the twinning trend over the 20th century. A study by Princeton reveals that the rate of having twins in various countries began to rise significantly in the second half of the 1980’s. So, the general notion we’ve had of twins being rare is slowly changing.

So, How Rare are Twins?

Are twins more common today?

The answer to this is yes. It is slowly becoming something more common if we observe the increasing trend of twin births. Between 1980 and 2009, the twin birth rate rose by 76%. As of 2013, it has been noted that three in one hundred births in the US are twins and the likelihood of having identical twins is about three to five in 1000 births.

The number of twins being born has increased over the past three decades. The reason for this leads us back to the study by Princeton which explains that two-thirds of this upward trend is attributed to the increased frequency of fertility treatments, while the remaining third is because a lot of women have chosen to have children later in life.

It is a fact that older mothers have higher chances of conceiving twins. In 2009, seven percent of babies born to women who were 40 or older had a twin delivery, while five percent of twin births were attributed to women aged 35 to 39. Women who were under 25, on the other hand, accounted for two percent of twin births.

Is it rare to conceive twins naturally?

The chances of having twins are higher among women who are either 35 years old or older. This is because women this age produce more ovulation-stimulating hormones, triggering the release of more than one egg in a cycle.

A report released on January 2018 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics reveals that the rate of twinning (which includes naturally-conceived twins and those with assisted fertility medication) is 1 in 30 pregnancies.

But then if we zero in on naturally conceived twins, the likelihood of this occurring is generally one in ninety pregnancies according to Dr. Michael Nageotte, the associate chief medical officer at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital. He also says that conceiving fraternal twins are more common than conceiving identical twins.

Does race have anything to do with the likelihood of having twins?

Throughout history, it is observed that black women are more likely to conceive twins. But then in the 1980’s the rates doubled for white women. In the year 2009, the rate of babies born as twins to black women is 3.8%, while it is 3.7% in white women. This is only a slight difference. Hispanic women, on the other hand, have a lower twin birth rate which is only 2.25%.

According to CDC, in the year 2016, twin birth rates were highest among non-Hispanic black women which is 39.9% per 1,000 births. For non-Hispanic white women, it was 35.7%, while it was 24.6% for Hispanic women.

Are there countries where multiple births are more common?

Multiple pregnancies are more common in West and Central Africa, while Japan is the least common country where multiple births occur.

More specifically, the nation of Benin in West Africa has a high concentration of twins than any other country to a study published by PLOS ONE. The research reveals that Benin had a 27.9 twin birth rate per 1,000 births. The global average of the countries surveyed was only 13.1 twins per 1,000 births.

According to a study, the twinning rates of certain developing countries have peaked. This peak was observed in 12 out of 46 countries including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The peaks mostly occurred after the year 2000.

In the United States, the twinning rate increased from 9.5 twin deliveries per 1,000 deliveries in 1975 to 16.9 in the year 2011. In about the same period, England and Wale’s twin birth rate started at 9.9 which then increased to 16.1. In Germany, it began with 9.2 and rose to 17.2, while in France it was from 9.3 to 17.4. Denmark followed the trend starting at 9.6, which then increased to 21.2. In South Korea, the twin rate began at 5, which then increased to 14.6.

What is the likelihood of having twins after a fertility treatment?

If a woman who is 35 or older chooses to go through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), she raises her chance of having twins to about twenty times. IVF is a kind of fertility treatment where the sperm and egg are combined in a lab and then placed in the uterus through the cervix.

According to available data, women who go through IVF and are younger than 35 will have a 29.1% chance of having twins or multiples. For women between 35 to 37, this rate is 26.5 percent, while it is 20.9% for women who are 38 to 40 years of age. If the woman is 41 to 42 years old, the percentage rate is 13.6, and finally, the rate of having twins is 8.8% in women who are 43 years and older.

Taking fertility drugs like clomiphene or gonadotrophins that stimulate ovaries also increases a woman’s chance of having twins. On the average, 8% of women taking these fertility drugs have a multiple pregnancy which is usually twins.

How likely is it to conceive identical twins?

The chances of having identical twins are 350 to 400 on the average and that conceiving such twins is all up to chance. Identical twins are twins that develop from a single egg that is fertilized and that has split into two. The reasons as to why the fertilized egg splits are not known, which explains why having identical twins happens at random.

With such information, we now know that twinning is slowly becoming a common phenomenon. So, talking about just how rare are twins brings about insight as to the possibility and likelihood of how women and couples can have twins of their own.

Hollywood can be far too intimidating to some. But, when you find out that there are famous celebrities with a twin, the glitz and glamour kinda fade into the background which is then replaced with a sentiment of home. Suddenly, these A-listers become relatable to us especially when we talk about what’s awesome about having twins in the family.

10 Celebrities with a Twin

Scarlett Johansson and twin brother Hunter Johansson

The Black Widow star is one of Hollywood’s most famous, but what is adorable to know is that she has a twin brother, Hunter, who is a lot taller than her. In a lot of red carpet events, she is spotted with him and looks rather dapper together. They also starred in a film called “Manny & Lo” together.

While Scarlett continues to make box office films, Hunter is geared towards charities and political campaigns. Scarlett is three minutes older than her twin brother but the two remain very close.

Ashton Kutcher and twin brother, Michael Kutcher

Ashton is more than just the boy next door. He really is also a great guy with a noble heart especially when paid tribute to his twin brother, Michael. As a recipient of the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award, Ashton said that Michael was born with cerebral palsy and that this situation taught him that loving other people is not a choice.

He expressed that people are created unequal to one another when it comes to capabilities and in what people can do and how they think. However, even amidst these differences, he urges that everyone has the equal capacity to love one another.

Gisele Bundchen and fraternal twin sister Patricia Bundchen

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is just as beautiful as her fraternal twin, Patricia. Although Gisele is used to the camera, Patricia isn’t an extrovert. It is interesting to know that Patricia is her sister’s manager and spokesperson. On July 2015, Gisele shared a heartfelt message and collage thanking her sister for always being there for her. That day marked the twins’ 35th birthday.

Vin Diesel and fraternal twin brother Paul Vincent

Vin Diesel, otherwise known as Mark Sinclair Vincent, also has a twin brother named Paul. Although they are non-identical, it is without a doubt that these two share a number of similarities.

Paul Vincent tries his best to keep things low key which is quite the opposite of Vin’s stardom. But when Vin posted a photo of his Fast and Furious co-star and friend, Paul Walker, Paul Vincent got a moment of fame. Check out this post of Vin Diesel he calls “The Two Pauls.”

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen

Fashion icons Ashley and Mary-Kate were both at a very young age because of their roles in “Full House.” Today, they are among one of the wealthiest twins having a net worth of $100 million because of their fashion empire.

Today, the 32-year-old identical twins have been enjoying almost three decades of stardom and keep on going. They are a perfect example of a good partnership, both as twins, and in their passions.

Kiefer Sutherland and twin sister, Rachel Sutherland

The 24 year old action star, Kiefer, is one of the most versatile actors today. His films and TV appearances have pretty much made him a household name. But one thing that is great about him is knowing that he has a sister named Rachel, who is also his twin.

While he spends most of his time being filmed, Rachel, on the other hand, works as a post-production supervisor. Now, that’s a dynamic duo!

Eva Green and twin sister Joy Green

Eva, with her mesmerizing beauty, says that she is completely the opposite of her fraternal sister, Joy. Joy never wanted to act but is really good at it. If ever Joy entered show business, then it may be a tight competition, she jokes. Although they used to fight a lot when they were younger, she says that today, they are getting along really well. They always keep in touch.

As Eva continues making films, Joy raises horses with her husband in the countryside of Normandy.

Rami Malek and identical twin Sami Malek

Mr. Robot star Rami made his mark by becoming the first minority actor to win an Emmy award (Best Leading Actor) in 18 years. What not many know is that he has a twin brother called Sami who is actually an ESL teacher.

He teaches middle school at Joseph Le Conte Middle School, Los Angeles, where he has been teaching for 13 years. They are totally different but share a lot of similarities.

Linda and Leslie Hamilton

Terminator actor Linda Hamilton is best known for her role as Sarah Connor. In one unforgettable scene in Terminator 2 where the T-1000 transformed into Sarah and attempted to kill Sarah’s son, the plan was foiled by the real Sarah Connor. Well, no doubt, that “real Sarah Connor” scene was made successful because of her very own twin, Leslie.

Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi

Giovanni is known for his portrayal in the big-screen blockbuster hit, “Ted” and from other roles, he played like Frank Buffay (Phoebe’s brother in “Friends”). Marissa, on the other hand, also shares in the same limelight as an actress.

She starred in “The Brady Bunch Movie” and did a number of TV sitcoms, one that also includes an appearance in “Friends.” Today, Marissa is married to musician Beck and also has her own fashion line called “Whitley Kros.”

With the fascination of the world with twins, our favorite Hollywood celebrities with a twin makes it even more fascinating!

Compared to naming twin girls and twin boys, perhaps it can be a bit trickier when you start thinking of boy and girl twins names. With so many wonderful names out there, deciding on the best name combo takes a little more than choosing names that sound good together.

The challenge with coming up with perfectly matched names for them may leave you doodling on a whole pad of paper and still not get anywhere. So, before anything else, be thankful you have two beautiful babies on the way. Get all the inspiration from knowing that choosing a name for each of them can be one awesome ride!

How to Choose the Best Name Combinations for your Boy and Girl Twins

The kind of names you would want are those that complement each other. They should also sound like they naturally go together and are easy to pronounce and remember. To help you achieve these, we have some tips to help jumpstart the process.

Think of choosing of your twins names by the first initial. This, perhaps, is the easiest way to do it. You can get inspiration from popular names this year or names of famous people you like.

To get creative, you can vary the sound and rhythm of the names you have in mind by being particular with syllable or sound. You may have names that are two one-syllable names like Max and Bea. You can also have two names that have the same middle or ending sound.

Select names based on style or theme. You can pair up two really compatible classic names like Alexander and Katherine, or you can go with trendy names Carly and Hunter. Another style of naming is getting some bursts of creativity from the exotic like Ingrid and Dante.

In addition, choosing names based on a similar theme can be great, too. You can have a destination theme for twin baby names like Paris and Brooklyn, or a nature-inspired name pair like Aspen and Autumn.

Choose matching names by the meaning of these names. This gives you a ton of great options. For example, if you would like your twins’ names to reflect the word “lion,” focusing on the virtue of having a “heart of a lion,” then their names can be Ariel and Leo.

If you want them to be based on the Hebrew faith, specifically, “Who is like God?” then the names Michael and Michaela can be a good match. These kinds of names would all depend on what thought you’re going for.

Choose names for your twins based on origin. This not only upholds your family heritage, but it also gives the names of your twins a lot more significance. Of course, choosing names based on origin isn’t exclusive to those who belong to a certain culture or heritage.

For example, names inspired by a Scottish heritage can be Blair and Cameron. If it’s more of German inclination, you can go with Christopher and Claudia.

Boy and Girl Twins Names Ideas

Boy Girl Twin Names That Rhyme

• Abbie, Gabbie
• Adrielle, Riezel
• Aidah, Allah
• Bernie, Marvie
• Bran, Brianne
• Cara, Arla
• Christianna, Christiane
• Clarkson, Maddison
• Darin, Devin
• Ella, Emma
• Franci, Santi
• Glyndon, Brendon
• Harley, Marley
• Jaime, Cassie
• Jovanne, Joanne
• Katlynne, Kaithlynne
• Kevin, Lenin
• Louie, Ayee
• Mason, Madison
• Massa, Jessa
• Pammy, Sammy
• Quin, Finn
• Ricky, Nicky
• Rikki, Juddi
• Sarah, Torah
• Tate, Kate
• Tristan, Kristen
• Tristan, Kristen
• Wilson, Allison
• Winnie, Freddy
• Xander, Xandria
• Zoey, Zachar

Cute Boy Girl Twin Names

• Abigail, Andrew
• Abigail, Benjamin
• Adam, Eve
• Andrew, Andrea
• Andrew, Emie
• Anna, Will
• Annabelle, Leonard
• Bay, Beach
• Benjamin, Abigail
• Bonnie, Beau
• Bowie, Cy
• Braydon, Baileesh
• Brian, Brianna
• Bronx, Brooklyn
• Brooklyn, Bronx
• Byrum, Baely
• Cassandra, Sunshine
• Charlene, Myla
• Charles, Cadee
• Charlie, Dolly
• Charlie, Poppy
• Charlotte, Charlie
• Chloe, Caleb
• Claire, Clive
• Coco, Sawyer
• Darby, Sullivan
• Deelan, Dean
• Elizabeth, William
• Emily, Edward
• Emily, Ethan
• Emmanuel, Emma
• Emme, Maximilian
• Ethan, Emily
• Garret, Grace
• Grantland, Gabee
• Isabella, Alexander
• Jack, Jill
• Jack, Dorothy
• Jackson, Jamie
• Jake, Samantha
• John, Lucy
• Jonathan, Erica
• Joya, Jason
• Julita, Hudson
• Juno, Rex
• Justice, Jacee
• Kenrich, Kaden
• Kimberly, Jack
• Kitty, Kate
• Lander, Lace
• Laurence, Lacee
• Lilian, Luke
• Logan, Lily
• Lyle, Lily
• Mackenzie, Madison
• Madison, Michael
• Madison, Morgan
• Mark, Charlotte
• Marley, Mabelle
• Matt, Cameron
• Max, Emme
• Maxx, Kate
• Nathalie, Nathan
• Nathan, Nathalie
• Nelson, Eddy
• Newell, Nachelle
• Olive, Jacob
• Oliver, Olivia
• Olivia, Ethan
• Owen, Olivia
• Palma, Page
• Piper, Pierce
• Ranfield, Radella
• Roper, Raileigh
• Ryan, Emma
• Ryann, Rodney
• Samuel , Sophia
• Slater, Bronwyn
• Sophia, Samuel
• Stanbury, Sabetha
• Stanlee, Sabrina
• Tarrence, Tait
• Thomas, Zoe Grace
• Vivienne, Knox
• Zoe, Zachary

Unique Twin Names Boy and Girl

• Aiden, Nadia
• Aiden, Neve
• Ainsly, Adiah
• Amelia, Angus
• Arrow, Zeppelin
• Ashlea, Arla
• Augustus, Augusta
• Axel, Alexa
• Bert, Bertha
• Brandyn, Bailee
• Clovis, Cadee
• Coco Trinity, Sawyer Lucia
• Daryl, Amia
• Denley, Dael
• Eden, Maxi
• Edmon, Ebba
• Ella, Eli
• Elric, Ebba
• Emalie , Emmett
• February, Freya
• Felix, Freya
• Fitz, Faeryn
• Flora, Forest
• Frick, Frat
• Godric, Gabi
• Grayce, Gavin
• Haizel, Hugo
• Hazel, Phinnaeus
• Imogen, Isiah
• Irving, Alvina
• Isabel, Isaac
• Isaiah, Isabella
• Ivo, Ileen
• Jada, Jaden
• Janaury, Nova
• Jessie, D’lila
• Jevon, Jacee
• Josiyn, Jacee
• Kanleigh, Kandi
• Kayla, Kacee
• Knox, Vivienne
• Leticia, Laris
• Lucille, Hudson
• Mark, Marcella
• Moroccan, Monroe
• Nadia, Aidan
• Naomi, Noa
• Noel, Leon
• Nyle, Lyla
• Oren, Nero
• Penelope, Pax
• Phinnaues, Hazel
• Pine, Petunia
• Roman, Adele
• Ronald, Gus
• Rose, Ren
• Samuel, Aida
• Tristan, Sasha
• Victoria, Ysabel
• Violet Moon, Knox Blue
• Violet, Orange
• Ysabel, Victoria
• Zack, Zoey
• Zander, Zoe

With more than a hundred ways to think of the perfectly matched boy and girl twins names, you have just enough to get started with this list we shared with you. Get creative and celebrate the fact that it is really incredible to have twins in the family!

Finding out you’re going to have two daughters at one time is truly something to cherish. This is why getting gorgeously matched names for girl twins is more exciting than a shopping spree! At the end of the day, you’d want to feel that sense of fulfillment in knowing that you’ve figured out the best names to call your angels.

Some Tips on Naming your Twins

Before jumping right in and deciding on your twin girls’ names, give some thought to just how to do it. After all, you’d want to be 100% certain that you’re doing this name game right. Here are some tips that may be helpful for you.

1. It is definitely a good idea to have a theme in mind. This means that if you’re going for a more traditional take in deciding on names, then follow through. A traditional name mixed with a trendy one may not always sound good. It’s good to have names that are from the same cultural heritage or style.
2. You don’t necessarily need to have the names match. Yes, they are twins but then you don’t have to be all “matchy.” Besides, each twin will surely have their own personalities and traits, so, why not go for the same first initial or have the same number of syllables, instead of identical names? This brings out more of your creativity.
3. Make sure that when you say the names aloud, they flow well together. Avoid names that make you stumble while saying them. Go for names that anyone can pronounce easily.
4. Getting inspired by the birth order of your babies is a good place to start, too. The first twin to be born may have a name that begins with the letter “A,” then the second twin gets a name that starts with “B.”
5. You can also think of names based on the gender of your twins. Would you prefer similar names for your identical twins? In relation to this, choosing gender neutral names that are perfect for either girl/girl twins, boy/girl twins or boy/boy twins is also a good way to start brainstorming on your list of names.
6. When it comes to choosing the combination of your twins’ names, there are many ways to do this. Aside from having names begin with the same letter or have the same number of syllables, you can instead have the names end in the same last letter or the same ending sound. One perfect example can be Riley and Charlie.
7. Anagrams as names can also be a very clever way to name your babies. An anagram is basically a word that is formed by rearranging its letters, being sure to use the original letters exactly once. Some examples of names that are anagrams of each other are Ali and Lia, or Gem and Meg.

Aside from these suggestions, you can also choose the names of your girl twins based on what’s popular nowadays. These can be names of celebrities you love, musicians, artists, writers, scientists, or whoever you feel has influence today.

You already know your twins are as beautiful as all your dreams combined, right? So, they both deserve the best names in the world combined. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

100+ Names for Girl Twins

Unique Twin Girl Names

• Adiah, Mariyah
• Arianna, Brianna
• Arin, Nira
• Ciara, Niam
• Danee, Abellona
• Esme, Imogen
• Fidel, Hope
• Harpo, Oprah
• Irene, Salome
• Iris, Siri
• Jeannelle, Jeanette
• Jonabelle, Carmen
• June, Theresse
• Junosa, Eyah
• Keeron, Karan
• Lottie, Lorna
• Maricar, Stella
• Neelia, Aileen
• Nevaah, Heaven
• Nikkie, Nakia
• Olita, Aleda
• Ophelia, Ezra
• Phoebe, Fiona
• Quina, Qiana
• Rafaela, Isabela
• Rio, Roxy
• Serenity, Trinity
• Tracy, Bianca
• Valentina, Valeria
• Zaida, Madelle

Twin Girl Names That Rhyme

• Alina, Anila
• Amanda, Miranda
• Anehta, Athena
• Aneres, Serena
• Denise, Bernice
• Eileen, Kathleen
• Ellah, Elena
• Ellie, Eri
• Elly, Abby
• Harlee, Arlee
• Jackie, Dannie
• Judy, Lorie
• Katie, Sadie
• Laurice, Bernice
• Leah, Miya
• Lennie, Jennie
• Lillie, Bonnie
• Maddy, Addy
• Margarette, Everette
• Marie, Nerie
• Mia, Sophia
• Michelle, Rachelle
• Miley, Kylie
• Nina, Dina
• Nora, Cora
• Reina, Elaina
• Sheena, Shiela
• Skye, Rye
• Stephanie, Cherrie
• Tamarah, Sarah
• Wendy, Kelly

Cute Twin Girl Names

• Addison, Avery
• Amity, Calm
• Aurora, Dawn
• Ava, Grace
• Celeb, Lily
• Dakota, Dallas
• Dawn, Dael
• Deborah, Melissa
• Dorothy, Theodora
• Eden, Savannah
• Eden, Varona
• Grace, Hannah
• Grace, Faithe
• Gracie, Alice
• Hailey, Hana
• Helisa, Hedvig
• Hope, Faith
• Jane, Julia
• Katt, Kacee
• Locke, Lace
• Mackenzie, Maddie
• Mady, Cora
• Maggie, Mabelle
• Margaret, Pearl
• Maribel, Alice
• Mary-Kate, Ashley
• Maryk, Manisha
• Maya, Melody
• McKay, Brenda
• Misti, Mabelle
• Nicole, Nathalie
• Paige, Payton
• Rigmor, Raenisha
• Sarah, Almira
• Selim, Miles
• Sierra, Savanna
• Sophie, Chloe
• Sorina, Saffee
• Tarina, Tacy
• Valery, Vanessa

Whichever pair you choose from this list of beautiful names for girl twins, you’ll find yourself always wanting to say them over and over again. It’s a celebration of the blessing of having two princesses to love and cherish.

One of the first comments that you’ll get whenever you have a child usually goes along the lines of “Aw, he/she looks just like their mom/dad!” You may have smiled and thanked the compliment, and moved on. But have you ever wondered how this dynamic would be influenced if you happened to have (or are expecting to have) twins? What exactly would paternal vs maternal twins mean?

More than that, how does it even happen in the first place? Is it something that occurs due to how the pregnancy happens (for example, the fertilization process) or something more intrinsic to the human biology? Read on for the interesting explanation for this occurrence.

Maternal vs paternal twins – a short history of genetics

To begin with, let’s have a short review of why this phenomenon happens in the first place. Whenever a child is born, it will usually carry a mixture of genes from their parents: half from their biological father, and the other half from their biological mother. These genes will determine everything in the baby’s life growing up: to what their eye color is to how their hair type grows out.

The reason that this happens is twofold. The first reason suggests that because the egg cell and the sperm cell are unique to mother and father (respectively) the resulting zygote will be a mixture of these two individuals. So this mix is a natural reflection from the parents that contributed their genes to the child.

The second reason is that this genetic mix protects and enhances the baby’s life. It’s behind the concept of why inbreeding is bad for all species – genetics work by complements, not by similarities. Offspring will often combine the best of both genes that their parents possess and will pass this down to their own family. This goes on for generations and is the model that is followed by all species that reproduce sexually.

So the reason as to why children look like their parents is quite simple – because the parents give a little bit of themselves to produce their child! This is also the most common reason as to why family members look alike. Similarities will come from offspring that have close cousins in their area or environment, which also explains why people look a certain way in different parts of the world.

So what makes paternal vs maternal twins what they are?

They’re actually the same thing! While paternal twins are twins that look like their fathers, and maternal twins are twins that look like their mothers, they both mean that the twins are identical.

This is primarily based on the process of how the egg gets fertilized. While it is entirely possible for one egg to be fertilized by one egg cell and split into two, it’s also possible to have two separate egg cells fertilized by two different sperm cells.

Assuming that the eventual twins that are formed share the same parents, this is what creates paternal or maternal twins: how their fertilization happens. This is the process when the egg cell meets the sperm cell that will eventually form into a baby – and is the building block of how twins happen.

A quick recap: identical vs. fraternal

However, there are differences in this process that decide what kind of twin develops in the womb afterward. There are a variety of factors that affect this, like fertility treatments and genetics – things we’ve discussed before. But for now, here’s a quick recap.

Identical twins are created when a fertilized egg splits into two, forming two fetuses that attach the uterine wall and grow as most babies do. These babies may or may not share a placenta, and can have intervals between their birth. However, for all intents and purposes, they are identical – if not in appearance, in certain parts of their DNA.

On the other hand, fraternal twins are formed when two separate egg cells are fertilized by two separate sperm cells. It’s the reason why fraternal twins can have different genders or look slightly different. Their DNA may differ in that one twin may take after one specific parent more than the other, but for all intents and purposes, they’re still considered as twins.

This difference in the fertilization is process is the primary factor into the kind of twin you’ll have. We talked about the difference between fraternal and identical twins in depth before, but if you want to know more about twins, here’s a video that might be of use:

So how will this affect the children?

Well, aside from the usual effects of being born with another pair (as twins will lead drastically different lives from those who were born without twins), not much. There may be some slight issues that can be unique to the kind of twins that they are, but every parent will have the expectation that their lovable children will live well and happily.

With the way genetics works, they may even be able to pass down such traits to their own children as well! There have been studies on the theory that the twin gene itself passes down from parent to child, and while still a bit hazy on the sureness of the results, there’s a good chance that your twins will have twins themselves in the future!

Depending on their mother and father (and here we are again with genetics) twins can possess a variety of characteristics inherited from both. With a little bit of luck, they can find someone who their genes are compatible with as well and pass down the best of both you and them to their future offspring. Whatever the case will be, make sure to both love and cherish your children as they grow up!

Do you know someone who’s still confused about the difference between paternal vs maternal twins? Share this article with them so they can understand!