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Chosen names for twins, but..

33 replies

legallyblond · 16/05/2013 14:43

.... Not sure about which is the best pronounciation for one!

We already have a DD, Matilda.

The twins are DCDA, so could be any combo, and we don't know the sexes. We have decided on:

Hugo
Ralph
Valentina
Isabel

So... Ralph. Can be "Ralf" or "Rayfe". Both valid and normal I believe. We like both! Which do you automatically think when you see the name?

Thanks

OP posts:
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SheepCantFly · 16/05/2013 14:48

I would think it was pronounced 'Ralph', but prefer 'Rafe'. helpful

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Catlike · 16/05/2013 14:51

Rafe sounds much nicer.

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Egg · 16/05/2013 14:51

My BIL is called "Rayfe" and it is spelt Rafe. I would presume Ralph is pronounced "Ralf" although I know it could be either. Good luck with the twins, I have b/g twins, they are fab.

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EuroShaggleton · 16/05/2013 14:52

Ralph is pronounced "ralf". Rafe is much nicer.

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DebsMorgan · 16/05/2013 14:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NotYoMomma · 16/05/2013 15:04

Rafe! Love it

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Wouldntyouliketoknow · 16/05/2013 15:07

I think if you want it to be pronounced Rafe you'd have to spell it like that. Ralph is 'Ralf'.

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LaVitaBellissima · 16/05/2013 15:08

Yes Rafe is lovely and love all other names too.

Ralph is another word to say vomit where I grew up

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bunnymother · 16/05/2013 15:10

I also think Ralph is Ralf.

All your names are lovely, btw, and I like how they don't "match" eg no Holly & Ivy. I have ID twin girls and their names don't "match", which is apparently quite important in the psychology of parenting twins, but not such a concern unless you have same sex twins. Apologies for the diversion in topic...

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LemonPeculiarJones · 16/05/2013 15:11

And in terms of the pairings (if its DD/DS) I think:

Hugo and Valentina

Rafe and Isobel

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LemonPeculiarJones · 16/05/2013 15:11

Sorry, Isabel!

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humblebumble · 16/05/2013 15:14

I know a Raphael that is shortened to Raffe which is quite nice too.

Pairings

Raphael and Valentina

Raphael and Isobel

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Decoy · 16/05/2013 15:19

I think Ralph is best pronounced Ralf. I don't like this thing of names where you only know the "correct" pronounciation if you're posh enough. Just spell it like it is Grin

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legallyblond · 16/05/2013 15:54

Decoy - I agree! Just checking as I (fairly posh actually - boarding school etc!) just think Ralf when I see the name.. although I know it can be Rafe. I worry Ralph pronounced Rafe is a bit affected! I like Ralf, so that that's fine!

OP posts:
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DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 16/05/2013 18:16

The actor Ralph Fiennes I believe pronounces his first name "Rafe".

Until I heard that, I'd always presumed it was "Ralf".

Great names, for a boy and girl I'd pair them

Hugo and Valentina, and Ralph and Isabel.

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kelda · 16/05/2013 18:20

I would go for Rafael too.

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FattyMcChubster · 16/05/2013 18:28

Cousin is rafe and pronounced 'rayfe'.
I always read Ralph 'ralf'.
Prefer rafe.

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Catlike · 16/05/2013 19:19

Ralph is another word to say vomit where I grew up

Same here! and it always makes me think of the nickname the boyfriend in Forever by Judy Blume had for his penis

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thegreylady · 16/05/2013 19:39

I only know one little Ralph [rather posh] and he is Ralf.

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LaVitaBellissima · 16/05/2013 19:52

Grin Catlike

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attilascupcakes · 16/05/2013 20:06

Oh god Catlike, me too!

Either is valid. I would think Ralf straight off, but having been introduced as Rafe he would become that, if that makes sense.

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dementedma · 16/05/2013 20:25

My nephew is Ralph - pronounced Ralf.
Rafe is a bit poncey and a middle class affectation IMO.

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bananaramma · 16/05/2013 20:37

Isabel and Ralph are lovely - classic and underused. I'd probably say Ralf but would be happy pronouncing it Rafe if preferred.

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PiratePanda · 16/05/2013 20:40

Ralph is probably best avoided if you want to avoid a lifetime of judging one way or another re pretentious/chavvy. Raphael much more straightforward, and could even be Ralf for short...

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mikkii · 16/05/2013 20:42

I have a Valentino, DD2 would have been Francisco Raphael if she had been a boy. Great names.

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