Chosen names for twins, but..

[legallyblond]

.... 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

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

Rafe sounds much nicer.

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.

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

Rafe! Love it

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

Yes Rafe is lovely and love all other names too.

Ralph is another word to say vomit where I grew up

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...

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

Hugo and Valentina

Rafe and Isobel

Sorry, Isabel!

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

Pairings

Raphael and Valentina

Raphael and Isobel

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

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!

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.

I would go for Rafael too.

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

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

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

Catlike

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.

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

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

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...

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