As someone who grew up in the South, it wasn’t uncommon to have a Mary Margaret, John Henry, or Anna Katherine in class with me (or all three). These names never got shortened. Instead, the kids with these so-called double-barrel names were always referred to by both monikers.
These two-in-one names aren’t a first and middle name. They simply combine two distinct names into a single identity. Famous double-barreled celebrities include Mary-Kate Olsen, Mary-Louise Parker, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. And although I’ve been familiar with this naming style since growing up, double barrel names are experiencing a surge in popularity, according to PeopleFinder’s 2025 research on baby naming trends and 2026 Google search trends.
Collen Slagen, baby names consultant and author of Naming Bebe, gave some insight on the double-barrel name trend and what parents can consider when choosing the perfect pair—plus, some of the cutest double barrel name options for boys and girls.
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Colleen Slagen, Baby Name Consultant
As a baby names consultant and author of Naming Bebe, Colleen has a pulse on baby name trends, popularity, and what names you might like based on the list of names you love but can’t use (or agree on!).
Why are double barrel names growing in popularity?
“Right now, so many people want to find something that feels fresh, unique, or special but still timeless and ‘not too out there,’” explains Slagen. “Double barrel names are the perfect way to get a little creative. For example, while Lily is a very popular name, doing something like Lily Drew would stand out while still feeling rooted in classic names.”
In many instances, using a double barrel name is a way to honor family members. For example, in my family there are both an Anna Weston and an Emily Weston that incorporate our grandfather’s name. And if my brother had been a girl, he would have been Sarah Lawson to incorporate my dad’s name.
In Catholic and Hispanic families, two first names are often a way to incorporate saints or godparents into a name.
What to consider before picking a double-barreled name
If you opt for these trendy names, there are a few things you’ll want to think through.
Do you like both names?
Slagen says she’d recommend making sure you love the first part of the name in case the second part gets dropped at some point.
Do you hyphenate double-barreled names?
You’ll also want to consider whether you use a hyphen or not in the name. Using a hyphen will clearly indicate that your child has a double barrel name. But not all states recognize hyphens on official documents, says Hailey Morgan, data expert and marketing specialist at PeopleFinder.info. This means Mary-Katherine could show up as MaryKatherine on some documents and Mary Katherine on others, which may create some headaches.
My friends who have two first names told me that they tend to use a hyphen in professional settings. That’s because they say most people tend to assume they only have one first name otherwise. They said they got tired of correcting people, so a hyphen helps in this situation.
Do you still choose a middle name?
The other thing Slagen points out is you’ll need to decide if you’ll also have a middle name or not. Will the double barrel name serve as both a first and middle name? Or will you also add a third name as a middle name?
“I polled this on my social media once to see what the audience thought, and most people commented that the second name functions as the middle name,” Slagen says, “but some felt strongly that they needed a middle name, too.”
Double first names for girls
According to PeopleFinder’s research, most double-barreled names use a two-syllable first name. That’s often followed by a short, one-syllable name. With that in mind, here are 60 cute double name options for girls, using ideas from Slagen, PeopleFinder, and my personal experience:
- Ada-Greer
- Allie-Blake
- Amelia Rose
- Andi-Kate
- Anna-Beth
- Anna-Claire
- Anna-Kate
- Anna-Lane
- Anna-Maria
- Anna-Sophia
- Anne-Marie
- Anne-Bennett
- Anne-Taylor
- Ava-Jo
- Avery-Grace
- Bailey-Ray
- Bella-Rose
- Betty-Jean
- Billie-Jade
- Birdie-Claire
- Clara-Jo
- Daisy-Drew
- Ella-Quinn
- Ella-Sue
- Ellie-Mae
- Ellie-Rose
- Emily-Elizabeth
- Emily-Kate
- Emma-Jean
- Emma-Scott
- Emmy-Grace
- Flora-June
- Gracie-Belle
- Hallie-Jo
- Haley-Quinn
- Hannah-Grace
- Harper-Kate
- Harper-Jane
- Isla-June
- Ivy-Rose
- Julie-Ann
- Laura-Kate
- Lily-May
- Maria-Sophia
- Marlowe-June
- Mia-Jane
- Morgan-Jane
- Navy-Lynn
- Nora-Kate
- Ruby-Rae
- Ruthie-Blake
- Sadie-Jane
- Sara-Elizabeth
- Sarah-Jane
- Scarlet-Jean
- Scottie-Rose
- Scottie-Rae
- Stella-Joy
- Stella-Kate
- Tara-Jane
Double first names with Mary
The first name Mary was the top baby girl name for decades, honoring the mother of Jesus, and often paired with vintage names like Grace, Catherine, or Jane. Mary is making a resurgence in 2026; “double names that start with Mary” is a top trending search term, according to 2026 Google data. Here are 20 name ideas to pair with “Mary,” from classic choices to modern picks:
- Mary Anne
- Mary Beth
- Mary Catherine
- Mary Claire
- Mary Corinne
- Mary Drew
- Mary Elizabeth
- Mary Grace
- Mary Greer
- Mary Harper
- Mary Isabella
- Mary Jane
- Mary Jean
- Mary Jo
- Mary Kate
- Mary Louise
- Mary Noreen
- Mary Sage
- Mary Scarlet
- Mary Sofia
Double barrel names for boys
While less common, PeopleFinder did find that double barrel names for boys are seeing a steady increase in popularity. More boys tend to use initials when they have a double barrel name, like JP or TJ, although some do go by their full name. Here are 40 double barrel name ideas for boys.
- Atlas-Rae
- August-Charles
- Brooks-Henry
- Camden-Luke
- Charlie-Ray
- Colton-James
- Crew-Matthew
- Davis-James
- Dylan-James
- Eddy-Bronx
- Eddy-James
- Garret-Joe
- Grant-Michael
- Henry-James
- Holden-James
- Hunter-Lee
- Jack-David
- Jack-Ford
- Joey-Finn
- John-Luke
- John-Michael
- John-Paul
- John-Richard
- Juan-Carlos
- Knox-Reign
- Liam-Dean
- Lucas-Allen
- Michael-Dean
- Nico-Ross
- Reid-Michael
- Rhett-Carter
- River-James
- Sam-Ray
- Theo-Jay
- Thomas-Jay
- Thomas-Reid
- Tucker-Gage
- Wallace-Lee
- Wrigley-James
- Wyatt-Lee
FAQs about double names
What is a double-barrel name?
A double barrel name is essentially a double first name, meaning the person goes by both names together, like Mary Kate, Scarlet Jo, or John Paul.
Are double-barrel names hyphenated?
Using a hyphen will clearly indicate that your child has a double barrel name. This can be helpful in school settings and later in life. However, not all states recognize hyphens on official documents, so their name could show up inconsistently on paperwork.
What are the most popular double-barrel names?
Double first names that start with Mary (like Mary Kate, Mary Beth, and Mary Grace) were popular until the 1960s, but are making a comeback, according to recent data. Other popular names paired in double barrel names include Anna, Claire, Grace, Kate, Jane, Jo, Lynn, Rose, Rae, Sue, Henry, James, Jay, John, Juan, Luke, and Lee.
Can you have a double-barrel first name and a middle name?
You can also have a middle name. Or you can elect the second name in a doube barrel name as their middle name.
Elliott Harrell, Contributing Writer
Elliott is a mom of two little girls and is based in Raleigh, NC. She spends her days running a sales team and doing laundry and her nights writing about the things that she loves. She’s passionate about all things motherhood and women’s health. When she’s not working, writing or parenting you can find her trying a new restaurant in town or working on her latest needlepoint project.
