It’s become a tradition that we know (or at least hope) many of you look forward to each year. In April, the social media team rolls out what we have dubbed “Sheep Week.” And for five glorious days, you’ll get a dose of cuteness that’s bound to bring a smile to your face. (Because seriously, who doesn’t get just a little bit happier at the sight of our lambs?). And we always start… with a naming contest.
It’s the phone call our team looks forward to every spring—the one to announce the first lamb of the season has arrived. This year the word came from Director of Coach & Livestock Paul Bennett himself. And not only was it a girl… she had a sister! Twins are actually pretty common among Leicester Longwools. In fact, it isn’t unusual for every other birth to result in multiples.
When we pulled up to the stables, we were greeted by our former ox driver Lisa Carpenter and the two tiniest bundles of wool we’d ever seen. At the time of these pictures, the little ones were less than 12 hours old—so small, we couldn’t yet hold them as they were still too fragile. That was March 3, on a Thursday. By that weekend, they had moved to their new home in the pasture at the corner of Francis and Nassau Streets. And the girls were already becoming a social media sensation. Sherri Beaver shared this adorable picture with us.
As the duo started getting bigger—we quickly noticed these gals were full of energy—much more so than some of the other lambs who prefer to take long naps in the sun. You can stop by just about any time of day, and this sprightly pair is bound to be jumping and frolicking and hamming it up for the cameras.
Fred Blystone, local photographer and our resident sheep whisperer, has captured several moments where the girls are leaping in the air. The above shot is one of my favorites as they appear to be attempting a synchronized leprechaun kick!
In addition to being full of energy, these twins are quite inquisitive. While some babies tend to stay close to their mamas, these two have no problem exploring and will often come right up to the fence for guests to get some pretty great pictures.
Personality-wise, the siblings are very similar. Physically, we can tell you that one sister is just slightly bigger than the other. And while independent in many ways, the two rarely wander too far away from each other.
Okay. Now that we’ve formally introduced you to CW’s first lambs of 2016, we need your help! These adorable girls needs names… STAT! This will quite possibly be one of the easiest contests you’ve ever entered. All you have to do is leave your two name suggestions in the comment section below the blog.
You have until Wednesday at midnight to submit your entries. We’ll announce the winner at 9 a.m. Friday morning and if we pick your suggestions, you’ll win a pretty cool prize package!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to check what names have already been suggested since duplicate entries will not count. In addition to bragging rights, as the winner, you will also receive the following gifts: Two Multiday Tickets, a Leicester Lamb stuffed animal, a book about our Rare Breeds Program, a Colonial Williamsburg tote, and a special Making History travel coffee mug!
This year we’re bringing our Library and Corporate Archives department out of those stuffy rooms and out into the sunlight! We know they spend a lot of time buried in research, sifting through the wealth of Foundation history so we can share it with you. We think it’s time for them to make a little history of their own!
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the blog. You don’t want to miss the big announcement. Again, you have until this Wednesday at midnight to enter. Good luck!
A special thanks to Dave Doody for all of the great pictures of the mama and her babies!
Dolley and Sarah
Dolley and Sarah
My 8 year old twins (one of which loves sheep and has a large stuffed animal sheep collection) want to suggest Little Lily and Sweetie for the names.
Jane Mecom
Sarah Franklin
Both were important females in the revolutionary war, as well as related to Ben Franklin.
Allie and Gilly.
Posey and Poppet
I’d like to suggest Susannah and Beverley, after Lady Susannah Beverly Randolph, the wife of Sir John Randolph.
Andreea and Diana
Angelica and Eliza
Achsha and Jerusha! Good Colonial names!
I did not see my former comment among the others, so I am reposting another one. (Minus the website links and photograph.)
Sally Scott and Anna Maria Murray
The Murray Sisters Painting by Bouché, 1794 (Restored by The Colonial Williamsburg Museum Project)
Thank you for your consideration.
Rebekah meaning “one who joins together” and Barb after Barbara from Foodways as she is kind and energetic to all just like these lambs.
Martha and Dolly
Freedom & Rebel
Because the lambs are jewels to adore, I suggest the names of Opal & Pearl. The youngsters are gems to admire, enjoy, and respect.
Patricia J. Bressler says
I nominate the names Charlotte and Suzanna after my two granddaughters who will visit Williamsburg for the first time Sat. APRIL 16. THEY ARE 3 AND 5 and are eagerly looking forward to the baby lambs, horses and chicks!
KYLIE - parts Cited from Urban Dictionary - An extremely beautiful girl who is liked by many people, very smart and caring, athletic and surprising at everything she does. She can make anybody laugh and loves to smile.
KINDER - from the word kind. meaning gentle, caring, kindhearted
KYLIE AND KINDER
ZOE and CHLOE
These two (and all the other spring lambs) are so precious!
Emma and Ava for my two little nieces.
Carol Locklear says
My husband and I love Williamsburg and named our two female golden retrievers Chowning and Campbell using Tavern names as our inspiration. The names are adorable for our sweet and spunky pups. We think these names would fit the baby lambs perfectly!
Penny and Polly
Went out to play
Pick these names and
Make my day!
Anna and Mary, after my grandmother Anna Mary, who loved Colonial Williamsburg as much as I do, including all of its beautiful creatures big and small.
Anna and Mary after my grandmother Anna Mary, who loved Colonial Williamsburg as much as I do, including all of its beautiful creatures.
Arianna and Susannah
Elizabeth Layfield says
Bathsheepa and Francis
Ellen Banker says
They are so adorable! Abigail and Emma
My girls suggest Cotton and Candy! 😊
Annabelle in honor of Annabelle Powell and Ariana in honor of John Randolph
Snowdrop and crocus - the first greeters of spring, just like these two lovelies!!!
As someone else suggested, Elaine & Shirley.
A fitting tribute to a woman who has worked so hard to preserve and promote the Leicester Longwools and the other breeds that CW has.
It’s just the right thing to do!
How can you not?
Nastassia Parker Gross says
How about Milly and Tilly?
claire says
Opal and woolie!!!
Elisabeth says
I LOVE THIS! So adorable:)
Mary grace says
What a fun pairing!
Kennedy C says
I adore these names! Opal is just so cute and friendly, and Woolie can put a smile on anyone’s face!!!
Jill says
Daisy and Tulip
Sharon Alexander says
Irish names! Maeve-which means intoxicating-and Rori-which means brilliance.
Dawn Brown says
My son Ethan (age 5) would like to suggest Blueberry and Banana. Regardless of their name we can’t wait to meet them next week while visiting from CT!
Carrie Meeker says
Frick and Frack
Anna says
Ewe-nice and Baaah-rbara.
I suggest Christi.ana & Virginia.
Dolly and Polly
Erin J. says
Heather and Lillian, fun names for when they’re little, but still dignified for when they grow up!
Pamela Simmers says
I would like to suggest the names Holly and Ivy. Ivy for the beautiful Ivy that grows there and Holly to represent the beautiful decorations that adorn the buildings at Christmas time. My daughter and I had the pleasure of seeing these two little darlings on April 6th.
Nabby and Abby - a salute to our first lady Abigail Adams by using her name and nickname
Ruth and Naomi
Christy Gorman says
Penny & Lane?
They are too cute!!
Sally Scott and Anna Maria Murray
The Murray Sisters Portrait by Bouché, 1794
https://www.history.org/history/museums/murraySisters/
http://ouramericanrevolution.org/index.cfm/object/view/ob0209
Thank you for your consideration.
Gwynne says
Lola and Lila
Louisa and Charlotte
Jim says
Leg-O and Rack-O
Lavender and Lilac.
Mandy says
Grace and Joy
Joy and Hope
They bring so much joy to Williamsburg and Hope for the one that the mother did not take care of - we are all hoping it does great. They are always the highlight of a visit to Williamsburg
Denise E. Field says
Hermione and Juno, the names of the current Earl of Leicester’s daughters.
Leap Year and Spring
Sonya Mauro says
Patty (for Patrick Henry) and Penny (for Thomas Jefferson - the “pen” of the American Revolution).
Jeremiah Griffith says
All that fun and fancy free frolicking, they MUST be named…
Laverne & Shirley!!!
Cliff says
Because of the fondness of things from Greek and Roman classics in the 18th century, I suggest from Greek mythology. Eos goddess of the Dawn and her sister Selene goddess of the moon. If you have a preference for Roman mythology, I submit the names Aurora and her sister Luna.
Erin Coles says
Bo & Peep
Ginny Frank says
My granddaughter suggests Meadow and Valley.
So precious! I say name them Yankee & Doodle
Both names are fitting and would be easy for all to remember!
Heidi says
Kit and Purl!
Lorita Armitage says
Peaches and Cream
Alisa Silcox says
Jamie & Maddie (for James Madison)
Robin Banks says
How about Izzy and Bella
Karen Cito says
Macey & Marlie
Laura Solomons says
Lady Mary and Lady Edith; Lucy and Ethel
Laura Irick says
Glory & Hallelujah or Lost & Found
Laura Irick says
Glory & Hallelujah or Lost & Found (Video I made is here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u-umswplXU)
Sugar and Spice
How about Sugar and Spice?
My suggestion: Matilda and Emma.
Mia and Maya
Martha and Betsy
Susan Wiedmaier says
I suggest Matilda and Iris
Cindy Beavers says
Rose and Clara. You said they are energetic, independent, and inquisitive, so they would be perfect companions for the Doctor. 😉 Can’t wait to see them and all Williamsburg has to offer in about 6 weeks.
Mollie and Millie
Molly & Dolly or Sugar & Spice
Traci says
Chloe and Zoe
Patricia G. Gerresheim says
How about ‘Patience’ and ‘Fortitude’, like the lions at the New York Public Library? Mayor Fiorella H. LaGuardia believed that those were the two virtues New Yorkers needed to survive the Depression. They would have stood our Founders in good stead, as well.
Cindi Hardy says
Boo and Bae
Michael Molter says
Amelia and Melody would suit your twin girls. After researching my family tree, I discovered that my two of my grandmothers (several “greats” away and living during the mid to late 18th century) were named Amelia and Melody, so I thought they might be fitting names for these colonial cuties.
Samantha says
Lillie and Millie
Kathy Fitzsimmons says
Fluffy and Muffy
Andi says
Lizzy and Jane
Stephanie says
Cupcake & Jasmine
Callie and Kasey
John Borgoyn says
Nina and Pinta as in two of Columbus’ ships.
Kathy Bell says
Gracie and Bonnie {Scottish for beautiful} Fun for now when they are bouncy lambs and appropriate for when they
are distinguished sheep like their mother.
Cuddles & Curly Sue
Rich Hayden says
For two lambs born in the beauty of springtime in Virginia, especially the
beauty of Williamsburg , I suggest the names Redbud and Dogwood, surely
the Virginia heralds of new life and hope after a long winter. .
Stephanie Miller says
Daisy May & Petunia
I suggest Chamomile and Marigold, both of which can be used to dye their lovely wool a glowing, bright, spring-timey yellow.
Angel Harman says
Tory and Liberty (Tory as in the name given to British loyalists) and Liberty for obvious reasons! 😉
Payton and Patience
Cathy Hatcher says
Martha (Washington) and Betsy(Ross)
Cindy paton says
Dolley and Maddie
Erin says
Lucy and Ethel
Martha and Abigail. I hope the names are appropriate for Colonial lambs. Our Founding Mothers need a little love..
Jodee Haldeman says
May and Flora (for the Mayflower)
Rosie and Posey
Myrtle and Magnolia
Nathan Follmer says
Flora and Fauna.
Gabrielle says
Wilma and Mary
Mairzy Doats and Lambsy Divey
(Mairzy and Lambsey for short)
Stars and Stripes.
They are precious!
Joy and Kindness
In honor of the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, may I suggest the names Ginger and Cookie for the twin sister lambs?
Jan says
Velvet and Vivienne
LINDA says
PRECIOUS and BUTTERCUP
N. Yost says
Essie and Mae. These names popped into my mind when I saw their picture. Seems to call out and say these are our names.
Rachel Newberry says
I should probably offer historical names as suggestions but instead I say Taylor and Emma after my own identical twin girls. My girls were also born quite small (2 lb and 1 lb 12 oz) but today are very energetic 10 year olds, who also happen to love Williamaburg more than any other place on earth!
Patricia Young says
GRACIE SUE and LIZZIE LOU
Kathie Fry says
Sheila and Shawna Sheep
Caroline Macdonald says
Viola and Venetia - these ladies are two of my favourite characters from literature (Viola from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Venetia from the title of the same by Georgette Heyer - while that story is later than These Old Shades (also GH), I think Venetia goes better with Viola than Leonie, unfortunately!)
Dottie says
Lucy and Lydia
How about Beezus and Ramona in honor of Beverly Cleary’s 100th birthday?
Lisa Bryan says
Penelope and Rosie
JoEllen Anklam says
Swift and Winder. These are weaving terms from the tool that winds yarn into skeins or balls. The swift holds the yarn in place as you wind it on the winder. When Karen at the weaver’s shop showed me this tool, I remember thinking these terms would be good names. These girls are likely to have some wool end up on such a tool. Niddy and Noddy would also be fun names. A Niddy Noddy is a similar weaving tool. Interestingly, I just discovered that a niddy-noddy is held by the Christ Child in Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna of the Yarnwinder.
Carol wilson says
Clover and meadow
Rei says
Mercy and Prudence
Lambchop and Shari, in memory of Shari Lewis, who created everyone’s favorite sock puppet.
Hello! I would like to suggest Bertha and Gertrude. Thanks! 🙂
Louise Gilhome says
AGNES and ROSEBUD
Hello! I would like to suggest Martha and Molly. Thanks! 🙂
Louise Gilhome says
I’d like to name them after spring flowers PANSY and TULIP
Betsy ( for Betsy Ross) and Sybil for Sybil Ludington, the female Paul Revere.
Remember, “women who behave rarely make history.”
I believe Ewenice and Woolamenia suits them.
Julie says
Spring and Summer. Season of their birth and bright days ahead 🙂 Plus it’s alliterative and marketable, lol.
Erin Hardy says
How about Abby and Grace - Abby for Abigail Adams and Grace because they “grace” us all with their cuteness! (If I’m being totally honest, it’s for a more selfish reason - because those are my daughters’ names.) We were in Williamsburg right after the triplets were born last year, and we’ve been following this lambing season closely.
Dolly and Martha of course
Patsy and Edina, of course.
Sibbie and Weatherly would be excellent names. Both these names mean “ewe” and “daughter”. Fun names for frolickling lambs, yet would also fit them as they grow into sweet sheep!
Christy Baker says
Mae and Pearl!
Elly Delasko says
Thelma and Louise
Lissy (Felicity) and
Bitsy (Elizabeth)
from the Felicity book series
Sheri says
Ginny and Gerty
Morgan says
Eliza and Belle
Diane Beatrice Milliken says
Can’t wait to see them at the end of May! How about Blossom and Petals?
Spring lambs are such a promising treasure … name them Faith and Hope.
Diane Beatrice Milliken says
Can’t wait to see them at the end of May when we visit again! How about Blossom and Petals.
The girls in the pre-K class where I volunteered this morning suggest:
Ke.lly and Shelly.
Beth McCaugherty says
Dot and Dash!
Kathy Miller says
Abbie and Addie are my choices for the twins. Difference of a ‘B’ and a ‘D’.
Chris (Christiana Campbell) and Jane (Jane Vobe).
I would like to name them DANCER and PRANCER. They seem lively and full of fun. Even the children will remember these names!
Posie and Dottie
Carol Jacobs says
Dolly and Madison for the former First lady.
Too cute! I would name them Emma and Stella!
Since they seem to be spending so much time in the pasture at the corner of Francis and Nassau Streets, how about Frannie and Nassau?
Rosie and Daisy, flower names for spring!
Kathy Moran says
Chrissy and Catie in honor of Christiana Campbell and Catherine Blaikley.
Perhaps “Molly” Pitcher and “Anne” Bailey
To fine name far citizens of the Revolutionary City….
They were born around the time CW noted the passing of First Lady Nancy Reagan (died March 6) and you posted photos of her and President Reagan, how about Nancy and Ronnie (Veronica).
Susan Wiedmaier says
My suggestion for the twin lambs are 18th century girls names - Blythe and Biddy.
Cheri Molter says
I suggest Georgeanna and Jane, after the Woolsey sisters who helped to redefine nursing as a respectable career choice for women in the early 19th century. I know the time period is a little off, but those two sweet lambs ARE Woolsey sisters, too, and they certainly sound like lively, free-spirited young ladies, just like Georgie and Jane. 🙂
They are spring time babies so how about April and May!!
I did manage to come up with two names-not easy for me to name animals for some reason. Here ya go: Felicity and Elizabeth.
Tricia Warner says
Salute to Virginia flag ends with Liberty and Independence for all.
Libby and Indy.
Tricia Warner says
Meant to say….. Where Liberty and Independence were born!
Carmen Overton says
Violet and Charlotte
Kathy says
My granddaughter, Sydney, calls them Candy & Ice Cream.
Elaine and Shirley
In honor of Elaine Shirley, CW’s shepherdess and head of the Rare Breeds Program, I suggest one twin be named Elaine and the other Shirley. Rather grown up names, but they won’t be tiny, warm, and fuzzy forever. I just think it would be a nice way of thanking Elaine for being so successful reintroducing several breeds but especially the popular Leicester Longwool sheep.
Yes!
Tick and Tock
courtney says
Eliza Hamilton and Amity Henrietta
Georgia Ayscue says
Patsy and Nellie would be appropriate after the stepdaughter and stepgranddaughter of the man who is given credit for bringing Leicester Longwool to Virginia - George Washington.
Since they are so active, how about, Jumpy and Bouncy?
Steve Preston says
I think they should be named Lady and Liberty because they were born in Williamsburg which has such a stron connection to freedom and liberty.
Martha &
Abigail
Hannah says
I think they should be named Barbra and Macey.
Mike Welch says
It’s been quite a cool Spring this year. We suggest Elsa and Anna !
Ashley Sroka says
Celeste & Storm
Mairin Hayes says
Abby and Patsy- names that evoke two of our First Ladies, but are cute and casual enough for these sweet little girls! Plus we can see the vivacious personality (especially of Mrs. Adams) coming through already! And the ladies were good friends, which we see happening with these little girls, as they’re never far from one another!
Anna Kruger says
Martha and Sally (Representing some T. Jeff up in here!)
Alyson says
Poppy and Polly 🙂
Hello! So, so cute! I suggest Lucy and Lollie. 🙂
Iris and Forsythia
Mattie and Nellie
Franny (For Francis St) and Henny (Sort of a spin on Patrick Henry.
Mattie and Mellie
Hyacinth and Dahlia for spring.
Daffodil and Tulip.
katie says
Delia and Mamie, after my little Virginia nieces - one is a twin, the other was born last week!
I like TULIP AND DAISEY.. TWO BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS. AND IT IS SPRING AND WE ARE WELCOMING THESE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS AND MORE NOW. JUST LIKE WE ARE WELCOMING THEM.
Sarah says
Felicity and Cassidy
Christine Biscardi says
How about Martha and Abby after our two First Ladies
Cutie and Patootie?
Rose Mulherin says
I think you should name them Virginia (Ginny) and Caroline after our colony and the closest neighboring colony.
Anne and Diana from Anne of Green Gables!
Amanda Griffith says
These beautiful little lambs seem to know just the way to usher in a spring like this year has brought us! Please name them Lily and Lilac.
My fun and fancy free little ladies are looking forward to our next visit so they can meet the newest residents of the pasture at the corner of Francis and Nassau Streets.
Minnie and Moe
Dana Moll says
Abitha and Aphra
Vernon tracey says
Blossom & bloom
In honor of James Madison, Madison (Maddy) and in honor of General Washington, Martha. So Martha and Maddy.
Comfort and Charity
Alice and Ann
Sharon Doane says
How about Abbie and Dabbie!
Rachel Watson says
Martha and Maggie!
Annie Horan says
Jemima and Betsy.
In honor of James Madison, how about Dolley— and since twins usually rhyme, Molley! I fondly remember our daughter’s sheep obsession in the mid 1990s and the kindness of the staff sharing their knowledge!
Fifi and Mimi
Lori says
Eliza and Peggy
Fifi and Mimi
Spring Flowers and spring lambs so Primrose and Pansy…and Colonial names to boot
Flit and Flutter - because they never stay still
I think Sarah and Suzie fit these 2 precious girls perfectly. Such sweethearts!
Kathryn Walsh says
Wiggles and Giggles…not very Colonial either, but sounds like they fit their personalities
Mary Marshall says
We suggest Annie and Frannie
Merry K Yoder says
I think their names should be Taffi and Daffi. My imagination sees them tumbling about among the daffodils. Absolutely delightful darlings!
Martha and Mary
Two rather silly names that came to mind after reading the description of their personalities are certainly not very “Colonial” sounding but since they are both female; Sissy and Sassy.
After another cup of strong coffee, if it is permissible, may I submit more suitable names?
Fiona and Charlotte
Linda Hooper says
Abigail and Hannah