Mark Twain

"Twain" is an archaic term that means "two" or "between two." It's commonly known from the phrase "Mark Twain," which was used as a nautical term for water depth measurement. "Mark Twain" means the water is at a depth of two fathoms or 12 feet, indicating safe passage for boats.

Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. His pen name, "Mark Twain," was derived from a riverboat term meaning "two fathoms deep." Another nickname he had was "The Father of American Literature."

Mark Twain (a nautical term)

Mark Twain's nickname was actually his pen name; his real name was Samuel Clemens. He chose the name "Mark Twain" from a riverboat term meaning the water is two fathoms deep, indicating it was safe to navigate.