Standardized gene nomenclature supports unambiguous communication and identification of the scientific literature associated with genes. To support the increasing number of annotated genomes that are now available for comparative studies, gene nomenclature authorities coordinate the assignment of approved gene names that can be readily propagated across species without losing their sense of meaning. Theofanopoulou et al (Theofanopoulou et al. 2021) propose nomenclature changes to the genes encoding oxytocin and arginine vasopressin and their receptors which would hinder comparative studies and literature identification. Instead, we propose minor updates to the current approved nomenclature of these vertebrate genes to better reflect their evolutionary history, without confusing the literature that already exists around these well-studied genes. We encourage authors to work with nomenclature committees to ensure any novel gene names fit current guidelines so that their publications can be readily indexed and made accessible. Moreover, we call on journal editors and reviewers to help support communication and indexing of gene-related publications by ensuring that standardized gene nomenclature is routinely used.