The names of the giant panda twin cubs that were born in Hong Kong have been revealed on Tuesday.

In a ceremony, the judges announced that "big sister" will take the name of Jia Jia while "little brother" will be named De De.

Officials said the name "Jia Jia" conveys the message of support.

It also features an element of family, embodying the prosperity of families and the nation as well as the happiness of its people.

Meanwhile, "De De" means "to succeed", expressing hope that Hong Kong can do well in everything.

It also represents virtue in Chinese, suggesting that giant pandas, as national treasures, possess the virtues cherished by the Chinese people.

More than 35,000 submissions were received after the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Ocean Park called on the public to submit ideas for the names of the panda cubs in February.

In the ceremony, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok presented a "birth certificate" to each cub.

"The pair of giant pandas are actually not qualified to get a birth certificate, but we will present them with a birth memorial certificate," he said.

"The certificate will have their photos printed and some basic information, along with their [official] names."

The twin pandas will move with their mother Ying Ying to Alpine Zone at the Giant Panda Adventure, where the public will be able to see the pandas without a glass barrier.

"It is a very positive pair of names," Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong said.

"Jia Jia is the mandarin version, it means home, and sounds like home.

"In terms of De De, some people may pronounce as Di Di, which is younger brother in Cantonese.

"We have to be a bit creative here with the names, the sounds like, and there are also different meanings."