Leonora or Iris

[InTheBoonies]

I am finding it really hard to decide. I think Leonora is the braver choice and Iris a bit safer. But do you think Leonora is a bit 'out there'.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Kyrptonite]

Not overly keen on either but prefer Iris. Leonora sounds a bit too elderly aunt for my taste.

[DonDrapersAltrEgoBigglesDraper]

I know a gorgeous little Guatamalan 3YO called Leonore (known as Leo, pronounced Layo).

To be honest, I prefer Leonore to Leonora - it's more elegant. The 'a' on the end is over-egging the pudding - sort of like Isa/obel is to Isabelle/a...

[InTheBoonies]

I partly picked the name Leonora after living in Madrid and hearing a lot about Princess Leonor of Spain.

I think I thought Leonor / Leonore might sound too masculine in English. But that is exactly what I'm hesitating of DonDrapers , the fussiness of Leonora.

[KittenOfDoom]

Leonora is a splendid name, and lends itself to various shorter or informal forms, if required.

I find Iris rather a "hard" sounding name, don't care for it much.

[smother]

Both lovely.

Leonora is more unusual at the moment. I know a lovely Leonore and prefer this. The only thing that puts me off the name is the nickname Lee, but I'm sure you could use others!

Iris is very elegant - so as long as the child is too, all will be good with that name!

[Jojobump1986]

I know a young Leonora. I was sure the parents had made the name up when I first heard it! She's always called Leo though, I've never heard her called her full name. Personally I'd prefer Nora as a shortening than Leo.

[Exhaustipated]

I like both a lot.

Leonora is a lot less popular, if that bothers you.

[MrsHuxtable]

I love Leonora. In fact will put it on my list for another DD!

[MsJupiterJones]

I love Iris, one of my favourites.

[AssamAndDarjeeling]

Iris.

Leonora will become 'Lee', I think.

[LondonInHighHeeledBoots]

Don't like Leonora, I think it is too fussy - agree with the Isobel/Isabella comment above. I do quite like Leonore/Leonor, and I don't think its any more masculine than Elinor or Eleanor would be? Its just not massively girly which isn't a bad thing!

Prefer Iris though.

[thermalsinapril]

Leonora is great, energetic and good nickname potential (Nora, Lora, Lea)

Don't like Iris at all, it's rather ponderous.

[eastereggnog]

That girl from that tv programme Being Human is a Leonora I think. How is it pronounced? LeOnora or Lenora?

[Leonas]

I love Iris! DPs surname starts with S so I don't think I can use it - makes the two names merge in to one? I really like it though.

[georgettemagritte]

Love Leonora - would shorten beautifully to Leonie which would be so sweet for a little girl. I'm personally not keen on Iris and it's getting really popular near me - def agree that Leonora is the more unusual choice (and more versatile and, I think, more striking and prettier as well).

[smother]

ooh Leonie is a gorgeous nn for a little one!

[fussychica]

Iris or Leonie

[Still18atheart]

out of the two much prefer Leonora!

[raisah]

Leonara reminds me of the fabric conditioner. Sorry.
Iris is lovely

[jellybeans]

I like it but prefer Leoni or Leona.

[freerangeeggs]

Leonore is a fantastic name. Some people will think about that bloody fabric conditioner though (same with Ariel!). I like Leonora too but it is quite frilly.

How about Liora/Leora? Leonie mentioned upthread is also beautiful.

[mathanxiety]

I prefer Leonora.

I find Iris a bit prim and cold.

[Queazy]

I personally prefer Iris. Ida is pretty too

[telsa]

Leonora is fabulous. Go for it. Iris is prim and overused. There is a great artist called Leonora Carrington.