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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Léonie

37 replies

bemybebe · 06/01/2012 19:11

Obviously Leo or Leon are boys' names, but I recently came across a girls' version - Léonie (French) or Leonie. Actually the origin is Greek.

Do you think it is a good name for a baby girl?

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Original poster
bemybebe · 09/01/2012 12:27

I am also contemplating all the cute lioness/lion cub toys and a strong image of a powerful animal (and groups of lionesses hunting and looking after the young together). I just like this whole package - sound of the name and what it can represent.

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Original poster
bemybebe · 09/01/2012 12:25

I agree bbaloo Smile

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bbaloo · 09/01/2012 12:24

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Original poster
bemybebe · 09/01/2012 12:20

"Are you looking for a Greek name?"

Not necessarily bbaloo. The baby will be mixed Slavic/Western European (so Greek names are relevant), but we are not limiting ourselves to any particular culture, just maybe trying to avoid culture-specific names that are not relevant to us. I mentioned Greek origin of the name Leonie, because having asked people in rl several mentioned it being a french name with Latin origin (from Leo) and, apparently, it is not. Although nowadays Leo and Leon are pretty much interchangeable.

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bbaloo · 09/01/2012 11:58

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DesertOrchid · 08/01/2012 18:16

With the accent I would pronounce it like A&E with an L. (LAY-uh-nee)

I know one who says it that way. With accent that would make more sense with standard French pronunciation anyway, I think?

OhFraktiousTree · 08/01/2012 16:18

I really like it.

Lonnie · 08/01/2012 15:57

People often think it is my name. there is a mum at the primary school my youngest 2 go to that is called it, Its not one I would use but nor one I think ewww over

freerangeeggs · 08/01/2012 15:39

Love

WhatstheScenario · 07/01/2012 12:08

t was quite popular in London in the 80s, weirdly.

Nice name.

addictediam · 07/01/2012 05:32

I love this name :o although school teachers never know how to pronounce it, which becomes really annoying. I would also spell it with out the e on the end so Leoni...but that's probably because Leoni is my name :o

butterfliesinmytummy · 07/01/2012 05:18

I love it, unfortunately DH vetoed it 8 years ago Envy

yellowraincoat · 07/01/2012 05:09

It's beautiful.

I know a Leona, she loves her name.

RumourOfAHurricane · 07/01/2012 02:16

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PastGrace · 07/01/2012 02:03

I think it's beautiful - I know one who pronounced it Lay-o-nee (no real emphasis anywhere, but at the start if anything).

I also love Leonora.

mathanxiety · 07/01/2012 01:53

The Leonies I knew pronounced it Lee-OWN-ee.

rachel234 · 06/01/2012 21:44

I know one who pronounces it LEH-ony, with the emphasis on the first syllable. I like it.

LeonieDeSaintVire · 06/01/2012 21:42

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jellybeans · 06/01/2012 21:12

Love it. I know a Leoni, Leona and Leonie. I prefer Lee-own-ee but Lay-oh-nee is nice too. It's highly popular in Europe (I think Germany and Austria). It's unusual but not odd.

SparkySparrow · 06/01/2012 20:58

I love this name! :)

staylucky · 06/01/2012 20:57

Nice name, I know an adult one too, very outspoken, self assured and pretty successful.

lollystix · 06/01/2012 20:52

It's fab - love it. I knew one as a child and always loved it

Kayzr · 06/01/2012 20:51

My xsil is Leonie and it's pronounced Le-own-ie I think it's a lovely name. She's the only one I've ever known.

guinealady · 06/01/2012 20:49

I have a very good friend called Leonie and she pronounces it Ley-onee, called Ley for short.

I also think Sidonie is a very pretty, similar sounding name. Lenore would be a lovely name if it wasn't for that damn fabric softener!

TadlowDogIncident · 06/01/2012 20:49

It's a great name. I know an adult one (but she is driven to distraction by people mispronouncing it - she's Leon-ie but people tend to say Lee-own-ie). And it's a fab Georgette Heyer character who can fence, ride and threaten to shoot people dead.