Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Leonie too weird?

110 replies

LewishamMum · 14/06/2021 09:40

I don't know the sex, but have loved this name since read it in a novel aged about 12. Never met anyone who has it though.
I always assumed it was pronounced Lee-OH-nee. I know it's different in France/Germany (where it originates), but that doesn't bother me.
I don't want my DD (if it is a D!) to go through life spelling and pronouncing her name for people.
How would you say it? I like unusual names, just not names where you have to spell it out all your life.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Lanique · 16/06/2021 09:06

@LewishamMum no I haven't - that's exciting I'll have to look them up. I've often wondered whatever happened to Nanda! I thought it was semi-autobiographical - but it wouldn't surprise me if fully. I always thought the ending wasn't 'quite' conclusive/scandalous enough somehow - if it were fiction, Nanda would have probably 'done' more, but it was quite right that in those days her actions were shocking enough thus quite plausible that it was a true story.

Mouthfulofquiz · 16/06/2021 09:05

I know a Leonie (great name!) she pronounces it Lay-nee.

Original poster
LewishamMum · 16/06/2021 08:48

@Lanique
Yes, I've read it twice, so beautifully written.
Have you read the 3 follow ups (where Nanda's name is changed to Clara). They're not as good, but I still enjoyed them, and incredible to think they are autobiographical.

OP posts:
Lanique · 16/06/2021 08:26

I was just about to ask if it was from Frost in May! I read it at 12 too and then again more recently - a great book. When I read it again recently I fell in love with the name Leonie and would definitely consider it if I were planning another dd.

newreality1 · 16/06/2021 01:50

Leonie is gorgeous (I also loved it from a novel I read years ago)

BluePeterVag · 16/06/2021 01:36

I know a 6 year old Leonie, Lay-oh-nee. She was named after her grandmother. Both English.

Original poster
LewishamMum · 15/06/2021 21:14

@Terrazzo
Oh the previous thread passed me by! I'm only 5 weeks and it's probably going to be a DS after all this, but I like to be organised. Best of luck yourself.
Nice to know people don't think it's weird - I've simply never met anyone with the name that's all.

OP posts:
BiscuitLover09876 · 15/06/2021 21:03

I know one. Not weird at all.

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 15/06/2021 20:46

I’m a teacher and have taught 4 in last three years. Not that strange. 3 were nice. 1 was a terror Grin

PurpleFlower1983 · 15/06/2021 20:45

I work with a Leoni, she’s lovely.

Roselilly36 · 15/06/2021 20:32

One of my favourite girls names.

Nohomemadecandles · 15/06/2021 20:31

Both LeOHnee

Nohomemadecandles · 15/06/2021 20:30

I know two female Leonies. One 40 ish, one about 6!

HelenHywater · 15/06/2021 20:29

I don't think it's weird. I'd pronounce it Lay-onie (heavily influenced by Georgette Heyer). I suspect she would have to tell people how to pronounce but no different to Esmee, or Clementine.

Lulu1919 · 15/06/2021 20:25

I know one...
Lee oh nee
Never thought it's a tricky name to say ....

Terrazzo · 15/06/2021 20:11

I had a thread on Leonie a few months ago! Was a resounding yes 😍 (still not pregnant though 😄)

Tal45 · 15/06/2021 20:09

Unusual and beautiful.

umberellaonesie · 15/06/2021 20:07

I know 2 adult Leona's and a Leonie.
I don't think they have any issue with spelling pronunciation etc.

gottakeeponmovin · 15/06/2021 20:02

I know two one is a Leon-ee and one a Lee-oh-nee. I prefer the latter

Starbonnet123 · 15/06/2021 14:00

It's a very pretty name , my lovely dog Walker is .called Leonie

ImNotWhoYouThinkIam · 14/06/2021 22:12

Ds was at primary school with 2 Leonies, they are 13/14 now. Both had German parent/s. Both pronounced it Lee-oh-nee.

toffeebutterpopcorn · 14/06/2021 22:12

I’ve known two - one German and one Greek. Lovely name.

partyatthepalace · 14/06/2021 22:08

I like it, I know a couple pronounced as you say it. I don’t think it’s so unusual you have to worry about it. I prefer Leonora personally, also quite like Leon for a boy.

PrivateParty · 14/06/2021 16:36

I like it. Not too common either..

Ninkanink · 14/06/2021 14:25

I’m sure plenty of people have said, it’s not weird at all.

I really like it.