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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.

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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.