Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Baby names

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

Alexander or Leonard?

56 replies

wishing3 · 05/02/2023 17:37

Just that-which do you prefer please? I think Leonard would probably be known as Lenny or Len by us and Alexander as his full name or Ally. Though I know they’ll be whatever their friends choose at school etc.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
DuchessOfSausage · 10/02/2023 17:43

Me too @MissHavishamsMouldyOldCake . It's rising in popularity.

MissHavishamsMouldyOldCake · 10/02/2023 16:57

I can imagine hipster parents being all over Leonard. And then inevitably the masses will start to find it charming too. Just as with Arthur.

I do love Lenny.

DuchessOfSausage · 10/02/2023 16:56

The Leos and Leon I know are not short for anything.
I have only heard of one Lennard, and he was in Only Fools and Horses.
Sir Lenny is Lenworth.
Leonard Goodman is a Len, Leonard Deighton was a Len, Leonard Cohen was a Len etc

Teeshirt · 10/02/2023 16:43

Alexander by far.
I like Leo but not Leonard.

Pinkdafodils · 10/02/2023 16:04

The Leonards and Leonardos I know tend to be known as Leo

Lennard shortens to Len or Lenny.

DuchessOfSausage · 10/02/2023 15:55

Leonard tend to shorten to Len or Lenny, not Leo or Leon, @Pinkdafodils , but Edward tends to shorten to Ed, Ted or Ned.

Pinkdafodils · 10/02/2023 15:52

Leonard tends to shorten to Leo or Leon

PearlSupernova · 10/02/2023 15:05

I prefer Alexander nn Alex.

really dislike Lenny or Len

wishing3 · 10/02/2023 13:41

ThomasinaLivesHere · 09/02/2023 20:42

I get that Leonard is less popular but I think there’s a reason Alexander is much nicer and stronger.

I’ve never met an Alexander known as Ally. All the ones I know are Alex. To me I associate Ally with Alastair. Maybe it depends on region or country.

No I haven’t either-just thought it didn’t seem to much of a stretch as a nickname.

OP posts:
cravingtoblerone · 09/02/2023 21:22

Alexander definitely!

ThomasinaLivesHere · 09/02/2023 20:42

I get that Leonard is less popular but I think there’s a reason Alexander is much nicer and stronger.

I’ve never met an Alexander known as Ally. All the ones I know are Alex. To me I associate Ally with Alastair. Maybe it depends on region or country.

DorritLittle · 07/02/2023 20:42

There was Leonard in my daughter's class, he was so sweet. The name really suited him. I would go for Alexander nm Alex but I am a bit boring like that.

Blueberrywitch · 07/02/2023 20:39

Leonard but I’d use nn Leo

Kanaloa · 07/02/2023 20:37

Alexander. Gorgeous, classic, versatile, could suit anybody. Leonard is a bit of an acquired taste. And although Leonard isn’t popular, Lennie/Lenny is definitely having a bit of a moment. I know of a few baby ones.

NerrSnerr · 07/02/2023 20:37

I do love baby Len.

HerbalTeaAndCake · 07/02/2023 20:37

Leon

HerbalTeaAndCake · 07/02/2023 20:36

Leonardo nn Lenny / Leo

xprincessxjanetx · 07/02/2023 20:35

Alexander. Don't like Leonard i'm afraid.

wishing3 · 06/02/2023 21:52

Thanks for all the opinions.

OP posts:
StampOnTheGround · 06/02/2023 21:23

Leonard is terrible, definitely Alexander

SuperGinger · 06/02/2023 21:21

Alexander is so much nicer than Leonard.

wellpaddedintherear · 06/02/2023 21:16

beachreader · 06/02/2023 20:32

I have one 😂😂
His nickname as a baby was Big Len as he was a big boy at birth

Oh bless him
itsan awesome underused classic

LlynTegid · 06/02/2023 20:55

Alexander.

Leonard seems dated.

littleburn · 06/02/2023 20:54

Sorry OP, but I can't hear 'Len' and not think 'you address me by my proper title, you little bollocks!' 😂

Mamoun · 06/02/2023 20:45

Leo !