Help me choose between Leo and Leonard

[Londonpansy]

Dh and I have settled on Leo if we have a boy (am 8 months pg but don't know the sex).

We def don't like Leopold or Leonardo. We know we want the baby if it is a boy to be known generally as Leo.

But I am starting to think I much prefer Leonard as its full name.

I know Leonard is a bit old man, but it is a nice name and a proper name (it was Churchill's middle name for example). I also like Lenny though dh doesn't like Lenny and absolutely detests Len.

One concern I have is if he goes to school and there is ore than one Leo in the class he becomes known as Leonard by default even though the plan is he will be known as Leo. If we just call him Leo of course then they have no choice.

Also if he were called Leonard is Leo an obvious short version?

Aaaargh - any thoughts please do share them (as long as they are not of the 'horrible name, have you thought of Fred' variety - we are def going with Leo or Leonard).

Leo definately.
My friend has called her baby boy Leo ( cheekily robbed the name off us actually, was our number 2 boy name) but all is forgiven coz he's gorgeous

Leo.

If you want Leo then just use Leo.

However I have to say I much prefer Leonard shortened to Len or Lenny.

I'd normally go with "long version and short nickname" (as with my own DS), but much prefer Leo, and ti is a name in its own right.

I know several baby Leos though. He may nto be the only on ein his class!

Leo is a lovely name and so is Leonard but I don't see them as being related IYSWIM. I love Lenny and there are so many good Leonards (Cohen, Rossiter, Nimoy) but if Leo is your choice then go for that.

I have a DS whose name is a shortened version of a very quaint old man's name (NOT Alfie or Archie!) and I sometimes regret not giving him the full name on his birth certificate but as I don't really like it, the feeling is temporary.

thanks again all. Leo it is in that case as most of you agreed with dh.

BikeRunSki - I don't mind him not being only one in class - it is definitely growing in popularity. I just mind if there was more than one in a class and he therefore got called his long version instead of the name we want for him, if that makes sense. I went to school with loads of Johns, Richards, Deans and Wills and none seemed to mind having more than one in class.

My father’s name was Leonard. People called him Len, Lenny, Leonard but never Leo. I don’t know why but it just doesn’t happen. Maybe if he’s called Leo at home, it’ll stick?

I love Lenny so going for Leonard. If your fella wasn’t so against it I’d say just go straight in for Lenny.

My little girl’s middle name is Leni but if I’d had a boy I think I’d have gone for Lenny.

Also a teacher and have only taught two Lennys but both were an absolute delight.

Big vote for Leonard/Lenny here!

I really like Leonard nn Leo - Leo on its own is fine, but Leonard has a bit more about it

When he starts school they will ask you what name he is known by and they’ll use that, so you don’t need to worry about them not using Leo.

There is also Leon..

HA ZOMBIE

Little Leo is now a hulking 13 year old

Zombie thread!

Leonard is lovely. Go for it.

Leo is not the nickname that comes to.mind from Leonard because the Leo is silent, unless you are going to insist everyone call him Leo-nard instead of Len-ard.
I think just go with Leo which is a strong name in itself. Although Leon is stronger IMHO.

Wow how did this get dredged up???!?

Leo.

Leo