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Leonora or Iris

24 replies

InTheBoonies · 11/04/2013 09:12

I am finding it really hard to decide. I think Leonora is the braver choice and Iris a bit safer. But do you think Leonora is a bit 'out there'.

Any thoughts appreciated.

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Kyrptonite · 11/04/2013 09:13

Not overly keen on either but prefer Iris. Leonora sounds a bit too elderly aunt for my taste.

DonDrapersAltrEgoBigglesDraper · 11/04/2013 09:28

I know a gorgeous little Guatamalan 3YO called Leonore (known as Leo, pronounced Layo).

To be honest, I prefer Leonore to Leonora - it's more elegant. The 'a' on the end is over-egging the pudding - sort of like Isa/obel is to Isabelle/a...

InTheBoonies · 11/04/2013 09:41

I partly picked the name Leonora after living in Madrid and hearing a lot about Princess Leonor of Spain.

I think I thought Leonor / Leonore might sound too masculine in English. But that is exactly what I'm hesitating of DonDrapers , the fussiness of Leonora.

OP posts:
KittenOfDoom · 11/04/2013 13:41

Leonora is a splendid name, and lends itself to various shorter or informal forms, if required.

I find Iris rather a "hard" sounding name, don't care for it much.

smother · 11/04/2013 14:07

Both lovely.

Leonora is more unusual at the moment. I know a lovely Leonore and prefer this. The only thing that puts me off the name is the nickname Lee, but I'm sure you could use others!

Iris is very elegant - so as long as the child is too, all will be good with that name!

Jojobump1986 · 11/04/2013 14:17

I know a young Leonora. I was sure the parents had made the name up when I first heard it! Blush She's always called Leo though, I've never heard her called her full name. Personally I'd prefer Nora as a shortening than Leo.

Exhaustipated · 11/04/2013 14:34

I like both a lot.

Leonora is a lot less popular, if that bothers you.

MrsHuxtable · 11/04/2013 18:00

I love Leonora. In fact will put it on my list for another DD!

MsJupiterJones · 11/04/2013 18:23

I love Iris, one of my favourites.

AssamAndDarjeeling · 11/04/2013 19:48

Iris.

Leonora will become 'Lee', I think.

LondonInHighHeeledBoots · 11/04/2013 19:50

Don't like Leonora, I think it is too fussy - agree with the Isobel/Isabella comment above. I do quite like Leonore/Leonor, and I don't think its any more masculine than Elinor or Eleanor would be? Its just not massively girly which isn't a bad thing!

Prefer Iris though.

thermalsinapril · 11/04/2013 20:40

Leonora is great, energetic and good nickname potential (Nora, Lora, Lea)

Don't like Iris at all, it's rather ponderous.

eastereggnog · 11/04/2013 22:27

That girl from that tv programme Being Human is a Leonora I think. How is it pronounced? LeOnora or Lenora?

Leonas · 11/04/2013 22:35

I love Iris! DPs surname starts with S so I don't think I can use it - makes the two names merge in to one? I really like it though.

georgettemagritte · 11/04/2013 22:47

Love Leonora - would shorten beautifully to Leonie which would be so sweet for a little girl. I'm personally not keen on Iris and it's getting really popular near me - def agree that Leonora is the more unusual choice (and more versatile and, I think, more striking and prettier as well).

smother · 12/04/2013 10:28

ooh Leonie is a gorgeous nn for a little one!

fussychica · 12/04/2013 14:13

Iris or Leonie

Still18atheart · 12/04/2013 14:22

out of the two much prefer Leonora!

raisah · 13/04/2013 04:49

Leonara reminds me of the fabric conditioner. Sorry.
Iris is lovely

jellybeans · 13/04/2013 17:07

I like it but prefer Leoni or Leona.

freerangeeggs · 13/04/2013 19:42

Leonore is a fantastic name. Some people will think about that bloody fabric conditioner though (same with Ariel!). I like Leonora too but it is quite frilly.

How about Liora/Leora? Leonie mentioned upthread is also beautiful.

mathanxiety · 13/04/2013 21:56

I prefer Leonora.

I find Iris a bit prim and cold.

Queazy · 14/04/2013 19:42

I personally prefer Iris. Ida is pretty too

telsa · 14/04/2013 21:09

Leonora is fabulous. Go for it. Iris is prim and overused. There is a great artist called Leonora Carrington.

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