Is Leonie too weird?

[LewishamMum]

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.

These Old Shades by any chance OP?

I'd pronounce it Lay-oh-nee rather than Lee-oh-nee but I don't think it's too 'out there'

It is popular here in Aus among women of around 50. Due a resurgence

I don't think it's too weird. I went to school with a Leonie (pronounced Lee-oh-nee) and nobody really thought anything of it. And this was a pretty rural school with conservative naming; there were eight Toms in the year group!

Love it, reminds me of one of my favourite georgette heyer novels! Sadly vetoed by my husband for DD as it was the name of an ex

I know one upper teen age, and pronounces it the same.

I know a leonie, she’s 10.

I really like it I know a Leonie who pronounces it at you suggest

One of my mother’s good friends named her daughter (now an adult) Leonie, and I always wondered if it was because she was a Georgette Heyer fan.

It’s on my list but we will be raising DC bilingually English/German. I pronounce it lay-oh-NEE.

I know two. One is a 21 year old and one is 7. Both are lovely girls.

I know two Leonie's. Pronounced Lee-OH-nee

I have a sister called Leonie. I'm used to it obviously but I wouldn't choose it. I think it's a really harsh sounding name (sorry Leonie if you're reading this 😂)

There’s nothing remotely weird about it!

I like it and know a couple. It means lion in Italian, so is a strong name for either sex, although I think of it more as a female name.

@MyGhastIsFlabbered
Nope; had to google that!
It was Frost in May by Antonia White, which I'd recommend. First book republished by Virago; an interesting choice for a feminist relaunch of classics, but the protagonists' best friend Leonie is probably my favourite girl in literature.

It's pretty and unusual.

Hmmm bit concerned by the various pronunciations.
@Overdueanamechange - Actually I love the fact it means lioness!

I knew a Leonie. I think it's a sweet name. Different but not too out there!

Love it. And I"ve always pronounced it Lee-OH-nee.

I know a Leonie, in her 50s, pronounced the way you say. I love the name.

Lots of people go through life having to spell out their name, including people with common names like Catherine and Johnathan with multiple spellings - and it's not a long name so not a big problem.

I had a male friend at university who was besotted with a girl called Leonie who he knew from home, and used to describe her beautiful hair, so i always think of Leonies as very beautiful and glam!

I think its a beautiful name.

I know a little one (near you, judging by your username!). With the French pronunciation. She’s incredibly cute so makes it very easy to like the name . I suppose you have to be happy with people mis-pronouncing it, that’s the only issue. And I expect it’ll be Leo as a nn.

I know 1 and its a nice and not overused name

I went to school with a Leonie and she was very accomplished and intelligent, played several instruments, fabulous actress. So I always think of it as an impressive name.