Leofric

[greekyogurtaddict]

DH is very keen on this name. He has been watching/reading 'The Last Kingdom' by Bernard Cornwall and is a history enthusiast in general. The name is pronounced "Lay-off-rich' on the show with emphasis on the first syllable but I believe "Lair-frich" or "lair-vrich" is more accurate. The name sounds nothing like "Leo". I would probably be saying it "lair-frich". Has anybody met one outside of a history book to confirm this?

I actually like the sound of the name. My concern is that he will spend his entire life explaining how to pronounce his name to anyone that didn't grow up in coventry hearing the lady Godiva story regularly. Also, that it sounds a little like we are trying too hard to be different as it isn't exactly a classic anglo saxon name like Alfred or Edward and therefore sounds a bit fantasy genre.

I already have a girls name in mind thankfully!

@scottishnames

Surely, Leff-ric ( same initial sound as Leonard) is the usual in the UK?

The second syllable can end fairly softly, almost like an 'ig', rather than a harsh 'ick' .

I don't much like the nicknames 'Len' or Lenny', but they would follow very naturally.

Whether frick or frig, they are both used to mean "fuck" in situations where people can't say fuck. I'd ditch the idea, OP. There are 1000s of names out there.

@Rosieposie101

I really, really feel like 'frick' means something rude but I can't remember what. Is it slang for masturbate? It's something along these lines. Whatever it is, Lair-frick just made me think of doing something rude in a lair 😂That's why i wouldn't use it.

I'm sure it means penetration with something other than a penis

Another history buff and Last Kingdom addict here.

I love Leofric the character, but agree the name will be a burden for any child. Why not just go for an Anglo-Saxon name that has stood the test of time. Alfred is fine, as is Edward. Finan, while not known in England at least, would at least be easy to pronounce.

Save Leofric and Uhtred for your cats.

He will be bullied and called freak or "what the frick".

Oh dear no!

Just go with Leo?

I quite like it but the pronunciation would put me off. I say this as someone whose name has been pronounced correctly on first try less than a handful of times. That said, unusual but with a more common shortening is my main criteria with naming my children to give them an alternative option and Leofric fits this nicely.

Tell your DH to change his own name if he likes it so much but please don't lump a child with it.

Sorry OP it just doesn't sound good no matter how you pronounce it.
If DH is adamant about this name then let's hope you have a girl.