Thoughts on Lennard / Leonard as a name?

[PlumPudd]

DW and I are having hypothetical discussions about what to name the next baby if it’s a boy (too early to know yet). I really like Lennard / Leonard, with either Len or Lenny as a nickname. To me it feels literary, unusual and distinguished with no risk of having a sudden surge in popularity and becoming the new Arlo / Milo. She’s not keen. Feels it’s a bit old fashioned in a grandpa who worked down the pit with a flat cap and a bag of chips for tea way (we both had grandpas that came from this kind of background so we can make these jokes).

Says she’s going to sit with it and see if it grows on her.

Wondering what other people’s associations are with it, given that hers and mine are quite different?

She’ll be Stella or Sylvia if a girl

Leonard yes, but please not Lennard - it’s like saying Soosan not Susan.

Love the girl name options. I don't mind Leonard (don't like the Lennard spelling) but it just reminds me of Leonard from TBBT and he was a bit of a naff character.

Appreciate you want something less popular and the other characteristics you mentioned.

What about Lawrence/Laurence?

Lennard nickname Len or Lenny

Leonard or Leonardo would shorten to Leo.

Lenford?

Of course Lennard is a proper name!

I know several.

I love the name Leonard, personally. As long as it's not shortened to Leon.

Stella and Sylvia aren't great names for a girl, I won't lie to you.

Who has said it isn't?

please not Lennard - it’s like saying Soosan not Susan.

This implies that Lennard is a weird spelling

Thanks for the messages. Was more wondering what people’s associations were with Lennard / Leonard than looking for like / don’t like reactions but all replies appreciated.

I've never seen the Lennard spelling (and would assume the parents couldn't spell, sorry, but maybe it's regional, or just different circles).
Leonard is a fine name, makes me think of The Big Bang Theory, and I guess it could be shortened to Leo, Leon, Len or Lenny.

Makes me think of that guy from The Big Bang Theory...
and a really bitchy girl in school who had it as a last name 🤐

When I hear Lennard, I imagine a guy like this.

I don’t love Leonard but I quite like Leo as a nickname. Hate Lenny - just makes me think of strangling rabbits. Lennard looks wrong.

I love Sylvia btw!

I like Leonard I don't think it could be shortened to Leo or Leon as you don't pronounce it that way. But definitely Len or Lenny, which I think are quite sweet. Love Slyvia and Slyvie too. Not so keen on Stella it makes me think of Stella Artois so a bit chavvy!!

I'd spell it Leonard as thats the only way I have seen it.

I don't know many in real life to have many accociations except my great uncle was Leonard, known as Len. he had a walrus mustache and a ponytail and used to pat waitresses on the bum when he went to restaurants.

Lennard Pearce was fairly well known?

Lenny will also remind me the character in Of Mice and Men. Not a positive association....

Leonardo (Leo) or Lennard (Len) are the nicest options imo.

Another big bag theory association here! I have a little crush on Leonard so I obviously like it 🤩

Leonard is a fine name and Leo or Len/ Lenny are the usual diminutives.
I'm another who is unfamiliar with Lennard.

Lennard looks made-up/misspelt.

Leonard, to me, is an elderly man with flat cap and pigeons

I like Leon and Leo as shortenings.

Leonard makes me think of Leonard Woolf and Leonard Cohen. Not so keen on Len and get the same vibe your wife does- feels a bit like a joke name, like people who call their cat Steve.

I’ve never come across the Lennard spelling.

Plenty of names out there so sure you will find something you both like. Your girls’ names are lovely.

I actually quite like Leonard, I also immediately thought of big bang theory. But it's way better then Sheldon!

My great-nephew, who's 4, was christened Leonard, but is always known as Leo, which is becoming quite popular as a name on its own now.

sorry it's Leonard Rossiter for me..