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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Alexander or Leonard?

56 replies

wishing3 · 05/02/2023 17:37

Just that-which do you prefer please? I think Leonard would probably be known as Lenny or Len by us and Alexander as his full name or Ally. Though I know they’ll be whatever their friends choose at school etc.

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ZenNudist · 06/02/2023 19:07

Alexander. Leonard is naff.

Twoinapod · 06/02/2023 20:15

Leonard definitely, it’s a nice change from all the super popular names

Alexander/Alex is everywhere, it sounds a bit wet to me tbh. Really don’t like Ally.

Snugglemonkey · 06/02/2023 20:19

There are so many Ally's (though I do think it is lovely). I would go Leonard.

beachreader · 06/02/2023 20:30

I have a Leonard (he's 18months old) and he gets called Len, Leonard and Lennie...we love the name and haven't met another young Leonard so far, we have met a few Lennie's though.
I vote Leonard!

beachreader · 06/02/2023 20:32

wellpaddedintherear · 05/02/2023 17:47

Leonard-I adore len
its refreshing-I’d love to meet a baby len

I have one 😂😂
His nickname as a baby was Big Len as he was a big boy at birth

Capitane · 06/02/2023 20:33

Lennie is ‘cooler’ - Alexander is a bit dull imo.

Mamoun · 06/02/2023 20:45

Leo !

littleburn · 06/02/2023 20:54

Sorry OP, but I can't hear 'Len' and not think 'you address me by my proper title, you little bollocks!' 😂

LlynTegid · 06/02/2023 20:55

Alexander.

Leonard seems dated.

wellpaddedintherear · 06/02/2023 21:16

beachreader · 06/02/2023 20:32

I have one 😂😂
His nickname as a baby was Big Len as he was a big boy at birth

Show quote history

Oh bless him
itsan awesome underused classic

SuperGinger · 06/02/2023 21:21

Alexander is so much nicer than Leonard.

StampOnTheGround · 06/02/2023 21:23

Leonard is terrible, definitely Alexander

Original poster
wishing3 · 06/02/2023 21:52

Thanks for all the opinions.

OP posts:
xprincessxjanetx · 07/02/2023 20:35

Alexander. Don't like Leonard i'm afraid.

HerbalTeaAndCake · 07/02/2023 20:36

Leonardo nn Lenny / Leo

HerbalTeaAndCake · 07/02/2023 20:37

Leon

NerrSnerr · 07/02/2023 20:37

I do love baby Len.

Kanaloa · 07/02/2023 20:37

Alexander. Gorgeous, classic, versatile, could suit anybody. Leonard is a bit of an acquired taste. And although Leonard isn’t popular, Lennie/Lenny is definitely having a bit of a moment. I know of a few baby ones.

Blueberrywitch · 07/02/2023 20:39

Leonard but I’d use nn Leo

DorritLittle · 07/02/2023 20:42

There was Leonard in my daughter's class, he was so sweet. The name really suited him. I would go for Alexander nm Alex but I am a bit boring like that.

ThomasinaLivesHere · 09/02/2023 20:42

I get that Leonard is less popular but I think there’s a reason Alexander is much nicer and stronger.

I’ve never met an Alexander known as Ally. All the ones I know are Alex. To me I associate Ally with Alastair. Maybe it depends on region or country.

cravingtoblerone · 09/02/2023 21:22

Alexander definitely!

Original poster
wishing3 · 10/02/2023 13:41

ThomasinaLivesHere · 09/02/2023 20:42

I get that Leonard is less popular but I think there’s a reason Alexander is much nicer and stronger.

I’ve never met an Alexander known as Ally. All the ones I know are Alex. To me I associate Ally with Alastair. Maybe it depends on region or country.

No I haven’t either-just thought it didn’t seem to much of a stretch as a nickname.

OP posts:
PearlSupernova · 10/02/2023 15:05

I prefer Alexander nn Alex.

really dislike Lenny or Len

Pinkdafodils · 10/02/2023 15:52

Leonard tends to shorten to Leo or Leon