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Baby names

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

Original poster

Leander

54 replies

17caterpillars1mouse · 18/06/2023 20:24

What are your thoughts on Leander for a boy? Quite popular in Norway apparently but unusual in the UK with the name given to only 11 baby boys last year, what are your thoughts?

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happyinherts · 19/06/2023 09:39

Not keen. Sounds like girls name Leanda and does rhyme with meander.

VenusClapTrap · 19/06/2023 09:45

I love it. Lee as an abbreviation isn’t good though.

BloodyCatArgh · 19/06/2023 10:42

The only Leander I know is an (adult) woman.

PickledScrump · 19/06/2023 17:40

The only one I know of is female so to me it’s a feminine name

Outdamnspot23 · 19/06/2023 17:46

I like it but isn't the mythology quite drowny? That's the only thing that puts me off.

I'd go with shortening of Leo.

SmurfetteSalad · 19/06/2023 18:05

Beautiful Greek name! 💛💛💛

SmurfetteSalad · 19/06/2023 18:05

SmurfetteSalad · 19/06/2023 18:05

Beautiful Greek name! 💛💛💛

It's a boy's name! Leander & Hero.

Pattygonia · 19/06/2023 18:08

Yes I don’t like the tragic associations either - same reason I wouldn’t name a girl Ophelia though I know lots of people like the name.

HappyMe6 · 19/06/2023 18:14

Not a fan my friends name is Leanda but a girl I suppose when I hear the name which I know is spelt differently I just think it’s more of a girls name

Happyhappyeveryday · 19/06/2023 18:18

Great name. Also like Lysander.

KarmaIsMyBF · 19/06/2023 18:18

EggInANest · 18/06/2023 20:30

Pronounced Lee-ander?

judging by a road of the same name near where I work, lots of people will say ‘Leen-der’

Can confirm because that's what I thought it was Grin

thejadefish · 19/06/2023 18:19

We chose Leander! I didn't know about the tragic Greek myth at the time though, I just knew it was associated with / came from the word lion & thought it sounded nice (DH suggested it). I don't mind Lee either, from my point of view it gives him a choice when he's older - he can shorten it or not depending on how he feels about the name.

Cazziebo · 19/06/2023 18:20

Love it! Also love Lysander.

Spanielsarepainless · 19/06/2023 18:24

It's a swimming club in Plymouth...

NeverendingCircus · 19/06/2023 18:32

I like it. I'd pronounce it Lay-ander.

Daisybuttercup12345 · 19/06/2023 21:54

Lysander is much better.
Leander could be shortened to Leanne.
What about Lee?

notagainfml · 19/06/2023 22:16

Love it but I associate it with a girl I once knew

continentallentil · 19/06/2023 23:19

ObviouslyNameChanged99 · 18/06/2023 20:28

I love it.

I also like Lysander.

I like it but I would perhaps go for Lysander because I don’t like Lee as a shortform.

SmurfetteSalad · 20/06/2023 05:52

thejadefish · 19/06/2023 18:19

We chose Leander! I didn't know about the tragic Greek myth at the time though, I just knew it was associated with / came from the word lion & thought it sounded nice (DH suggested it). I don't mind Lee either, from my point of view it gives him a choice when he's older - he can shorten it or not depending on how he feels about the name.

You can also shorten to Leo

thejadefish · 20/06/2023 07:26

SmurfetteSalad · 20/06/2023 05:52

You can also shorten to Leo

Show quote history

That's true - I didn't think of that. Leo would be more in keeping with the lion meaning too. I'll let him decide though we'll keep using Leander unless he asks us not to!

Original poster
17caterpillars1mouse · 20/06/2023 08:13

@thejadefish how old is your little Leander? And what reactions have you had about his name? Has anybody assumed its a girls name? I'd be really interested to hear real life experiences as obviously so few are born each year

OP posts:
Coronationstation · 20/06/2023 08:39

It’s a famous rowing club on the Thames so gets a no from me!

SnotSnotSnottySnot · 20/06/2023 08:42

I live near the rowing club too. Isn't the logo a pink hippo?

JanesBlond · 20/06/2023 08:51

I prefer Oleander

Coronationstation · 20/06/2023 09:13

SnotSnotSnottySnot · 20/06/2023 08:42

I live near the rowing club too. Isn't the logo a pink hippo?

Yes it is!!