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Help[Opinions] Leona
I know Cristina Es recently asked about this name, but I need to do a bit of slightly more formal research on it.
So can you tell me what you think of Leona as a name for a newborn today, and, if it's not obvious from your profile, what country, state, or province you live in? I'm trying to see if there are differences in perception of this name in different places at the moment.
Thank you so much! :)
So can you tell me what you think of Leona as a name for a newborn today, and, if it's not obvious from your profile, what country, state, or province you live in? I'm trying to see if there are differences in perception of this name in different places at the moment.
Thank you so much! :)
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I've never seen it in use; here in South Africa we use Leonie and pronounce it lee-OH-nee (like Naomi, which is nay-OH-mee here). Most recently there was a character in a TV soapie called Lee, short for Leonie; she was the competent, rich and ambivalent daughter of the villain, and in her late 20s probably. The actress died, last year I think, and had to be written out of the story rather abruptly; no clue if either event impacted on its popularity.
However, like Pie I expect there might be a few new ones in the wake of the singer.
However, like Pie I expect there might be a few new ones in the wake of the singer.
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I quite like Leona (pr. LEH-o-nah). I live in Croatia and 'L' names are VERY popular here and have been for the past 10-15 years. I have met 3-4 little Leonas and many more boys named Leon. There is also a popular actress here named Leona, she's in her early 30s.
It's one of those 'L' names that was way sparingly used for the past 40-ish years, but became more popular with the latest vogue (like Larisa, Leonarda, Lana).
It's one of those 'L' names that was way sparingly used for the past 40-ish years, but became more popular with the latest vogue (like Larisa, Leonarda, Lana).
This message was edited 10/26/2009, 2:33 PM
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I read somewhere that there has been a rise in the name Leona for girls after the popularity of Leona Lewis. The only other Leona I've heard of is Leona Graham who is a radio DJ and probably in her 30s.
I also wonder if the popularity of Leon as a boy's name might have influenced the popularity a bit? (Not that I've ever heard this name being given but it's in our top 100). Also, sounds a bit like Fiona which is dated here now. It's always pronounced Lee-ona not Layona as well.
Until Leona Lewis I'd say that it seemed, not exactly dowdy, but not the sort of name I could picture on a newborn. But I don't think it's ever been popular here so I don't have any kind of reference for it.
I'm in Britain btw.
I also wonder if the popularity of Leon as a boy's name might have influenced the popularity a bit? (Not that I've ever heard this name being given but it's in our top 100). Also, sounds a bit like Fiona which is dated here now. It's always pronounced Lee-ona not Layona as well.
Until Leona Lewis I'd say that it seemed, not exactly dowdy, but not the sort of name I could picture on a newborn. But I don't think it's ever been popular here so I don't have any kind of reference for it.
I'm in Britain btw.
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My only association with the name Leona is a lunch supervisor at my elementary school who pronounced catsup as spelled :) I suppose she would be in her 70s or 80s now.
It sort of fits with currently popular names like Eleanor and Alana/Elena, but I don't like it much at all for a baby.
It sort of fits with currently popular names like Eleanor and Alana/Elena, but I don't like it much at all for a baby.
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Leona (pro. lee-OWN-ah) was my great grandmother's middle name (full name was Lottie Leona) and it is in my top ten for that purpose. I also like it because it's "older" and I prefer names that teeter on old fashioned :)
My second thought is that of Leona Lewis but my grandmother was born WAY before her time so in my opinion the singer's name is null and void.
I am from the southern U.S.
ETA - thought I might add this after reading Pie's response - I am white as was my grandmother ;) though I'm not sure what race has anything to do with a name.
My second thought is that of Leona Lewis but my grandmother was born WAY before her time so in my opinion the singer's name is null and void.
I am from the southern U.S.
ETA - thought I might add this after reading Pie's response - I am white as was my grandmother ;) though I'm not sure what race has anything to do with a name.
This message was edited 10/26/2009, 11:10 AM
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It's a little naive to say that race has nothing to do with a name. It's undeniable that certain races have always been more likely to use certain names. Everyone is aware that today African-Americans tend to use completely different names than European-Americans do, names such as Lakeisha, Chynique, DeMarcus, Rydreakus, etc. And even back before this was so, there were certain names that were popular with whites that blacks never took to, such as Susan, and others that were popular amongst whites that blacks did take to, such as Janice. And some names such as Tyrone and Kenneth retained popularity amongst blacks longer than they did with whites. It's not racist to point this out, it's just a fact.
This is leaving aside whether or not Leona ever was more popular with blacks than whites. I don't know that it was, that was just my impression, I think because there was an African-American character by the name of Leona on "Good Times."
This is leaving aside whether or not Leona ever was more popular with blacks than whites. I don't know that it was, that was just my impression, I think because there was an African-American character by the name of Leona on "Good Times."
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Ok, lets see if I can discuss this and defend myself without causing a fight :) If this does cause an extreme disagreement, I will delete this and be done with it. I'm not one for confrontation but I don't like being called naive.
I never said you or anyone else was "racist." I was just asking why it had to be brought up.
I never said you or anyone else was "racist." I was just asking why it had to be brought up.
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I never said you said I was a racist. That was just me anticipating the potential of someone else making that assumption. There's no reason not to bring it up. It's a legitimate topic of conversation regarding names.
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I think maybe what Pie was meaning is that the name is more popular with black people than white people, perhaps because Leona Lewis herself is black and may be seen as a role model for black people? Personally, I don't know anyone with the name so can't comment whether that's true but it makes sense to me. I don't think any offence was meant at all, I got the impression it was just an observation.
Sorry to jump in here and Pie feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!
ETA - Obviously I'm only referring to the recent upsurge in popularity of the name since Leona Lewis has become famous.
Sorry to jump in here and Pie feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!
ETA - Obviously I'm only referring to the recent upsurge in popularity of the name since Leona Lewis has become famous.
This message was edited 10/26/2009, 12:44 PM
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Argh, that's exactly what I meant. Leona Lewis is seen as an inspirational black icon. And as Leona is so very rare *in the UK*, pretty much all the new Leonas *in the UK* are going to be named after her - and a lot of them will probably be black, because she's an inspirational black icon. I hope that's clear!
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Gotcha
I hope you know I wasn't trying or even wanting to step on your toes, Pie, and I apologize for making it seem that way. I was unaware of what you trying to say but I understand now. I am truly sorry for the unnecessary scrutiny :)
I hope you know I wasn't trying or even wanting to step on your toes, Pie, and I apologize for making it seem that way. I was unaware of what you trying to say but I understand now. I am truly sorry for the unnecessary scrutiny :)
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Oh, it's totally okay, confusions happen. :)
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I'm in the UK and associate it with singer Leona Lewis.
There was a little school-age girl called Leona in a newspaper report and in the TV news some months ago (can't remember why), and I thought "That name sounds really fresh and pretty". She would have been born before Leona Lewis's rise to fame.
I like Leona and would consider using it, unless the singer makes it mega-popular.
There was a little school-age girl called Leona in a newspaper report and in the TV news some months ago (can't remember why), and I thought "That name sounds really fresh and pretty". She would have been born before Leona Lewis's rise to fame.
I like Leona and would consider using it, unless the singer makes it mega-popular.
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It was almost unheard of here in the UK, but it might have a jump in popularity now because of the singer Leona Lewis - probably more with black families than white ones, as Leona is black (her father is apparently from Guyana, which might account for the unusual name). I think it's okay, but it's nms, and I'd prefer Leonora or Lenora.
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If I met or heard of a newborn Leona, I would feel a bit of pity for the child. The name seems quite outdated and has a musty vibe.
I spent my first 8 years in a very small town in central Illinois, in the '50s. Leona seems like a name that, as a child, I would have heard on an old lady.
If it's relevant, I finished my childhood in Colorado, and now live in Texas.
I spent my first 8 years in a very small town in central Illinois, in the '50s. Leona seems like a name that, as a child, I would have heard on an old lady.
If it's relevant, I finished my childhood in Colorado, and now live in Texas.
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I'd love to see Leona on a newborn- not completely over the moon, but pleased all the same.
Leona reminds me immediately of a PBS children's show called Between the Lions, which isn't an all together bad association. Other than that I get a very orangy, down to earth vibe from Leona. It's a very pretty name without being fussy or frilly.
I'm from Texas.
Leona reminds me immediately of a PBS children's show called Between the Lions, which isn't an all together bad association. Other than that I get a very orangy, down to earth vibe from Leona. It's a very pretty name without being fussy or frilly.
I'm from Texas.
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I am in the Pacific Northwest now, but am originally from the Midwest. I am in my mid-thirties and I think my paternal grandparents had a friend or relative with this name. So, I picture it on a Caucasian woman in her eighties or early nineties, possibly wearing a flowered housedress.
-Danielle
-Danielle
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It strikes me as being a predominately African-American name, yet I can't picture it on an African-American woman younger than, say, forty.
I now live in South Carolina, but I'm originally from New Jersey.
I now live in South Carolina, but I'm originally from New Jersey.
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Well, not to take against a perfectly good name, but to me it's oldish in a not-good way.
Of course, if it's a family name,then it would be fine to use, as it would have special meaning.
My preception is that it's not quite old enough to be new again, just dowdy. (not spelled right, probably.)
I live in New Brunswick, Canada; grew up in Nova Scotia.
Of course, if it's a family name,then it would be fine to use, as it would have special meaning.
My preception is that it's not quite old enough to be new again, just dowdy. (not spelled right, probably.)
I live in New Brunswick, Canada; grew up in Nova Scotia.
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I love Leona. It sounds kind of funky and smart but also with a touch of rural.
In a way it reminds me of a more subtle companion to one of those retro demure names that are popping up all over like Henry, Lillian, Clementine, and Emmeline. Except even if it has a similar feel I don't think Leona would catch on in the same way. It maybe doesn't have the same romantic sense to it.
Leona always reminds me of bluegrass or Americana music. It is one of a very tiny number of names that gives me such a specific picture. :-)
I am from northern Michigan.
In a way it reminds me of a more subtle companion to one of those retro demure names that are popping up all over like Henry, Lillian, Clementine, and Emmeline. Except even if it has a similar feel I don't think Leona would catch on in the same way. It maybe doesn't have the same romantic sense to it.
Leona always reminds me of bluegrass or Americana music. It is one of a very tiny number of names that gives me such a specific picture. :-)
I am from northern Michigan.
This message was edited 10/25/2009, 5:34 PM
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Well the first thing I would think is that the parents were inspired by the singer Leona Lewis.
The second thing I would think is that it's one of those names that I get a specific weird vibe from. I'm not really sure how to describe this vibe, but I get it with names like Lanae and Sienna and Simone, too. I guess the best way I can describe it is that it seems like these names are almost too "smooth", which gives me... I dunno, this weird feeling. It's like a name made out of Spandex, it seems so smooth that it borders on this weird artificial feelings. It's almost impossible to describe, sorry I'm not of much help :P
After that I would think that it was nice that a baby was given a legitimate, unusual-but-not-bizarre name. I would also think it sounds a bit 80's.
ETA: I am pronouncing it as LAY-oh-na, not LEE-oh-na. I don't get the same vibe at all from LEE-oh-na; I think that's very very pretty.
The second thing I would think is that it's one of those names that I get a specific weird vibe from. I'm not really sure how to describe this vibe, but I get it with names like Lanae and Sienna and Simone, too. I guess the best way I can describe it is that it seems like these names are almost too "smooth", which gives me... I dunno, this weird feeling. It's like a name made out of Spandex, it seems so smooth that it borders on this weird artificial feelings. It's almost impossible to describe, sorry I'm not of much help :P
After that I would think that it was nice that a baby was given a legitimate, unusual-but-not-bizarre name. I would also think it sounds a bit 80's.
ETA: I am pronouncing it as LAY-oh-na, not LEE-oh-na. I don't get the same vibe at all from LEE-oh-na; I think that's very very pretty.
This message was edited 10/25/2009, 5:27 PM
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Thank you!
Do you actually know someone with this name who pronounces it as LAY-oh-na, or was that just what you thought when you first saw it? I have never met someone in the USA with this name who doesn't say it as lee-OH-nuh myself. :)
Do you actually know someone with this name who pronounces it as LAY-oh-na, or was that just what you thought when you first saw it? I have never met someone in the USA with this name who doesn't say it as lee-OH-nuh myself. :)
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I've only ever heard her name pronounced as Lee-ona. She was just being interviewed on tv as I was commenting on CKE's post.
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Hello. I'm from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.
I don't care for Leona. While I love seeing forgotten names revived in general, I don't like the sound of Leona. It's very clunky to me. I much prefer Leonie with the stress on the first syllable.
You'd think I wouldn't like Fiona, if I object to Leona. (They rhyme the way I say them.) But with Fiona comes images of Scottish history / geography and I melt. Associations can make up for sounds.
By way of anecdote, there was a couple a few years back on this site (or was it babycenter.com?). They couldn't agree on Leona or Lana for their dd. They compromised on Lena, which I like infinitely better. The bottom line: at least one parent in the last few years was seriously considering using Leona for a dd.
I don't care for Leona. While I love seeing forgotten names revived in general, I don't like the sound of Leona. It's very clunky to me. I much prefer Leonie with the stress on the first syllable.
You'd think I wouldn't like Fiona, if I object to Leona. (They rhyme the way I say them.) But with Fiona comes images of Scottish history / geography and I melt. Associations can make up for sounds.
By way of anecdote, there was a couple a few years back on this site (or was it babycenter.com?). They couldn't agree on Leona or Lana for their dd. They compromised on Lena, which I like infinitely better. The bottom line: at least one parent in the last few years was seriously considering using Leona for a dd.
This message was edited 10/25/2009, 5:16 PM
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