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Help[Opinions] Re: Leona
in reply to a message by Cleveland Kent Evans
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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