[name_m]Hi[/name_m], I have a 17-year-old son, who’s recently gone into his second year at college. We chose [name_m]Ernest[/name_m] [name_m]Leopold[/name_m] (after his great-great-grandfather) as his first and middle, but has been told that his name is strange/unusual/awful/old-fashioned. He’s becoming very aware of it, am I overthinking, is it really that bad?
I really don’t think it is awful, unusual or strange. I actually really like it. I would say it is old-fashioned, but in a good way. Maybe he could go by [name_m]Leo[/name_m]? Its a more modern name, and not too common. Idk, I prefer [name_m]Ernest[/name_m] over [name_u]Michael[/name_u], [name_m]William[/name_m], [name_m]Matthew[/name_m] or [name_m]Scott[/name_m] (all very common names in my college)
I think [name_m]Ernest[/name_m] [name_m]Leopold[/name_m] is a very handsome name!
If he thinks it’s too old-fashioned, tell him to take a look at the English popularity charts where [name_m]Ernest[/name_m] is currently number 320 most popular and rising. And [name_m]Leo[/name_m] is a very modern name/nickname in my opinion!
[name_m]Ernest[/name_m] [name_m]Leopold[/name_m] is gorgeous! I like the suggestion of using [name_m]Leo[/name_m] as a nickname, [name_m]Leo[/name_m] is very in right now.
Ooh, I love his name! I do see it as old-fashioned but in a classy, handsome way not in a dusty, old geezer way. It’s a name to be proud of! Perhaps you could tell him stories of his great-great-grandfather, that will make him proud to bear his name. I also love the alternative of him calling himself [name_m]Leo[/name_m], while at school.
I feel for him, though. People can be so rude.
I think it’s a gorgeous name but college is a judgemental place and it does have an old fashioned feel. I definitely second (third?) using [name_m]Leo[/name_m] if that makes him more comfortable, but really I think talking to him about the importance of his name, not just his great-great grandfather but also the other amazing [name_m]Ernest[/name_m]'s in history, would make him proud of his name.
I think his name sounds like straight out of a novel! Beautiful, romantic, and yes, old-fashioned and strange. But def not awful at all! He’s probably hanging with the wrong crowd. I’d say he just needs to wait a few years, it could even pass as a hipster or some kind of modern-day [name_m]Oscar[/name_m] Wilde rockstar. 
No, I think that’s a really, really good name. You obviously did something right since he’s a sophomore at college at 17.
It is strange and a bit unusual. However, I think it is an awesome name. I love more uncommon names and I think [name_m]Ernest[/name_m] [name_m]Leopold[/name_m] was a wonderful choice.
I think his name is wonderful and anyone that says otherwise is wrong. I feel like people have too much time on their hands and I wouldn’t even give their opinions the time of day.
[name_m]Ernest[/name_m] [name_m]Leopold[/name_m] sounds very distinguished and gentlemanly.
This is a scenario I veryyyy frequently think about when I see some names on Nameberry. And when trying to think of my own for my kids.
There are certain types of people and certain age groups that just aren’t going to like anything that is, to them, “atypical” of what they’re used to. But you can’t go around trying to please everyone. I think his name is fine. Yes, it’s probably reminiscent of an older uncle or grandpa to some teenagers. But would he prefer to be named something like [name_m]Matt[/name_m] or [name_u]Sam[/name_u], where in all probability who could have 4-5 other classmates with the same first name?
There will always be a reason to like or not like something. Especially in teenage years when kids are so aware and eager to be accepted and fit in and to not "Stand out for the wrong reasons:.
It doesn’t mean his name is awful. It means his friends are typical, young, and sort of jerks. lol
I actually think [name_m]Ernest[/name_m] [name_m]Leopold[/name_m] sounds great. Old names like that are “In” right now, so I think it might get better. I second [name_m]Leo[/name_m] as a nickname.
I love it! Especially [name_m]Leopold[/name_m].
Brings to mind [name_m]Prince[/name_m] [name_m]Albert[/name_m]'s family so I must admit it does have an antiquated feel with those Victorian associations but, as others have said, that’s easily overcome by [name_m]Leo[/name_m] as a nickname.