Down to the last days/hours--Middle name for Erik?

Boy Names
1

We are starting to settle on the name [name]Erik[/name] for our son, but finding a middle name is hard. I am fond of [name]Erik[/name] [name]Nicholas[/name], but hubby’s not a big fan. We are now considering my grandfather’s name. It would be meaningful for me, but it’s not an easy name. Honest opinions please about the name:

[name]Erik[/name] [name]Leonhard[/name]

[name]How[/name] would you pronounce it? What do you think of the name? We’ve ruled out alternates like [name]Leonard[/name] or [name]Leopoldo[/name], and I think [name]Leo[/name] is too short with [name]Erik[/name] (on paper)

If [name]Leonhard[/name] is icky, any other suggestions? I think I like three-syllable names best as a middle name for [name]Erik[/name].

Last name pronounced [name]Ben[/name]-key

Thanks for the help!

2

I guess I would say [name]Leonard[/name] or [name]Lee[/name]’-on-hard. It would probably keep people guessing as to the pronunciation, but in practical terms, for the middle name, you really only have to worry about the person who makes the announcements at hs graduation.

If you are looking for alternatives, you might consider

[name]Richard[/name]
[name]Gregor[/name]
[name]Patrick[/name]
[name]Martin[/name]
[name]Ian[/name]
[name]Charles[/name]
[name]Jonah[/name]

3

Thanks for the suggestions! [name]Will[/name] have to run some of them by the hubby…

4

I like it. I assume that [name]Leonhard[/name] = [name]Leonard[/name].

5

I think [name]Leonhard[/name] would be a nice family name to use and would likely assume it is said [name]Leonard[/name] or [name]Lee[/name]-on-hard.

6

Thanks! It’s actually pronounced Leh-oh-n-hard, which is why I worry that it’s difficult. Not that fond of people interpreting the name as [name]Leonard[/name], in particular. But I guess middle names are seldom said out loud. I wonder now whether the matching “eh” sound in [name]Erik[/name], [name]Leonhard[/name] and “[name]Ben[/name]-key” is too much? I love the idea of using the name, but I wish the name were easier.

7

I think it sounds great, especially given the family significance. Handsome, people will figure out how to say it and very rarely am I asked to spell my oldest dd’s middle name ( the other mns are easy) and when I am its no big deal.

8

I think [name]Erik[/name] [name]Leonhard[/name] is perfect! [name]How[/name] many people are going to actually say his middle name?. And it is perfect to have a family meaning. I would use it!!!