Both are very similar, share the same meaning and origin and are both names of [name_f]Opera[/name_f] heroines dear to my heart. Léonore from Beethoven’s “[name_m]Fidelio[/name_m]” and [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] from “Il Trovatore” by [name_u]Verdi[/name_u]. However, I pronounce them slightly different, Léonore being [name_m]Lay[/name_m]-uh-nor and [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_u]Lee[/name_u]-uh-nor-ah. Where I live names can have the accent marks and such, so it’s not the issue.
Also, suggestions of middle names for either name would be great!
I prefer the [name_f]Leonore[/name_f] spelling, although if you live in an area where people predominantly speak English, it might get pronounced [name_m]Len[/name_m]-ore instead of lay-uh-nor. I think the [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] spelling is lovely too, but with [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] and [name_f]Norah[/name_f] being popular names right now, it doesn’t stand out as much as [name_f]Leonore[/name_f] would. (sorry, no clue how to add the accent over the e as I’m typing in the US right now!)
I prefer the [name_m]LAY[/name_m]-uh-nor pronunciation and have [name_f]Leonor[/name_f] on my list for that reason…
I’m not as fond of the Léonore spelling, but it has personal significance to you so it’s the one I would choose out of these two. I love [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] as well, but she’s more prim where Léonore is chic. ^^
I love Léonore [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] from your signature, but I’m not into [name_f]Divina[/name_f] at all.
Some middles with hopefully an operatic air to them:
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] Everild
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_u]Marian[/name_u]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] Ombeline
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Yseult[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Fiorella[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Sybil[/name_f] / [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Sibel[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_u]Vesper[/name_u]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Madrigal[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Thisbe[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] Betsabé
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Audrey[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Dido[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Bryony[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Dulcie[/name_f] / [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Delphi[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Esclarmonde[/name_f]
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Philomel[/name_f] (arcahic term for Nightingale)
[name_f]Leonora[/name_f] [name_f]Lileas[/name_f]
I definitely prefer Léonore! Some middles I like are Léonore [name_f]Cosette[/name_f], Léonore [name_f]Mireille[/name_f], and also Léonore [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] from your signature!
Another vote for Léonore. It sounds more elegant and sophisticated. And I strongly dislike [name_f]Nora[/name_f]/[name_f]Norah[/name_f], so I’d try to avoid that.
Personally I prefer Léonore, but [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] is very pretty as well. So it really depends on the middle name. I love Léonore [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] from your list!!
I think both names are just lovely and since you like both equally, I would choose one of them depending on how many syllables were in your last name, since [name_f]Leonora[/name_f] has four and [name_f]Leonore[/name_f] has three. Perhaps say them out loud or write them both with your last name to see how it flows?
