As Gesine pointed out, there is no corresponding sound in English to the long “e” in German. It most closely resembles “ay,” and these linguistic differences are likely the source of the disagreements between commenters on whether it is “Lay-nee” or “Lee-nee.” The German pronunciation is really somewhere between the two extremes. Since we don’t have that sound in English, it is difficult for our ears to detect; after listening to the same clip of Heidi Klum saying the name, some would probably hear “Lay-nee” and others “Lee-nee.”

Mae actually the german prononciation for “Leni” is “Lay-knee”
Anyway, cute familly !

It´s funny for me that everybody is always waiting for the “middle name” to be revealed as in Germany you don´t necessarily have to have one. Also showing the initial of your míddle-name is uncommon…… But considering the many names of Henry and Johan, Leni might have one (or two or three) too.
The right pronounciation of Leni is difficult to explain in English. If you say Lay-knee, you are in danger of stressing the “ay” to much, a sound unknown in German. We pronounce the “e” completely differently, Katherine is right to add an “h”, but still…

“Lee-nee” equals the German pronunciation for “Leni”, which Heidi has used on German Television before. However, since they do live in the States I believe “Lay-knee” is used for little Leni primarily.

I don’t think it’s that uncommon to call your child a tiny bit different depending on what country you’re in – or better, what language you are speaking just then.

It would sound quite wired to use “Lay-knee” while in the middle of a German sentence.

“Lee-nee” in Germany; “Lay-knee” in the States – it makes sense to me.

Sarah’s note: I’ve always wished I could find a real source for that. I heard Heidi said it on a German shows, but in the US the name was officially announced as Leni Klum. I want to know her middle name too!

Yeah, Johan was there, but Heidi’s mom took him inside. Two nannies were on the beach with them too, you just can’t see them in these pics.

Yes it’s Layh-knee… it’s nearly an old-fashioned name in Germany but Heidi made that name modern again.

I ADORE this family. They all look so happy.

I think it is pronounced Lee-nee…

It’s Lay-knee according to Heidi. That’s how she pronounced it on Late Night with Conan O’Brien a few years ago.

This family makes my heart melt!They are lovely all together!And Henry’s little afro is so cute!Love them!

Too cute! I just love this family.