VVD0D95
Banned
Edward is a traditionally Anglo-Saxon name that only came back into vogue as a name for English royalty because Henry III was a big fan of Edward the Confessor. I'm not sure Richard would be giving his kids Anglo-Saxon names like Edward or Edmund (I don't what inspired Henry III to name his second son that...).
A cursory search throws up numerous theories for how the name Lionel came about as a name for the Duke of Clarence either because Edward III was a fan of the character Sir Lionel in the Arthurian mythos or because the coat of arms Hainalt (Lionel of Antwerp's mother's family) was lions or because his father was 'the Lion of England' (making Lionel, a 'little lion'). None of these would apply for Richard.
Sweeping through the previous generations of the Norman family, there's obviously Robert (though if William Clito is still around and causing trouble Richard mightn't want to name his heir after Clito's father; though Richard could name him in honour of his half-brother Gloucester), a Mauger, a Geoffrey and a Hugh/Hugues. There's also Godfrey, from Adeliza's family, which was suggested as a name for Richard himself upthread.
As for Eleanor of Aquitaine- William X might live longer or have a son (hell Eleanor herself could be born male ITTL).
If she does still become Duchess of Aquitaine in her right then the French royal family will still try to snatch her up (and this will facilitated if she's under age when she succeeds and her father still names the King as her guardian). Worth noting that French royal dynamics could be radically different ITTL- Louis VII's elder brother Philip might live and ascend the throne.
Hmm interesting, I think seeing a couple of kids named either Hugh, Geoffrey or Godfrey would be very interesting. Is Richard or Godfrey more likely as a name for the man himself?
And this is very true, I do think keeping Eleanor as Duchess of Aquitaine would be good, to see the consequences if Fitzempress-if he does indeed exist- marries her in this timeline.
And seeing how Philip surviving influences relations, considering his rather turbulent personality will be fascinating. Some time for war