15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Alcuin
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"sanctuary friend"Description:
An Old French and English name thought to derive from the Germanic elements alah "sanctuary" and win "friend". Variant forms include Alcwin and Alawin.
- Cronus
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
A Titan in Greek mythology, would not work in the modern world.
- Efron
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"bird, lark"Description:
This Biblical bird name, a variant of Ephron, suddenly feels like it could be usable thanks to actor Zac Efron. However, in reality, few if any parents seem to be using it yet.
- Orel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"light of God"Description:
Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.
- Japheth
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"expansion"Description:
This name of a son of Noah, whose descendants were said to have populated Europe, was well used by the seventeenth century Pilgrims. Pronunciation challenges would seem to hinder its chances for resurgence today, but "Ja" names and obscure Old Testament names are both trendy these days, so you never know.
- Willard
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"resolutely brave"Description:
Unfortunate identification with an army of rats in the movie of the same name.
- Emry
Origin:
Variation of Emery, GermanMeaning:
"industrious"Description:
Emry is an abbreviated form of Emery but might also be considered a relative of the Welsh Emrys. Emry was used for only 35 baby boys in the US last year and about 150 girls, placing it well below the Top 1000.
- Carrick
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"rock"Description:
The name of a type of nautical knot and the surname of an English soccer star feels very at home in a world of Kendricks and Merricks.
- Shango
Origin:
African, Yoruba, mythology nameDescription:
More substantial than it sounds: Shango was the god of thunder and legendary ancestor of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
- Kuro
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"ninth son; black"Description:
Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.
- Quintus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"fifth"Description:
A literary name figuring in the story of Ben Hur and the novels of Anthony Trollope that has the feel of Roman antiquity that is beginning to appeal to many parents. Quintus was one of only about twenty male first names in ancient Rome, and was often (though not exclusively) used for fifth sons.
- Durante
Description:
Durante is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin 'durans' meaning 'enduring' or 'persistent.' Historically used in medieval Italy, it conveys qualities of strength, resilience, and longevity. The name gained some recognition through the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, whose full name was Durante degli Alighieri, and later through American entertainer Jimmy Durante. Despite its distinguished history, Durante remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it an air of uniqueness and old-world sophistication. The name carries a musical quality with its flowing syllables while maintaining masculine strength. It appeals particularly to parents with Italian heritage or those seeking a name with classical roots and a distinctive Mediterranean flair.
- Nikko
Origin:
Diminutive of NicholasMeaning:
"victory of the people"Description:
Nico is a fun and lively nickname, full of charm, and suitable both as a full name and a short form. Nikko is a unique spelling that currently sits just outside of the US Top 1000.
- Lambert
Origin:
French and GermanMeaning:
"land brilliant"Description:
Ancient saint's name used for cowardly cartoon lion.
- Elroi
Origin:
Variation of Leroy, HebrewMeaning:
"the king: God is my shepherd/sight"Description:
Elroi can be considered a variation of Leroy, which uses the Spanish "El" instead of the French "Le", and the Roi spelling over the Roy option, either to make the pronunciation clearer, to mirror French Eloi, or just to be different. In this case, the name would mean "the king".
- Nelius
Origin:
Latin, diminutive of CorneliusDescription:
A lot more substantial than Corny or Nellie.
- Friday
Origin:
American Day NameDescription:
Friday became famous as a name via the sidekick character in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, morphing into a generic term for an all-around professional assistant, as in "girl Friday." As a word for the day of the week, Friday is associated with the old English goddess Frigg and the Roman goddess Venus, though the character makes Friday more of a male name.
- Zbigniew
Origin:
PolishMeaning:
"to dispel anger"Description:
One of the first authentically Slavic names many Americans heard (but couldn't pronounce), via 1960s to 70s former presidential advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski. Even after all these years, it is still problematic internationally, but well-used and familiar in its native Poland.
- Raffaele
Origin:
Italian variation of Raphael, HebrewMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
A top choice in Italy.
- Austell
Origin:
Cornish place and saint's nameDescription:
This Cornish place name comes from the name of a Breton saint who came to Cornwall. It could be an interesting alternative to Austin. The spelling has also been recorded as Austol.