15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

  1. Thistle
    • Origin:

      botanical name
    • Description:

      The thistle is the botanical emblem of Scotland and would make a good if unusual patriotic choice for people with Scottish heritage. One of the few flower names that could be worn by a boy with as much ease as a girl.
  2. Jakub
    • Origin:

      Polish, Czech, and Slovak variation of Jacob, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"
    • Description:

      Jakub is an authentic Polish variation of the megapopular Jacob, but in the US it will feel like a kree8tiv spelling. Kuba is the cute Polish short form.
  3. Olsen
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "Olaf's son"
    • Description:

      Too tied to those well-publicized twins.
  4. Ilay
    • Description:

      Ilay is a masculine name with Scottish and Hebrew origins. In its Scottish context, it likely derives from Islay, the famous Hebridean island known for its whisky production and natural beauty. In Hebrew usage, it may be related to 'ilai' meaning 'high' or 'elevated'. This short, distinctive name has gained some popularity in Israel and has begun to appear internationally as parents seek brief, distinctive names. Ilay has a modern feel despite its traditional roots, with a simple pronunciation that travels well across languages. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary edge while its varied cultural connections provide it with substance and meaning beyond its simple two-syllable structure.

  5. Zbigniew
    • Origin:

      Polish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Alric
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "ruler of all"
    • Description:

      Common in Sweden, Alric is part of the family of medieval sounding names, like Alaric, Casimir and Leopold that are increasing gaining a fanbase, perhaps as an antidote to the modern inventions that are becoming more prolific.
  7. Kuro
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "ninth son; black"
    • Description:

      Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.
  8. Mattias
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, spelling variation of Matthias
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      This particular spelling was chosen by Will Ferrell for his son, brother to Magnus. These names are both popular in Sweden, birthplace of their mother, Viveca Paulin.
  9. Kaison
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Is Kaison really a variation of Kason or Kayson or Kaysen, or are they all equal inventions? Think of it as Jason or Mason, Kardashianized. Cason is the more traditional spelling, one that has the better chance of standing the test of time.
  10. Casen
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Cason
    • Description:

      This spelling variation of Cason isn't quite as widely used as the original.
  11. Antares
    • Origin:

      Astronomical name
    • Description:

      Antares is a star in the Scorpio constellation, making it an interesting choice for babies born under that zodiac sign. It is the fifteenth-brightest star in the night sky, appearing as a reddish star when viewed with the naked eye. This reddish tint is what lent the star its name, whcih mean "equal to Ares" who is the god of war and associated with the red planet Mars.The sky's other name is Alpha Scorpii, but Antares is a far more romantic choice.
  12. Taavi
    • Description:

      Taavi is a Finnish and Estonian form of David, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved.' Compact yet substantial, Taavi carries the strength and significance of its biblical predecessor while offering a distinctively Nordic flavor. In Finland, where it originated, Taavi has maintained consistent popularity as a traditional yet not overly common choice. The name has a pleasing symmetry with its alternating vowels and consonants, making it both simple to pronounce and memorable. Taavi represents a perfect option for parents seeking a name with ancient roots and religious significance but with a fresh, international feel relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries.
  13. Kodak
    • Origin:

      American invented name
    • Description:

      As in the iconic film brand. Kody is a nickname possibility.
  14. Kerry
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark, dark-haired"
    • Description:

      An Irish county name almost exclusively used for girls now. Kerrigan would be a more modern and masculine choice.
  15. Akui
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "evil"
    • Description:

      Appropriately used for anime antagonists, not human babies.
  16. Jesiah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah exists"
    • Description:

      There is much disagreement about the origin, meaning, or even existence of this name. Some sources cite Jesiah as the name of several minor Biblical figures, others say it's a variation of Josiah, still others call it a modern conflation of Josiah and Jesse.
  17. Acton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "village with oak trees"
    • Description:

      This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.
  18. Edel
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Rarely used independently, it's more often the start of a multisyllabic German mouthful.
  19. Evžen
    • Origin:

      Czech, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "wellborn, noble"
    • Description:

      This Czech form of Eugene sounds fresher than the English variant, with its on-trend Ev- beginning and cool -zhen ending sound.
  20. Merit
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "being good or worthy; deserving of recognition"
    • Description:

      Merritt is an English surname but spelled Merit it becomes a word name. Both variations are on the rise.