15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

For jet-setting parents or those with many cultural backgrounds, a name that is workable across various languages is often a priority. Natan is a great option, as it is a familiar name in many European countries. It is currently most popular in Poland but seeing significant use in Israel as well.

In an earlier time Shirley was used primarily for boys, but the tide turned with the publication of Charlotte Bronte's novel Shirley in 1849, the story of a character whose parents had selected the name for a boy child, then decided to use it anyway when he turned out to be a she.

As a whole Wilford still carries a dowdy, dated image, but each component of the name—Will and Ford—are stylish in their own right.

Among the Choctaw, names were given after life achievements. Tashka would have been given to a warrior after a battle.

Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.

Timothée is the French form of Timothy, a masculine name with ancient Greek origins meaning 'honoring God' or 'honored by God.' This elegant variation gained international recognition through French-American actor Timothée Chalamet. The accent on the final 'e' (acute accent) indicates the French pronunciation ending with an 'ay' sound rather than a silent 'e.' While common in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec, Switzerland, and France, it remains distinctive elsewhere. The name carries associations with sophistication, artistic sensibility, and cosmopolitan flair. Timothée offers parents a refined European alternative to the more common Timothy, blending biblical heritage with French cultural elegance.

This variation of Connor was practically unused before the 1990s.

Strongly connected to Elie Wiesel — Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author of the influential book Night.

Seen as feminine in English-speaking countries, Dani is a Top 100 boy name in the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

This name of a saint from Galway whose monastery became a center of learning is an undiscovered Irish Gaelic gem. Undiscovered in the US, that is: Iarlaith is a Top 100 name in Ireland.

Streamlined spelling found all across Europe. The Spanish Filipo has extra zip.

The biblical husband of the queen of Sheba; an unusual name with an interesting sound, rhyming with lanai.

Josie and Josey read as feminine names, but a handful of boys are given this form as a first name each year. Josey is also heard as a pet name for Joseph.

Holston is a uniquely Southern place name — that of a river, lake, and mountain in Tennessee, as well as a town in Virginia. Holston was first used for the river, previously called the Cherokee River. It was adapted from the surname of pioneer Stephen Holstein, who resided alongside the river. Holstein was the name of a Saxon tribe and is now a region in Germany.

Historically, this name derives from Aldric, the name of an early medieval saint. Today, parents are more likely to see it as a blend of elements from Aidan and Patrick, Frederick, etc.

There are many more appealing Irish surnames than Foley, and certainly more positive meanings. If Foley is a genuine family name, this would be all right in the middle.

Gentle but mighty, Oaklen is one of the "Oak" names that are currently on trend. Inspired by the surname Oakland, it entered the UK Top 1000 in 2022.

Kiyoshi is a Japanese male name meaning 'pure', 'clear', or 'quiet'. It combines the elements 'ki' (pure) and 'yoshi' (good, respectful). The name carries connotations of purity of heart and spirit, as well as a calm and serene demeanor. Kiyoshi has been a traditional name in Japan for centuries, often given to boys with hopes they will grow up to be honorable, pure-hearted individuals. While primarily used in Japan, the name has gained some recognition internationally as Japanese culture has become more globally influential. It remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with meaningful qualities of tranquility and moral integrity.

This bold and straightforward name is a common variant of Tariq in Turkey and Bosnia and is used as an alternate spelling in Arabic-speaking countries.

The meaning is endearing, but it also feels uncomfortably like a short form for Caroline. Its artistic reference is British sculptor Anthony Caro.