15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Diamond
Origin:
Gem nameDescription:
Diamond was a big hit for girls in the nineties, ultimately making it into the Top 150. It's a relative rarity today for baby girls and boys, for whom the name also peaked in the nineties.
- Yancy
Origin:
American variation of Jansen, Dutch, Native AmericanMeaning:
"son of Jan; yankee"Description:
Yancy has two separate American origins — first as the Native American term for "Yankee," and second as the Americanized variation of the common Dutch surname Jansen. Jan being the Dutch form of John, Yancy could work to honor anyone in your life with a John-related name.
- Haran
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hill, mountain"Description:
Abraham's brother and Caleb's son in the Old Testament, also known as Aran. Haran is one simple and virtually unused Biblical name.
- Eino
Description:
Eino is a masculine Finnish name derived from Germanic elements, ultimately a Finnish form of names containing 'ain' meaning 'one' or 'alone.' Popular in Finland and among Finnish-American communities, Eino carries cultural significance as a traditional Nordic name. It rose to prominence in Finland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by Finnish nationalist movements. The name is characterized by its distinctive sound and straightforward pronunciation (AY-no). While uncommon outside Finnish communities, Eino represents Finnish cultural heritage and has maintained steady usage in Finland. The name may appeal to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with Scandinavian roots and a strong cultural identity.
- Shelly
Description:
Shelly as a masculine name is relatively uncommon, as it's more frequently used for girls. For boys, it typically functions as a nickname rather than a formal given name. It may be short for names like Sheldon, Shelton, or Mitchell. The name derives from Old English 'scylf' meaning 'shelf' or 'ledge,' originally referring to someone who lived near such a landform. As a masculine name, Shelly has a gentle, approachable quality that contrasts with traditionally stronger-sounding male names. While not ranked in popular boys' name charts, it represents a trend toward softer, unisex naming options. Men named Shelly may appreciate its distinctive quality in male circles.
- Keniel
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
A uniquely Puerto Rican choice. Keniel is a modern creation with the appearance of history, thanks to the biblical -iel ending.
- Wella
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"will helmet"Description:
Cornish form of William
- Mirage
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"optical illusion"Description:
An attractive optical illusion where heat causes light to reflect in the air as if off a body of water. It was used as a character name in the 2004 animated film The Incredibles.
- Hakeem
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"judicious, wise"Description:
Muhammad approved all ninety-nine attributes of Allah as worthy names, and this is one of the most popular. It was in the US Top 1000 for the first time since 1998 in 2016, when it was one of the 10 fastest-rising boys' names. Perhaps the most well known person in America with the name is former Houston Rockets center and Basketball Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.
- Machi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"decrease"Description:
Not ready to go all the way to Malachi? Then take this Biblical shortcut name, with the second syllable rhyming with eye.
- Cadman
Origin:
Anglo-SaxonMeaning:
"warrior"Description:
Caedmon is considered the first English poet -- a nice literary tie-in to the streamlined version.
- Hallow
Origin:
word nameDescription:
Hallow is a word meaning sacred or holy. As the root word for Halloween (orginally All Hallows' Eve), this name might be an evocative choice for a baby born on or near October 31st. It could work well for either a boy or a girl and offers the nicknames Hal and Halley.
- Maclain
Description:
Maclain is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, functioning as an Anglicized spelling variant of 'MacIain' or 'MacIan,' which literally means 'son of John.' As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries the strong heritage and clan associations common to Scottish patronymic naming traditions. The name has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic quality while maintaining a contemporary sound. Though rare as a first name, Maclain appeals to parents with Scottish heritage or those seeking a distinctive name with clear cultural roots. The pronunciation may vary, with some saying 'mak-LANE' while others prefer 'mak-lin.' Maclain offers the trendy appeal of surnames as first names while providing a direct connection to Celtic heritage and history.
- Banyan
Origin:
IndianMeaning:
"the God tree"Description:
This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west.
- Rayner
Description:
Rayner is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the Old Germanic elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'heri' (army), thus meaning 'wise warrior' or 'strong counselor.' It was introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest and has historical significance in medieval Europe. Though uncommon in modern usage, Rayner has seen occasional revivals as parents seek distinctive yet historically grounded names. The name has a strong, commanding sound while maintaining sophistication. It shares similarities with the more common name Raymond but offers a unique alternative. Rayner also exists as a surname in English-speaking countries, adding to its versatility and appeal as a given name with heritage connections.
- Fairfax
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"blond"Description:
If this name makes you think of Victorian novels, it's because Fairfax was part of Mr Rochester's name in Jane Eyre, and the surname of a minor character in Jane Austen's Emma. It has a distinctly aristocratic feel, despite its straightforward meaning. Fairfax is also a city in Virginia.
- Samal
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"symbol, sign"Description:
Also a picturesque place-name, referred to as the "island garden city" of the Philippines.
- Zalman
Origin:
Variation of SolomonMeaning:
"peace"Description:
More familiar now via its Salman form, thanks to author Rushdie; this is an unusual biblical alternative.
- Venka
Description:
Venka is a masculine name with roots in various cultures. In Bulgarian, it's a diminutive form of names containing 'ven' which often relates to 'venets' meaning 'crown' or 'wreath'. In Indian cultures, particularly in southern regions, Venka can be a shortened form of longer names like Venkatesh or Venkataramana, which refer to Lord Vishnu. The name carries connotations of divinity and strength in these contexts. Though relatively uncommon internationally, Venka has maintained a steady presence in its regions of origin. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a distinctive quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce across many languages.
- Meshach
Origin:
AkkadianMeaning:
"who is what Aku is?"Description:
Derived from Aku, the name of the Babylonian god of the moon. In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament this is the Babylonian name of Mishael, one of the three men cast into a furnace but saved by God. Meshach Taylor is an actor who has been featured on several sitcoms.