15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

Esmael is an uncommon name with deep cultural roots.

Anshel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, primarily used in Jewish communities. It's believed to be derived from the Hebrew name Asher, meaning 'happy' or 'blessed,' or possibly from the German name Anselm, which combines elements meaning 'god' and 'helmet' or 'protection.' Anshel was common among Eastern European Jewish communities before World War II but became less frequent afterward. The name carries deep cultural significance in Jewish heritage and history. While relatively uncommon globally, Anshel has seen some renewed interest among families seeking to honor Jewish ancestry and traditions. It offers a distinctive choice with meaningful cultural connections and historical depth.

This attractive Arabic name is gaining attention in the US, used equally for boys and girls. Indeed, its sound (it rhymes with the feminine Tamar but ends with the fashionably masculine -ar sound as in Oscar) and most logical nickname (Sam) make it a choice that's at once accessible and distinctive for both genders.

This inventive spelling is part cowboy and part Kardashian.

This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.

Parry is quite common in Wales, often as a surname, but would inevitably be misunderstood as Perry or even Harry.

Color us surprised — Kashton is over four times more popular than Cashton. While the on-trend K spelling ranks in the US Top 500, Cashton lingers just outside the charts and is given to around 170 boys each year.

Kyron is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variant of Kieran (from Irish Ciarán meaning 'little dark one'), a form of Cyron (from Greek 'kyrios' meaning 'lord'), or a contemporary creation. With its strong, modern sound and accessible two-syllable structure, Kyron gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries starting in the 1990s and continuing through the 2000s. The name appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet easy to pronounce, with the trendy 'y' spelling adding a contemporary feel. While uncommon in historical records, Kyron fits well with current naming trends favoring strong-sounding boys' names with unique spellings and cross-cultural appeal.

Traditional Choctaw male name.

Junian is an obscure saints' name with potential to work as an alternative to Julian.

This Italian saint's name is one of the most unusual of the o-ending names.

The fashionable occupational last name category gets some French flair with this, Tennessee Williams's middle name.

A Welsh saint who is the namesake of the village of St Breock in Cornwall, and is also venerated in Brittany. The name is a diminutive of Briafael ("mighty prince"). Variants include: Breock, Bryok, Breok, Briec, Brieuc, Briog.

Vanny is an uncommon masculine name that may function as a diminutive for names like Ivan, Vance, or Sylvan, or potentially derive from the surname Van. In some cultures, it might be used as a nickname or term of endearment rather than a formal name. Its roots are unclear, though the 'V' beginning gives it a distinctive sound that's relatively uncommon in English-language naming traditions. Vanny has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, two-syllable structure and the playful 'y' ending. The name maintains a youthful sound that might accompany a person through childhood, though some bearers might prefer to use a more formal version in professional settings. Its rarity makes it an extraordinarily distinctive choice in most Western countries.

Toro is a masculine name with multicultural roots and meanings. In Japanese, 'toro' can relate to terms meaning 'to melt' or refer to prime cuts of tuna. In Spanish and Italian, it means 'bull,' symbolizing strength and courage. The name also appears in Finnish tradition with different etymological roots. Toro's powerful simplicity makes it distinctive in Western naming contexts while being recognizable across several cultures. The bull association gives it connotations of determination, power, and masculinity in Latin traditions. This short, impactful name has an international quality that works well across language boundaries. Its bold sound and cross-cultural presence make it appealing for parents seeking a name that combines simplicity with strength.

Tomer was once a Top 100 name in Israel — it fell out in 2016.

Fortune is a middle name choice designed to generate good luck and prosperity.

It's a hat, it's a race, and it's even been known to be a name. In Britain, it would be pronounced darby.

A perfectly fine Anglo surname, though we'd prefer Keaton. Oscar-winning writer-director George Seaton (Miracle on 34th Street, The Country Girl) was actually born George Stenius.