15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

  1. Shandon
    • Description:

      Shandon is a masculine name with Irish geographic origins, taken from the name of an area in Cork, Ireland (Shandon) that derives from the Irish 'Sean Dún' meaning 'old fort.' The name carries a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and has a contemporary sound despite its historical roots. While uncommon as a given name, Shandon appeals to parents seeking Irish connections without the more obvious choices. It shares sound patterns with popular names like Brandon and Shannon, making it accessible while remaining distinctive. Some families choose it to honor Irish heritage or connections to Cork specifically. The name conveys a sense of strength and tradition while maintaining a modern appeal.
  2. Crassus
    • Origin:

      Ancient Roman
    • Meaning:

      "dense, fat, gross"
    • Description:

      Crassus was an unflattering Roman cognomen — essentially, a surname that was originally given based on personal characteristics. It's unlikely it would be used today.
  3. Gordie
    • Description:

      Gordie is a masculine diminutive of Gordon, a name with Scottish origins derived from a place name meaning 'great hill' or 'spacious fort.' Gordie gained particular recognition in North America through famous hockey player Gordie Howe, giving the name strong sporting associations. The nickname has a friendly, approachable quality that balances the more formal Gordon. Popular in Scotland and Canada, Gordie conveys a down-to-earth charm and unpretentious strength. While traditionally a nickname, Gordie has increasingly been used as a given name in its own right, offering a warm, familiar sound that works well for a child while still being suitable for adulthood. The name carries connotations of reliability and friendliness.

  4. Otho
    • Description:

      Otho is a masculine name of Germanic origin that carries ancient historical significance. The name traces back to Old Germanic roots meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Notably, it was borne by several important historical figures, including a Roman Emperor and German kings. While never extensively popular in modern times, Otho maintains an aristocratic and distinguished air. The name has various forms across European languages, including Otto in German and Othon in French. Today, Otho remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive classical name with historical depth and a strong masculine character.
  5. Aitan
    • Description:

      Aitan is a masculine name with Hebrew origins. It's a variant of the name Eitan (or Ethan), which means 'strong,' 'firm,' or 'enduring' in Hebrew. This powerful name emphasizes qualities of resilience and steadfastness. While less common than Ethan internationally, Aitan has gained some popularity in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. Its simple yet meaningful character makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and positive connotations of strength. The name maintains its cultural roots while being relatively easy to pronounce in various languages.
  6. Lightning
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Usain Bolt chose Lightning as the middle name for his daughter — Olympia Lightning Bolt. Mainstream parents have taken a liking to Lightning as a boy name — it debuted on the charts in 2021, and was given to five baby boys in 2022.
  7. Landis
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "highwayman"
    • Description:

      Preppy surname name that originated as a nickname for a highwayman.
  8. Million
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      The most common of the -illion numerical names, which are rising up the ranks.
  9. Bryley
    • Description:

      Bryley is a contemporary masculine name with roots in Irish and English surnames. It may have originated as a variation of names like Bryce, Riley, or Bradley, combining familiar sounds into a distinctive modern name. The trend of using surnames as first names has made Bryley increasingly popular since the early 2000s. It has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a masculine edge. The name fits into the popular category of two-syllable boy names ending with the '-ley' sound (like Bailey, Riley, and Finley). Bryley remains uncommon enough to be distinctive while following familiar naming patterns, making it appeal to parents who want something modern that still feels established.

  10. Samko
    • Description:

      Samko is a masculine name with Slavic origins, primarily used in Slovak, Czech, and other Eastern European cultures. It functions as an affectionate diminutive form of Samuel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'name of God' or 'God has heard.' In Slavic naming traditions, the suffix '-ko' typically indicates endearment or smallness. Samko has a warm, friendly quality while maintaining a distinct cultural identity. Though relatively uncommon outside Eastern Europe, the name has remained steadily used within its native regions. Samko combines the international recognition of Samuel with a specific cultural connection, making it both accessible and unique. Its short, simple pronunciation also contributes to its charm across language barriers.
  11. Searthra
    • Description:

      Searthra is an extremely rare masculine name with obscure origins, possibly derived from Gaelic or Celtic naming traditions. The unusual combination of sounds suggests it might be a creative modern invention or a very rare traditional name from an isolated linguistic community. With its distinctive 'th' sound and flowing rhythm, Searthra has an almost mythological quality reminiscent of legendary Celtic heroes or figures from folklore. The scarcity of this name means that individuals bearing it would likely be unique in their communities. Searthra's exotic sound pattern and mysterious origins might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name with a mystical, ancient quality, though its rarity could present pronunciation challenges in some settings.
  12. Toprak
    • Description:

      Toprak is a Turkish masculine name meaning 'earth' or 'soil.' This nature-inspired name carries deep symbolic significance in Turkish culture, representing groundedness, stability, and connection to the homeland. The name embodies the importance of earth as the source of life and sustenance. While common in Turkey, Toprak remains relatively rare in Western countries, though it has seen some increased usage in multicultural communities. The name's straightforward pronunciation and meaningful connection to nature make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with cultural substance. Toprak's short, strong sound gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots.

  13. Jaelen
    • Description:

      Jaelen is a contemporary masculine given name that likely emerged in the late 20th century. Its etymology isn't definitively established, but it appears to be a variant spelling of Jalen, which gained popularity after basketball player Jalen Rose (born in 1973). The name Jalen itself is generally considered a modern creation. Jaelen follows a pattern of names with the -en or -an suffix that became increasingly popular in the 1990s and 2000s. The spelling with 'ae' may reflect a trend toward distinctive orthography in contemporary naming practices. Usage data shows Jaelen growing in recognition since the 2000s, though it remains less common than the Jalen spelling. The name has appeared across diverse communities in the United States but has never ranked among the most popular names nationally.
  14. Matiz
    • Description:

      Matiz is a distinctive masculine name of modern origin. While not tied to a specific linguistic tradition, it resonates with Spanish and Portuguese speakers as 'matiz' means 'nuance' or 'shade' in these languages, suggesting subtlety and depth of character. The name has a contemporary, vibrant sound with its strong consonants and crisp ending. Matiz has gained modest recognition in parts of Latin America and among Spanish-speaking communities, though it remains rare globally. The name also bears resemblance to the English word 'matrix,' adding associations with structure and foundation. For parents seeking a modern name with a meaningful connection to color, perception, and subtle distinction, Matiz offers a unique option with a cross-cultural appeal.
  15. Curry
    • Origin:

      Word name; surname from Ó Comhraidhe
    • Description:

      Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.
  16. Karma
    • Description:

      Karma as a masculine name has cross-cultural origins but is most prominently associated with Buddhist and Hindu philosophies, where it represents the spiritual principle of cause and effect. While traditionally more common as a girl's name in Western countries, Karma has been embraced as a unisex or masculine name in recent decades. It carries profound meaning related to destiny, cosmic balance, and the consequences of one's actions. The name has a spiritual quality that appeals to parents drawn to Eastern philosophies or seeking names with deeper significance. With its simple pronunciation, universal recognition, and powerful conceptual meaning, Karma offers a distinctive choice for boys that feels both ancient and contemporary.

  17. Shoji
    • Description:

      Shoji is a masculine Japanese name with multiple possible meanings depending on the kanji characters used in writing it. Common interpretations include 'shining ruler,' 'minister,' or 'prosperous peace.' Beyond being a personal name, Shoji also refers to traditional Japanese sliding doors made of translucent paper and wooden frame, adding cultural richness to the name's associations. The name is pronounced with two syllables (SHO-ji) and carries a gentle yet dignified sound. While common in Japan, Shoji remains relatively rare in Western countries, making it distinctive in international contexts. The name connects a child to Japanese heritage and aesthetics, valued for its brevity, clear pronunciation, and cultural significance. Shoji embodies traditional Japanese values of harmony, respect, and natural beauty.
  18. Rudra
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "the roarer"
    • Description:

      Rudra is a Sanskrit name meaning 'roaring.' In Hindu mythology, Rudra is a deity mentioned in the Rigveda, known as the characterization of terror. Rudra is often associated with Vayu, the god of wind, storms, and the hunt. Over time, Rudra's character has evolved and is sometimes linked with Lord Shiva, embodying both fierce and protective aspects.

      Rudra was given to about 135 baby boys in the US last year.
  19. Paschal
    • Description:

      Paschal is a masculine name derived from the Hebrew word 'pesach' meaning 'Passover.' It entered European languages through Latin 'paschalis,' referring to Easter or the Paschal feast. Historically used primarily among Christian communities, the name directly connects to the celebration of Easter and Christ's resurrection. Paschal gained modest popularity in medieval Europe, particularly in Catholic countries, and has been borne by several popes and saints. While never extremely common, it experienced some usage through the centuries, especially in religious families. The name carries strong spiritual significance while maintaining a dignified, classical sound. Today, Paschal remains uncommon, offering a distinctive religious heritage name that's recognized but rarely encountered.

  20. Moray
    • Description:

      Moray is a masculine name with Scottish geographical origins, named after Moray Firth or the historic province of Moray in northeastern Scotland. The name derives from Celtic elements meaning 'sea settlement' or possibly 'settlement by the sea.' Besides its place-name origins, Moray is associated with the moray eel, giving it subtle nautical connections. As a first name, Moray remains uncommon, providing a distinctive choice with strong Scottish heritage. It appeals to parents seeking names with geographical significance or Scottish roots. The name has a strong, concise sound with its two syllables and conveys a sense of natural strength and Celtic tradition.