15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Bohdan
Origin:
Ukrainian, Polish, Czech, SlovakMeaning:
"given by god"Description:
Variant of the popular Slavic name Bogdan, meaning "given by god".
- Tadeo
Origin:
Spanish variation of ThaddeusDescription:
Has a lot of energy and charm, as does the Italian form, Taddeo.
- Keagan
Origin:
Spelling variation of KeeganDescription:
While Keegan has been rising in popularity for a number of years, this variant spelling has dropped in the lists.
- Jimmy
Origin:
Diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.
- Esmond
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"graceful protection"Description:
Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the nineteenth century, possibly influenced by William Makepeace Thackeray's novel The History of Henry Esmond.
- Maxon
Origin:
American invented name, literary name, elaboration of Max, LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
The newly-styled Maxon takes its cue from Jaxon, another elaboration of a classic name on the rise. Maxon is not bad, as invented names go, yet it's hard for us to advocate for Maxon over Maxwell, Maxfield, Maximus, or just plain Max.
- Atreus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fearless"Description:
This unusual name from Greek mythology is gaining traction along with others in its class, such as Atlas, Artemis, and Apollo. The King of Mycenae (to where he'd been banished, after murdering his half-brother) , Atreus was also the father of King Agamemnon, an important commander in the Trojan War.
- Dathan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"fountain"Description:
Obscure Old Testament name that rhymes with (and might be a substitute for) Nathan.
- Calhoun
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the narrow forest"Description:
A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered.
- Conner
Origin:
Spelling variation of Connor.Description:
This variation of Connor was practically unused before the 1990s.
- Amil
Origin:
Arabic or SanskritMeaning:
"one who hopes or unattainable; hard work"Description:
Hope is one meaning of the name Amil, which sounds similar to the German Emil; it can also mean unattainable in the sense of being so exalted as in royalty as to be out of reach. While Amil may not be familiar in the Western world, it's accessible and appealing.
- Lazare
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"God is my helper"Description:
This is the French form of Lazarus, which recently has been rising from the dead – it's popular on Nameberry, and was used for his son by musician Trent Reznor. Lazare might be familiar to some via the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris.
- Bastion
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"a projecting part of a fortification"Description:
Euro-cool Bastian is rising rapidly up the rankings, and this uncommon word name (given to just 23 baby boys in 2018) could make for a cool military-inspired twist.
- Silvan
- Cassio
Origin:
Italian variation of CassiusMeaning:
"hollow"Description:
Cassio is a notable Shakespearean name that's a member of the ever-more-popular Cassius family of names. Cassio was Othello's young, good-looking, and flirtatious lieutenant.
- Cahir
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"battle man"Description:
Cahir along with its traditional spelling Cathair is well-used in modern Ireland. Now it's finding a wider audience thanks to The Witcher , though Cahir is the main villain of the series. It was in the US charts from 2017 to 2020, but fewer than 5 baby boys were named Cahir in the US in 2021, suggesting that the effect on parents was short-lived.
- Meyer
Origin:
German surname or HebrewMeaning:
"landlord, farmer; bringer of light"Description:
Favored by first-generation Jewish families from the affluent Guggenheims to criminal-producing Lanskys; now Meyer is pretty much relegated to poolside gin games in Boca.
- Cary
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"pleasant stream"Description:
Cary Grant's debonair image has stood the test of time - he is still rated as one of the most handsome and admired men in Hollywood. There are not many other names that can combine good-looks, wit and such decency all in two little syllables.
- Vinnie
- Einar
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"bold warrior"Description:
With Norse (and pseudo-Norse) names such as Thor, Odin and Magnus growing in popularity, this one, which refers to warriors destined for Valhalla on account of their bravery, might have some appeal outside Scandinavia. Its slightly Eeyore-ish sound is balanced out by connections to some major historical figures, including a Norwegian prime minister.