Three Syllable Names for Boys

Lighter Latin version of Anselm.

Widely used in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, has an air of generosity and could easily be adopted here.

One of the rarest Bert names, Engelbert has been used at least since the time of Charlemagne and is the name of several saints. But mostly, it's impossible not to associate it with Engelbert Humperdinck, both the German composer and the British pop singer (born Arnold Dorsey) who borrowed his name.

Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.

A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.

This surname borne by several early Welsh leaders has a lot of energy.

Adaiah is a rare Old Testament name with a pleasing sound.

Sounds like exactly what it is: The name of a romance novel hero.

An epithet of the sun and the Hindu god Shiva, also borne by a 12th century Indian astronomer. Bhaskar, a common Indian surname, is related.

Uplifting name that's technically for boys but practically would work much better for girls.

A French form of Benedict that makes a smooth and elegant choice, although the pronunciation may trip people up in an English speaking environment.

In Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, the friend who persuades Romeo to go to the party where he meets Juliet. Alas.

One of the few Italian forms less attractive than the original, this time because it will forever be mistaken with the feminine version.

The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.

A Julian translation that would be easy to wear — Yulian strikes the proper balance between unusual and familiar. Yuli is a common nickname in Russia.

A name borne by nine popes and several saints, which carries strong Catholic connotations. British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg named his sixth child Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher in 2017.

An unusual but very accessible name from Greek mythology, with the same strong ending sound as stylish picks like Alexander and Evander. Isandro is the equally attractive Spanish version.