Three Syllable Names for Boys

No matter how much you love the novels of Papa H., don't saddle your son with this unwieldy appellation.

This name of a famous ancient Roman jurist is sometimes heard in the Hispanic community.

Ensio derives from the Finnish word ensimmäinen, meaning "first one."

Distinctive-sounding Scandinavian name. with deep roots. Short form is the attractive Jari.

Artemio gives energy to this august Greek mythological name.

Viridius was a pagan god of ancient Roman Britain. An alternative spelling is Viridios.

Spartacus is the famous name of an ancient Roman slave -- and star of his own eponymous TV series! -- who led a slave revolt and became a renowned gladiator, only to die in the ring. Not considered baby-appropriate for centuries, Spartacus just might rise again along with the names of his fellow gladiators.

Less familiar than Giorgio or Giovanni, Giuliano has a lot of captivating Latin charm.

This softer version of Adolf is sadly still off-limits due to the connotations with Hitler.

Sounds just like its meaning.

Shakespeare seems to have coined this name for the Prince of Bohemia in his late tragicomedy The Winter's Tale. It's rarely been used as a name for a real person, but we think it has potential. The flowery flor sound will appeal to parents looking for less conventionally masculine boys names, but the "Z" gives it an edge and cool factor lacking in, say, Florian. Plus, the Shakespeare connection obviously gives it a lot of literary cred.

Jasiri is the Swahili word for "brave," and a unisex name primarily used in eastern Africa. Despite all it has going for it — a resonant meaning, on-trend I ending, and gender-neutral style — Jasiri has never been given to more than 30 American babies in a single year.

Macarius, the name of several early saints, is virtually unknown in the U.S. though its Spanish forms Macario and the feminine Macaria are sometimes used. With the revival of many ancient s-ending names, Macarius might rise again, and it does carry the user-friendly nickname Mac.

Venetia and even Venice are more common, though this could work.

If Hunter just isn't full enough for you, place name Huntington might be a better option.

Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has barely set foot on American soil and is unlikely to do so. It was the middle name of famed French playwright Jean Giraudoux.

Dynamic name of Naruto villain Zabuza Momochi, also known as Demon of the Hidden Mist.

An archaic word name meaning "prayer", derived from Latin via French. As a given name, it has been used occasionally from the 19th century onwards, but remains a rare choice with on-trend sounds and spiritual appeal.

Kordian was created by Polish playwright Juliusz Słowacki for his eponymous romantic hero, based on Latin cor, cordis "heart". Cordian is the Anglicized form.