Three Syllable Names for Boys

Ericson, also spelled Erickson and Erikson (and with -sen endings too), is a Nordic surname that makes a strong choice. Ericson may continue the trend Harrison, Jefferson and Jackson started.

Sounds just like its meaning.

Zankoku has two ties to anime: as a character in Naruto and in the song Zankoku na tenshi no tēze (A Cruel Angel's Thesis), which was used as the theme song for the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Brand new surname option that's equally appealing on girls and boys.

How to spruce up Fisher or Beau? This French surname-name might be an option for a parent unafraid of the unusual. The name derives from Barbel, a type of fish, which is how it became a surname for some fishermen.

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

Lively Russian choice born by several saints.

An out-of-this-world choice, literally.

The name of a 7th to 8th century Italian monk who rebuilt the monastery at Monte Cassino. In Italian, he is called Petronace.

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).

Gianni, the Italian form of Johnny, has gotten popular in the US, and there's a good chance Giannis will be next, thanks to rising star basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is Greek. It makes an original spin on John or Jonas - though, it should be noted that the traditional Greek pronunciation would be YAH-nees. Other spelling variations are Iannis and Yanis - the latter perhaps being popular in France and on the rise in the UK.

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

Upstanding New England patrician name.

Ancient Roman surname from which European favorite Livia derives. The Roman historian Titus Livius is better known in English as Livy.

Popular in the Hispanic community, unlike its English cousin. It has been very near the bottom of the US Top 1000 for the last three years.