Three Syllable Names for Boys

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

Patrick Lafcadio Hearn was born on the Greek Island of Lefkada, the origin of the name he used as a first. But as a writer, he was known as Koizumi Yakumo, a collector of Japanese folk tales and ghost stories. Truly an international choice.

Russian names, like Russian supermodels, are hot these days, at least they are when politics alow it. This is a strong way to make Nicholas new. More authentically spelled Nikolai.

Less familiar and appealing than the feminine Jacinta.

Energetic but mellow.

The name of the elder son of Elendil in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, who was briefly king of Gondor and Arnor.

This Tolkein name is a variation on Meriadeg, a Breton name derived from Conan Meriadeg who was the legendary founder of Brittany. In Tolkein's novel, Meriadoc (shortened to the charming "Merry") is one of the hobbits who accompanies Frodo on his quest.

Brought into the spotlight by actor Mykelti Williamson, who was given it by his half-Blackfoot Indian grandfather

A poetic choice.

Huracan is the supreme Mayan god whose name inspired the hurricane. If Storm and Sky can make names, why not Huracan?

The vowel ending tilts this sharply toward the feminine, and at this point Havana still has some political implications as well.

This name of a California desert town, used by Deborah Falconer and Robert Downey, Jr. for their son, makes a much livelier and more individual – not to mention more masculine – improvisation on the themes of India and Indiana.

Although he goes by the alias Pain in Naruto, Nagato's name actually means "long-lasting gate." It is speculated that his name comes from famed 16th-century ninja Fujibayashi Nagato.

The name of the first English king, who ruled in the 10th century AD.

Another appealing member of the Alexandrian clan.

The Brits say BARK-lee, but we pronounce it the same as the name of the California college: either way it's quite pretentious and of another era.

Isidore and variants are remarkably underused and ripe for revival, a la Theodore and company.

Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.