Three Syllable Names for Boys

Grandmas will remember the old TV detective show; playmates won't. This is a name that has many variations in different cultures, from Columbus to Columba to Colum to Colm.

This strong (literally) African name comes from the Chewa language of southern Africa.

While this spelling makes sense phonetically, it will inevitably cause confusion when nine out of ten people assume the traditional Zachary spelling.

Vowel names are popular, but this word-name possibility takes it to an extreme.

Omega is an unusual name used now equally for boys and girls, though the a ending is conventionally feminine. More popular boys' names, like Omega, end in the a sound these days: Joshua, Noah, Micah.

An ancient and dashing princely European name, belonging to one of the Grimaldi princes of Monaco from the 18th and 19th centuries. Florestan is also a character in Ludwig van Beethoven's opera "Fidelio" (1814).

Old Testament male name and biblical place name.

A presidential and place-name that's not a stand-out in either category.

Also written as Philemon, this New Testament character was a recipient of Paul's epistles.

Extremely rare, but seen as a baby boy name every once in a while, influenced by Transformers character Optimus Prime.

A handsome Indian name with an unclear meaning, although "god of gods" is the one most often cited.

Combining the sounds of Lake, Lachlan, and Landon, Lakeland is a surname-style name that could fit in with other contemporary names like Holland, Leland, Ryland, Camden, and Bristol. Given to just 16 boys in 2023, it could make a unique but familiar option for any gender.

This is another form of the name the angel Raphael assumes for himself when he becomes human. One of the few attractive Biblical names that has not yet been discovered by modern parents, Azarias is certainly ripe for the taking.

It's a place in the Bible but also relates to the name Zebulon.

A creative take on Malachi used in the 2000 horror movie Lost Souls.

Irish name with an intriguing lilt.