Three Syllable Names for Boys

One of the most unusual of the biblical iah-options, this was the name of a long-reigning king of Judea, and just might appeal to the parent looking for a quasi-unique Old Testament choice. And it avoids the negative Dickensian aura of the other New Testament U-name, Uriah.

Zepherin is an ancient saints' name that sounds like anything but. Zepherin Namuncura, a priest of Argentinian Indian background, was beatified in the 20th century. There was a Pope Zephyrinus.

While some might assume this to be a variation on Theodore, Theodule's etymolgy actually stems from Theodulus. Though neither of these forms have attraction much attention recently, both Theodore and nickname Theo are rising up the US popularity charts. This could create an alternate path to the desirable nickname.

Omero lifts Homer out of both The Simpsons and The Odyssey, making it a romantic name ala Romeo. Some sources give the meaning of Omero and Homer as "hostage".

Another increasingly popular member of the Omar family, this one perhaps influenced by hip-hopper Omarion Granberrg (born Omari) of the group B2K.

This charming Japanese name, with two meanings every little boy would love to have, was briefly in the Canadian Top 100 in the early 20th Century. There are many famous bearers of the name, such as architect Isamu Noguchi and physicist Isamu Akasaki.

Amiable, undiscovered geographic option.

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.

In the US this is likely to conjure zebras, lions and elephants on the Serengeti, but its original meaning "journey" broadens its wearability. Safari is a name common in Africa for babies born while their parents were on a journey.

Soft and rhythmic.

The surname Turlington denotes ancestors from a bygone Leicestershire town of the same name. Supermodel Christy Turlington Burns is a famous bearer.

The name of a grass plant native to India, which is used in aromatherapy and for its essential oil.

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

Another animated Irish surname, this one with jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway.

Confessional memoirist Augusten Burroughs is the first literary notable to bear one of this family of names since the confessional saint.

The name of prize-winning American architect Robert Venturi would make a somewhat awkward first.