Two Syllable Boy Names

This spelling of Bennett is typically seen as a surname, but gets moderate use as a first name for baby boys and girls.

This name has not one but two impressive cultural connections: collage artist Joseph Cornell and photographer Cornell Capa--not to mention Cornell University.

The name of one of the Three Wise Men from the East is heard in several European countries, but rarely here.

An up-and-comer for girls, but still under-the-radar for boys. Alba feels like a possible crossover candidate, on the heels of Nova and Alva, and with the potential for rising nickname Albie.

This dashing Cornish name comes from the name of a legendary British king, Locrinus, who married Gwendolen, the daughter of the "founder of Cornwall" Corineus. Locrinus' name derives from the ancient English kingdom Loegria (from Welsh Lloegr).

Star Wars fans may know the lore behind the origin of the word and the concept Jedi well enough to confidently choose their name for their child. It has to do with balancing the forces of the universe.

Mason with a French accent. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2012, and it will likely hang on for as long as its brother-in-spelling-variations, Mayson.

This name is usually seen as a surname, but could be used as a first in the tradition of Cooper, Sawyer etc.

Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."

Actor Terrence Howard and wife Miranda created this name for their son inspired by the Chinese mythological creature called the Qilin, a good omen predicting the arrival of a sage or ruler. Pronunciation is like the Irish name Kieran.

This variation came to public attention via a reality-TV star on MTV's "Real World."

This spiritual word name is rising for girls and boys.

In Welsh, a diminutive of Iorwerth. As a Japanese name, Iori stands alone.

Heard most frequently in 18th century Japan, Hanzo is a rarity in modern culture. Hattori Hanzo was a legendary samurai of the Sengoku Era. A modern day namesake might be Hanzo Shimada, from the video game Overwatch. Hanzo is one of many unique baby names from Asia and from the gaming world.

Pronounced KILL-on, might lead a young boy astray--though that doesn't seem to have halted the progress of the popular Killian.

Futuristic variation of Cyrus. Cyrax is a character in the Mortal Kombat video game series.

If you wanted to try to get people to pronounce your son's first name the way Stephen Curry does, this might be a way to do it.

Old Irish spelling of Dermot / Diarmaid. This spelling is commonly used in the legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne, a love story from Irish legend.

A Portuguese classic, typically spelled with a tilde over the A. Many members of the Portuguese royal family were named João, and today it’s associated with a number of Portuguese and Brazilian footballers.