Two Syllable Boy Names

Yasen is a male given name in Bulgaria with two lovely meanings — ash tree, and serene.

Unusual saint's name rarely heard outside Roman Catholic rectories until it made an appearance on a reality-TV show; has an attractive French feel.

Cute nickname with multicultural appeal — in addition to Yoav, Yovi could be short for names such as Yovan and Yovani.

Izya is a unisex Russian nickname. For boys, it's a short form for Isaak and Isidor, the variations of Isaac and Isidore used in Russia. The A ending will make Izya read as a feminine name to English speakers.

Minto is used for both sexes in Japan, commonly with the kanji combination equating to the word for "mint."

The lead character of the Oscar-nominated 2016 film "Kubo and the Two Strings" lives in Edo-period Japan, but his name is more often heard as a surname in Japan. Still, fans of the animated movie may want to consider it.

Swahili form of John.

This Arabic names has many spelling variations but this is the one that of the more phonetic transliterations and is therefore most used in English-speaking countries.

A common choice in Poland, where it honors St. Adalbert of Prague — born Vojtěch, the Czech form of Wojciech — the patron saint of Poland.

Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.

This name of a saint from Galway whose monastery became a center of learning, is an undiscovered Gaelic gem.

Braeden was one of the many -aiden names that we heard everywhere just a few years ago. Now it's fading, along with Aiden, Jayden, and company.

The double 'e' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name — Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one known as Mad Sweeney who spent his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Another possible drawback is the association with Sweeney Todd, the bloodthirsty butcher of Sondheim stage-musical fame.