15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Asier
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"the beginning"Description:
This Basque name is quite popular in Spain, where it has long been in the Top 100 names. This is likely due to its pleasant meaning; the sound, dignified in Spanish and Basque, may not fare so well in English-speaking countries.
- Herman
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"soldier, warrior"Description:
It's hard to believe now that Herman was once, at the turn of the last century, a Top 50 name, remaining in the Top 100 until 1935, and even harder to imagine it making a comeback. But then again, our parents thought the same thing about Max and Jake. Consider the French Armand or Spanish Armando instead. Notable bearers include writers Herman Melville and Hermann Hesse--and then there was TV's Herman Munster.
- Bayo
Origin:
African, Nigerian, YorubaMeaning:
"the crown meets joy"Description:
Short form of Adebayo
- Sabian
Origin:
Variation of Sabin, LatinMeaning:
"from the Sabines"Description:
Sabian is a relative of Sabin and Sabina, both referring to the Sabines, an ancient Italian people. Sabin is also a Quranic name of one of the "People of the Book". About a dozen baby boys were named Sabin and another dozen named Sabian in the US last year, making it a rare name with historic roots.
- Kirby
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"church settlement"Description:
Attractive British place-name with a sense of humor. Fun fact: John Wayne played five characters with the first or second name of Kirby.
- Rhidian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"unknown"Description:
A Welsh saint’s name, possibly deriving from the Old Welsh word for "red".
- Rashad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"having good judgment"Description:
In the US, Rashad is one of the most popular and best-known Arabic names, through several sports and entertainment celebrities.
- Guido
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"guide, leader"Description:
Guido was very popular in Renaissance Italy, with many namesakes including painter Fra Angelico (born Guido di Pietro) and mathematician Guido Fubini. Guy Fawkes, of gunpowder plot fame, sometimes used this version. Nowadays it's unfairly overlooked, but in the current trend for snappy international names ending in -o, this cultured gem deserves more use.
- Avyukt
Description:
Avyukt is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin popular in Indian culture. The name carries profound meaning, translating to 'inseparable,' 'unattached,' or 'free from worldly bonds.' This spiritual connotation makes Avyukt particularly meaningful in Hindu philosophy, where it suggests a transcendent quality beyond material attachments. The name has gained modest popularity in contemporary India among parents seeking names with deep philosophical significance. Avyukt offers a melodious sound with its balanced syllables while remaining relatively uncommon internationally. The name provides a strong cultural connection for families with South Asian heritage while offering a unique option with spiritual depth for those drawn to names with profound meanings.
- Devere
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the fishing place"Description:
An original choice for a fisherman's child.
- Mio
Description:
Mio is a masculine name with diverse origins. In Japanese, it means 'beautiful cherry blossom' or 'beautiful thread,' symbolizing delicacy and strength. In Italian, Mio translates to 'mine' or 'my own,' conveying a sense of personal endearment. The name also has Scandinavian roots where it can be a diminutive of names containing the element 'mi.' While more common in Japan and parts of Europe, Mio has gained international appeal for its brevity and melodic quality. As a crosscultural name, it offers simplicity with only three letters while maintaining a distinctive sound and meaningful associations across different languages.
- Jibreel
Description:
Jibreel is a masculine name of Arabic origin representing the Arabic form of Gabriel, the archangel who serves as a messenger of God in several religious traditions. The name means 'God is my strength' or 'hero of God.' In Islamic tradition, Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) is revered as the angel who revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. This powerful name carries significant spiritual weight and conveys strength, divine connection, and guidance. Jibreel has become increasingly popular among Muslim families worldwide and has gained recognition beyond religious communities as parents seek names with deep historical and spiritual significance. The name offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Gabriel while maintaining its profound meaning and heritage.
- Harlen
Description:
Harlen is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Harlan, derived from Old English elements 'here' meaning 'army' and 'land,' together conveying 'army land' or 'land of the warriors.' Less frequently, it may be considered a variation of Harlem, the famous New York City neighborhood. While not as common as the Harlan spelling, Harlen offers a slightly softer phonetic quality with the 'e' instead of 'a' in the second syllable. The name emerged in America particularly in the early to mid-20th century, though it has always remained relatively uncommon. Harlen carries connotations of strength and ruggedness with a touch of vintage appeal, fitting well with the revival of classic masculine names. The name suggests reliability and steadfastness, attributes that continue to attract parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name with historical roots.
- England
- Ollin
Description:
Ollin is a masculine name with Nahuatl (Aztec) origins meaning 'movement' or 'motion.' In Aztec culture, Ollin was a day sign in the calendar representing earthquakes, symbolizing transformative change and dynamic energy. This rare name carries strong cultural connections to Mesoamerican heritage while offering a concise, distinctive sound. The simplicity of Ollin makes it accessible across language barriers despite its uncommon status. The name has seen limited but increasing usage in the United States, particularly among families honoring Mexican or indigenous cultural traditions. Ollin's powerful meaning related to movement and transformation makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and contemporary feel.
- Zaven
Origin:
Armenian, meaning uncertainDescription:
An ancient Armenian name with contemporary appeal. Zaven is a rare choice with the stylish Z initial and -n ending. The exact etymology of the name is unknown, though theories are that it borrows from Persian and Arabic, offering the meanings "hidden, concealed, secluded", "bronze or copper smith", or "to flow".
- Tobiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is good"Description:
Tobiah is the original Hebrew form of the better-known Greek Tobias, to which it could make a distinctive alternative. With its ah ending, Tobiah fits in with other stylish Biblical names today, from Noah to Isaiah to Josiah and Zachariah. And of course, Toby is an adorable nickname.
- Bayan
Origin:
Buryat, KurdishMeaning:
"rich, wealth; morning"Description:
A name with a lot of historical cred — Bayan was the name of two Mongol generals during the Yuan Dynasty and a number of other military rulers.
- Kiah
Origin:
Short form of Hezekiah, HebrewMeaning:
"God gives strength"Description:
Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.
- Niklaus
Origin:
Swiss German variation of Nicholas, GreekMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
A surprising entrant into the US Top 1000, given that this variation of Nicholas is primarily used in Switzerland. Niklaus "Klaus" Mikaelson was a character on the TV show The Vampire Diaries.