15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

It originated as a nickname for Lodewijk, but now Lowie is more popular as-is, even ranking in the Top 100 in Belgium.

Unusual Asian option, and also the name of the Dwarf Lord from Lord of the Rings.

Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza.

Kai is one of the hottest names out there in recent years, climbing quickly into the Top 100. This combined with a surge of Japanese names gaining popularity in the US, like Kenji, Raiden, and Kenzo, and you've got a hit. Kaizen is of Japanese origin meaning "good change" — a term used for the Japanese business practice of continuous improvement in performance. It entered the US charts for the first time in 2022, and was among the fastest-rising names in 2023 as well.

Could be seen as an affectionate Old World take on Kole.

Highly unlikely philosophical choice.

Lindsey as a masculine name has Anglo-Saxon origins, originally derived from the Old English place name 'Lindesege,' meaning 'island of linden trees' or 'Lincoln's marsh.' While now more commonly recognized as a feminine name in the United States, Lindsey has historically been used for boys in the United Kingdom and Scotland. The name peaked in popularity for boys in the 1970s and 1980s before shifting predominantly to female usage. Notable male Lindseys include American politician Lindsey Graham. The name carries associations with nature and English heritage, and offers a soft yet distinguished sound for male bearers. Many parents now choose it primarily for girls, making it a less common but distinctive choice for boys.

A Julian translation that would be easy to wear — Yulian strikes the proper balance between unusual and familiar. Yuli is a common nickname in Russia.

The campion is a pretty woodland plant with pink or red flowers, whose common name derives from Old French champion "champion". The plant is so called because in classical times, the rose campion was fitted in garlands used to crown victors.

Lindsay Lohan and Bader Shammas chose the name Luai for their Dubai-born son — a perfect mini name with cross-cultural appeal.

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

Naming a child Cornelius or Nelson feels increasingly ahead of the curve in today's vintage name-loving climate. But keep Nelly for a nickname (even the rap star was christened Cornell).

Soul singer Cuba Gooding and his actor son of the same name put this unexpected geographical name on the map for boys, but it has a longer history of use than you might expect. Deriving from the island in the Caribbean Sea, it had a brief spell of popularity in the US at the end of the 1890s when Spain lost possession of the island during the Spanish-American War. Used predominantly (though rarely) on girls throughout the last century, it has occasionally be given to a handful of boys too.

Darryl is a masculine name with ancient Celtic origins, derived from the Irish name 'Dáire' or 'Daire,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' It entered common usage in English-speaking countries as both a given name and surname. Darryl experienced significant popularity in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, reaching its peak in the mid-1960s. Sports figures like baseball stars Darryl Strawberry and cultural references in television and film helped maintain the name's visibility. While its usage has declined since its heyday, Darryl retains a friendly, approachable quality. The name is often associated with reliability and straightforwardness, carrying a classic yet not overly formal feel with its characteristic double-r spelling.

In Turkish mythology, Kayra is the deity of creation. The ancient Turks did not assign a gender to Kayra, who took the form of a goose. According to legend, Kayra planted the tree of life after creating the universe, from which emerged the nine clans.

Reiley is a gender-neutral name of Irish and Gaelic origin that has become increasingly popular as a masculine name. It's a modern spelling variation of Riley, which derived from the Irish surname Ó Raghailligh, meaning 'descendant of Raghallach' (a personal name meaning 'valiant'). This alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while giving it a distinctive appearance. Reiley gained popularity in the United States during the 1990s and 2000s as part of the trend toward using Irish surnames as first names. As a boy's name, Reiley projects a friendly, approachable image while maintaining a sense of strength. It offers parents a name with Celtic roots and a contemporary feel.

Auric is an Ian Fleming anti-hero, better known as Goldfinger. Better to go with James. Or even Bond.

Kaelin is a masculine name with Gaelic origins, though it's used for both genders in modern contexts. Derived from the Irish surname Ó Caolláin, meaning "descendent of Caollán," with the root "caol" meaning "slender" or "narrow." The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as part of the trend toward Celtic-inspired names. Its appeal lies in its contemporary sound combined with ancient roots, offering a balance between tradition and modernity. The spelling variants include Kaylin, Kaelan, and Kaelyn, with the latter more commonly used for girls. Kaelin has a melodic flow and projects qualities of uniqueness and strength, making it attractive to parents seeking a name that's distinctive but not difficult to pronounce.

Rajae is a masculine name with Arabic origins, derived from 'raja' meaning 'hope' or 'expectation.' In some cultures, it can also be interpreted as 'returned' or 'came back.' The name carries positive connotations of optimism and aspiration. While not extremely common in Western countries, Rajae has maintained steady usage in North African countries, particularly Morocco and Algeria. The name is appreciated for its melodic sound and meaningful significance. Some variations include Raja, Rajah, or Rajaa, with slight differences in spelling depending on transliteration from Arabic script. The name's cross-cultural appeal has seen it gradually gaining recognition internationally.