15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

This Dutch favorite was the name of five Counts of Holland and many notable Renaissance artists, including still life painter Floris van Dijck. It is a variation of Florence, which was historically a unisex name.

Long synonymous with the American outlaw Harry Longabaugh, aka The Sundance Kid, who got his nickname from the town of Sundance, Wyoming, where he was incarcerated as a teenager. The place name Sundance was taken from the sun dance ceremony practiced by local Native American tribes.

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.

The name of the 44th president, which he inherited from his Kenyan father, is related to the Swahili word "baraka," meaning "blessing," derived from the Arabic "baracka." It is linked, through the Semitic root, to the Hebrew name Baruch. Barack is also sometimes an alternate spelling of the Hebrew name Barak, which stems from the Semitic word for "lightning." Barack Obama may have found it a difficult name to grow up with, but the same won't be true for the many babies starting to be given that name. Other parents are being inspired to use Obama, which is a common surname among the Luo people of East Africa meaning "to lean or bend."

Also Anglicized as Dara and also spelled Daire in its native form, Darragh has an undeniably rugged appeal. It's used for both girls and boys in Ireland, but it's very popular in particular for boys.

Better than Lenny, not as good as Leo, and tightly tied to Tonight Show host Jay Leno.

Merrill is a unisex name with Anglo-Saxon origins, though it's more commonly used for males. Derived from the Old English surname Muriel, which combines elements meaning "famous" and "sea." Alternatively, it may come from Murrell, a diminutive of Moore meaning "marshy land." Merrill gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking in the 1930s and 1940s. While its usage has declined since then, it maintains a classic, distinguished quality. The name is often associated with intellectualism and professionalism, perhaps bolstered by its connection to the financial firm Merrill Lynch. Though relatively uncommon today, Merrill offers a sophisticated option with historical depth.

Eternally tied to the surname Chase, via the old English battle and ballad, the DC suburb, and the goofy SNL pratfaller (who was born Cornelius). It entered the US Top 1000 in 2014.

Casian is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Romanian tradition, it derives from the Latin name Cassianus, meaning 'empty' or 'vain,' but has evolved beyond these original connotations. The name is associated with Saint Cassian of Imola, a Christian martyr and teacher. In other cultural contexts, it may be linked to the Latin 'cassis' meaning 'helmet,' suggesting protection or strength. Casian has gained moderate popularity in Romania and nearby countries, while remaining relatively uncommon elsewhere. The name has a contemporary sound while maintaining historical connections, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. With its soft consonants and balanced syllables, Casian offers a melodic quality that works well across multiple languages.

Rhodri, the name of an important ninth century Welsh king known as Rhodri the Great, a renowned warrior who was the ancestor of many of the later dynasties of Wales, was revived in modern Wales. Has a nice Rory-like feel.

Melo is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it relates to 'melos' meaning 'song' or 'melody,' giving it musical connotations. In some Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions, it functions as a shortened form of surnames like Carmelo or as a nickname for Carmelo, which refers to Mount Carmel in Israel. The name has a modern, vibrant quality while maintaining simplicity. With just four letters, Melo is easily pronounced across various languages and cultures. Though uncommon as a formal given name, its rising usage reflects contemporary preferences for short, distinctive names. It carries a friendly, approachable quality while still feeling distinctive and memorable.

The unusual-to-the-English-ear Moritz is a Top 25 name in Austria and a form of Maurice or Morris, which are modern variations of the ancient Roman Maurus. There were several early saints named Maurus and a famous 3rd century Saint Maurice, who was a Roman infantryman who was martyred when he refused to worship Roman gods. The Moritz form also references the posh Swiss ski resort St. Moritz and Justine Moritz is a character from Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein.

Xavian is a masculine name representing a modern variation of Xavier, which itself derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'new house.' The name gained prominence through St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. Xavian combines the distinctive 'X' beginning of Xavier with the flowing ending of names like Adrian or Julian, creating a contemporary feel while maintaining historical connections. The initial 'X' gives the name an edge of uniqueness, while the overall sound remains approachable. Growing in popularity since the early 2000s, Xavian appeals to parents seeking modern-sounding names with subtle historical roots. The name projects qualities of strength and distinctiveness while offering the friendly nickname option 'Xavi.' Its relative rarity ensures individuality without being difficult to pronounce or understand.

Romy may well be on the rise for girls but Romey entered the UK Top 1000 for boys in 2023. With its gentle sounds, similar to Roman, Remy, and Rowan, and its surname-style appearance, similar to Rooney or Ramsay, it has a lot going for it.

Because of its meaning, a symbolic name given to boys born on TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, or Arbor Day.

This cosmological name is given to a handful of boys and girls each year in the USA. Likely to get confused with Stella or Stellan.

Although Fraser is the more common (and original) form of this surname, Frasier is perhaps more familiar in the US thanks to the eponymous sitcom. Kelsey Grammer portrayed psychiatrist Frasier Crane from 1984 to 2004 — first on Cheers and then in his own spinoff series, Frasier.

Zero has been documented as a given name before, but it's largely familiar as a stage name (such as Zero Mostel, born Samuel Joel Mostel) and comic book and anime characters. Seven boys were called Zero is a recent year.

Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen.

Dignified first name of poet W. H. Auden, less exposed than his currently stylish surname.