15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Darien
Origin:
Spelling variation of DarianMeaning:
"rich, kingly"Description:
The Darien spelling, which relates to the posh Connecticut town, peaked at Number 393 in 1994 but more recently has been just hanging on at the bottom of the Top 1000. Still, a name with an appealing sound and feel that may ascend again.
- Paolo
Origin:
Italian, variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.
- Alcott
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller at the old cottage"Description:
Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted educator, writer and philosopher, and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
- Lyndon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"linden tree hill"Description:
An English surname-turned-first-name whose most famous bearer is former US president Lyndon B. Johnson. His appointment in 1963 caused a huge spike in use for his unusual name the following year, pushing it to its historical peak of #347 in 1964. However, the year after his exit from the Oval Office, it dropped back below the Top 1000.
- Eldon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"sacred hill"Description:
Popular in the 1920s, Eldon is a retro name that's waiting to be rediscovered. It has a similar placename/surname appeal to current Top 1000 names Alden and Holden. Several towns in the US and UK bear the name.
- Aldrich
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"old, wise ruler"Description:
In an era with so many created, modern names, Aldrich oozes history and substance. But it is also fit for modern times, given its surname-as-name status and the nickname potential (Al, Richie, etc).
- Zevi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gazelle, roebuck"Description:
Zevi is an alternative transcription of the Hebrew name Zvi or Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.
- Herbie
Description:
Herbie is a diminutive form of Herbert, a Germanic name combining 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright), meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Popularized in the mid-20th century, Herbie gained notable recognition through jazz musician Herbie Hancock and the fictional Volkswagen Beetle in Disney's 'The Love Bug' films. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with a vintage charm that evokes mid-century Americana. Though its popularity has declined since its peak in the 1950s and 60s, Herbie retains nostalgic appeal as a nickname. It exemplifies the trend of shortened, affectionate forms that became independently used given names in their own right.
- Wilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner, philosophers Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, and physicist Wilhelm Roentgen, who discovered the X-ray. It now sounds rather dated in Germany, however, having dropped out of the Top 20 there in the late 1920s and continuing to decline since.
- Pablo
Origin:
Spanish variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Pablo, the commonly used Spanish version of Paul, has the added bonus of some fantastic artistic bearers: painter Picasso, cellist Casals, and poet Neruda. Pablo has been consistently in the US charts since records began, and has been within the Top 500 since the mid 60s. However, Pablo has never cracked the Top 200, making it familiar but not overused or tired.
- Geoffrey
Origin:
Anglo-Saxon from FrenchMeaning:
"pledge of peace"Description:
In the US, this spelling is less common than mid-century favorite Jeffrey, and it has faded from popularity faster. This more British spelling is the usual form for historical figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and the Welsh historian Geoffrey of Monmouth, and as such it may feel more rooted and enduring.
- Torrin
Description:
Torrin is a masculine name with Scottish Gaelic origins, derived from the Gaelic word "toirinn" meaning "thunder" or possibly from "tòrr," a Gaelic word for "hill" or "mound." The name also refers to a village on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, giving it geographical significance. Torrin shares some similarities with other Celtic names like Torran and the Irish Torcan. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Torrin has maintained a steady if minimal presence in English-speaking countries, particularly among families celebrating their Scottish heritage. The name carries connotations of natural strength and power, with its connection to thunder and highlands. Its distinctive sound balances uniqueness with straightforward pronunciation, making it accessible despite its rarity.
- Gaten
Origin:
Italian, EnglishMeaning:
"of Gaeta"Description:
An Anglicized form of Gaetano, deriving from the name of a town in ancient Italy.
- Melor
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"iron man"Description:
Melor is the name of a Breton saint who in legend was also a prince, suggesting he was the son of a Cornish king (Mylor is the Cornish variation of the name). Melor was said to have a foot and hand made of silver,
- Halston
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hallowed stone"Description:
This choice feels more familiar than other hall-related English surnames, thanks to designer Halston, the single-named disco-era society playmate of Liza and Elton.
- Zavian
Description:
Zavian is a modern masculine name that likely developed as a variant of Xavier or Zavier, or possibly as a unique creation combining popular name elements. The name has a contemporary feel with its strong 'Z' beginning and smooth flow. Its origins may connect to the Arabic 'Zavi' meaning 'bright' or draw indirect inspiration from the Basque-origin Xavier, meaning 'new house' or 'bright.' Zavian began appearing in the United States in the early 2000s and has gradually increased in usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive. The name's combination of strength and style gives it versatility, working well for various personalities. Zavian exemplifies the trend toward creating unique names with familiar sounds and strong consonants.
- Tejas
Description:
Tejas is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'radiance,' 'brilliance,' or 'splendor.' In Hindu culture, it refers to the spiritual essence that represents energy, vigor, and mental power. Tejas is also the Sanskrit word for 'fire' and is associated with light and illumination. The name has gained popularity among Indian families globally who appreciate its cultural significance and positive connotations. In the United States, Tejas has additional significance as the original name for Texas, derived from a Native American Caddo word meaning 'friends' or 'allies.' This dual heritage makes Tejas an appealing cross-cultural choice with meaningful connections to both South Asian traditions and American geography. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality.
- Destin
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"destiny"Description:
Synthesized name in the Justin/Dustin mold, but has an unpleasant similarity to the diaper rash ointment called Desitin.
- Axton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"sword stone"Description:
Macho to the max. But with the rise of x as a fashionable letter anywhere it appears in a name, ala Jaxson or Maxon, we may be hearing more of Axton.
- Fischer
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"fisherman"Description:
This common German-Jewish surname is not as common as the streamlined, gentile Fisher, although we like this spelling just as much. Both variations peaked around 2015, when Fischer was given to about 100 baby boys, and Fisher 300.