15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.

A friendly sounding surname name reminiscent of the increasingly popular Marlow and Harlow. British musician Gary Barlow is a notable namesake.

Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the Stoic school of thought, Zeno of Elea was another early, original Greek thinker, famed for his Paradoxes.

Branson is a fairly recent addition to the Top 1000, first breaking in at Number 988 in 1995. While it may not be a common sighting yet, it fits the trend of more popular cousins Mason, Grayson, Hudson, and Carson.

Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.

Unless you're a gin aficionado, we prefer Hendrik. Or better yet, Henrik.

In the US, this variation is more popular than the original. Terrence has been in the US Top 1000 since 1920, but Terence has been left behind. Alternate spelling Terrance is the most popular iteration of the name.

Alain gives the midcentury Alan a bit of gallic dash.

Fenton is the kind of surname name that's starting to sound almost like a normal first name these days. While it made a brief appearance on the Top 1000 in the late 1800s, today it's distinctive but in step with the times. And Fen as a nickname is undeniably cute -- a Ben of the future.

Jasai is a modern masculine name with unclear etymological origins, though it may be a creative variation of names like Jason, Isaiah, or Jai. With its melodic quality and distinctive sound pattern, Jasai exemplifies contemporary naming trends that favor unique, vowel-rich names with international appeal. The name has gained limited usage in the United States since the early 2000s, possibly influenced by the trend toward inventing new names or creating novel spellings. Jasai's appeal lies in its contemporary feel combined with a somewhat familiar sound that remains easy to pronounce. The name's uniqueness ensures its bearers stand out while still having a name that flows naturally in conversation.

This name is growing in popularity, partly because of its tie to hipster musician Sufjan Stevens; is also related to Abu Sufyan, a figure from early Islamic history.

A warm and cuddly nickname name, although he famously "kissed the girls and made them cry" in the old nursery rhyme.

A Top 100 name in BC, Canada, where there is a large Punjabi population and a fast climbing name in England and Wales in 2022, Gurbaaz has the intriguing meaning "guru's bird" or "guru's falcon". The first syllable is pronounced the same as the sound in guru, which -baaz is said like the popular nickname Baz, giving it a cross-cultural short form.

If you like the idea of Tadhg but don't feel like the spelling works where you are, Teague might work as an alternative. It could also fit the bill if you're seeking a unique single-syllable first or middle name for your son.

Tony, as in classy. Or To-nyyy, as yelled out a tenement window.

Avni is derived from Avniel, a Hebrew first and surname with a strong meaning. It is also a separate masculine Albanian name meaning "helper." The nickname Avni has a fresh, gender-neutral feel, although it has separate origins for girls and boys. The feminine version of this name is Sanskrit and means "earth."

Yaseen is a masculine name of Arabic origin, derived from 'Ya Sin,' which is the 36th chapter of the Quran. The name carries deep spiritual significance in Islamic tradition, as this chapter is often referred to as the 'heart of the Quran.' While the exact meaning is debated by scholars, some interpret it as referring to 'O human being' or consider the letters to have mystical significance. Yaseen has gained popularity among Muslim communities worldwide as a meaningful spiritual choice. The name offers a balance of religious significance with a contemporary sound. Its pronunciation (yah-SEEN) flows easily across cultural boundaries, making it both accessible and distinctive in multicultural settings.

A surname that originated as a diminutive of Hawk.

Make that bird name, and while it does work for both genders, it's far more popular for girls, via Raven Symone.

Years ago we might have said that this name was unthinkable, but with clunky, old-fashioned names being so popular right now — consider Augustus, Stanley, Wilfred, etc — what's to stop Cuthbert from becoming more wearable? Bertie is a cute (and very fashionable) nickname option for this grand old name, though Curt and Kit might work too.