15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

  1. Vasco
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "someone from the Basque region"
    • Description:

      Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
  2. Orestes
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "from the mountain"
    • Description:

      A figure in Greek drama who murdered his mother makes for an unconventional choice for a baby name, but it has appeared on the US extended list several dozen times since records began.
  3. Seanan
    • Origin:

      Modern form of Senán or elaboration of Sean, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little old one; God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Seanan might be considered an Anglicized form of Seanán, itself a modern form of Senán, an Old Irish name meaning "little old one", giving it a wise and ancient feel. The name of a 6th century saint and monk, Seanan might also be considered an elaboration or a diminutive of Sean, the Irish variation of John. By combining it with the -an suffix (meaning "descendent of" or more literally "little") it could be a way to freshen up the now well-travelled Irish name.
  4. Kendry
    • Origin:

      Malagasy
    • Meaning:

      "wise man"
    • Description:

      How often do you see a name from Madagascar that is so wearable in English? Kendry has a great meaning to boot and is possibly a great name for a Christmas baby. What's not to love?
  5. Huey
    • Origin:

      Variation of Hugh, English
    • Meaning:

      "mind, intellect"
    • Description:

      Once upon a time, in the 1930s, Huey (yes, just Huey) was a Top 250 name. Could the 100-Year Rule bring it back?
  6. Theseus
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Description:

      The name of the Greek mythological hero famous for slaying the Minotaur is also heard in Chaucer and Shakespeare. While Theseus might have sounded pretentious for an American baby a decade ago, today with so many babies getting ancient mythogical names, it just might work.
  7. Breckin
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Breccan, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "freckled, speckled"
    • Description:

      Breccan may be the original saints' name, but in the modern U.S., the spelling Brecken is the most popular form, followed by Breckin. A winner by any spelling.
  8. Rolin
    • Description:

      Rolin is a masculine name with medieval roots, functioning as a variant of Roland or Rollin. Derived from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' it carries connotations of renown and territorial significance. Historically used throughout Europe, particularly in France and England after the Norman Conquest, Rolin has maintained a steady if uncommon presence in naming records. The name offers a softer alternative to Roland while preserving its noble heritage. In modern usage, Rolin appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth but without overwhelming popularity. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible while remaining distinctive in contemporary classrooms.
  9. Major
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "greater; or, a military rank"
    • Description:

      This bold choice soared in popularity from 2008 to 2013, and now seems to have plateaued. But watch out—the character Major Major Major Major in the classic absurdist novel Catch-22 had a terrible time.
  10. Bohdan
    • Origin:

      Ukrainian, Polish, Czech, Slovak
    • Meaning:

      "given by god"
    • Description:

      Variant of the popular Slavic name Bogdan, meaning "given by god".
  11. Ramses
    • Origin:

      Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "son of God"
    • Description:

      Ramses was the name of several kings in Ancient Egypt, including the long-reigning Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great. Unfortuntely, some may associate it with the condom brand name.
  12. Jovan
    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of John Latin
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious; Jove-like, majestic"
    • Description:

      Jovan, the name of the supreme Roman deity, seems more extraterrestrial now -- and it's also firmly attached to a perfume label. Some parents may see it as a variation of Giovanni, the Italian for John. It is in fact the Slavic variation of John and may be an original way to honor an ancestral John.
  13. Leonas
    • Description:

      Leonas is a masculine name with multiple cultural roots. In Lithuanian, it's a traditional form of Leon, meaning 'lion'. It also appears as a Greek variant of the same name. The lion symbolism conveys strength, courage, and leadership—attributes valued across many cultures. In some Eastern European traditions, Leonas has been used as an independent name rather than just a variant. The name carries a dignified, classical quality while still feeling accessible. Leonas has maintained steady usage in Baltic countries and among Lithuanian diaspora communities. Outside these regions, it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. The name offers an interesting alternative to the more widely used Leon or Leonardo, providing both cultural specificity and universal appeal through its powerful animal association.

  14. Yancy
    • Origin:

      American variation of Jansen, Dutch, Native American
    • Meaning:

      "son of Jan; yankee"
    • Description:

      Yancy has two separate American origins — first as the Native American term for "Yankee," and second as the Americanized variation of the common Dutch surname Jansen. Jan being the Dutch form of John, Yancy could work to honor anyone in your life with a John-related name.
  15. Carol
    • Origin:

      English, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "man"
    • Description:

      Although now usually considered a female name in the US, Carol actually had a good run of popularity for boys too, peaking at #325 in 1937 and remaining in the US Top 1000 until the mid 1960s, when its popularity for both sexes began to decline. It derives from Carolus, the Latin form of Charles.
  16. Deckard
    • Description:

      Deckard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, primarily known as a surname before gaining traction as a first name. It likely derives from elements meaning 'strong' and 'hardy,' or possibly relates to 'deck builder' in occupational surname traditions. The name gained wider recognition from the character Rick Deckard in the film 'Blade Runner,' giving it futuristic and literary associations. Deckard has a strong, distinctive sound with its hard consonants and two-syllable structure. It remains uncommon as a first name, making it appealing to parents seeking something unique yet recognizable. The name carries a rugged, masculine quality while still being approachable and easy to pronounce, balancing uniqueness with usability.
  17. Axle
    • Origin:

      Word name and variation of Axel, Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "axle; father of peace"
    • Description:

      Turns Axel into a word name.
  18. Yahya
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Turkish, and Persian form of Yochanan
    • Meaning:

      "God is Gracious"
    • Description:

      Yahya is an Islamic name derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, making it both an honor for the prophet John the Baptist, and one of many international forms of John. In Islamic tradition, Yahya is celebrated for his gentleness, his goodness, and his dedication to and understanding of scriptures from a young age.
      Currently popular in Tunisia, and Belgium, Yahya has also been on and off of the US Top 1000 charts since 2015. In a recent year, however, it was one of the fastest rising names, climbing 175 places and given to nearly 380 boys. It also made the England and Wales Top 100 for the first time in the same year.
  19. Kassian
    • Origin:

      Variation of Cassian or Kassiani
    • Meaning:

      "hollow or cinnamon"
    • Description:

      Kassian may be seen as a Kardashianed spelling of the rising saint's name Cassian, which is a variation of Cassius, but it could also be considered the authentic Greek male form of Kassiani, the name of a female saint revered as a hymnographer. However you spell it, this is an attractive and unusual name virtually unused in the US -- though we predict that will soon change. If you're hunting for unusual yet stylish Greek baby names, variations of this name should be on your short list.
  20. Tevel
    • Description:

      Tevel is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'universe' or 'world.' This profound name carries cosmic significance and connects the bearer to the vastness of existence. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, Tevel has maintained a steady presence in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel. The name's meaningful etymology makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and universal connotations. Tevel offers the appealing nickname options of 'Tev' or 'Tevvy.' Its uniqueness ensures that a child named Tevel will likely stand out while carrying a name rich in cultural heritage and philosophical meaning.