15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Eoghan
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"born of the yew tree"Description:
Pronounced like Owen, this was the name of several early Irish kings and saints, as well as a celebrated Ulster hero. Often spelled with two 'n's in Scotland, it has been Anglicized as Ewan, Ewen, Euan, Owen, Hugh, or Eugene.
- Dovi
Description:
Dovi is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, meaning "bear" or derived from the word for strength. In Jewish tradition, it's sometimes used as a nickname for Dov or as a standalone name. Dovi carries warm, gentle connotations despite its association with the powerful bear. The name is relatively uncommon in Western countries but has maintained steady usage within Jewish communities. Its short, distinctive sound makes it easy to pronounce across cultures. Dovi projects qualities of strength and gentleness simultaneously - cultural associations with bears often represent protection, wisdom, and resilience. For parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots yet modern appeal, Dovi offers a meaningful choice that balances uniqueness with accessibility.
- Deegan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark-haired"Description:
This name shares sounds with Keagan and Teagan, but has its own roots in Irish culture. It comes from the surname O'Duibhginn, meaning "descendent of the dark-haired one". Freestyle Motocross rider Brian Deegan may be partly responsible for this name's appearance in the US Top 1000 between 2008 and 2013. While it is now out of the charts, it remains a familiar choice, given to just shy of 100 boys in a recent year.
- Mandy
Origin:
Short form of ArmandoDescription:
In the US, Mandy may be a common girls' name, a Bobby Soxerish nickname for Amanda, but in the Latin community, it's a popular nickname for Armando, the Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese form of Herman. Actor Mandy Pantikin was born Mandel, another (though not recommended) possibility.
- Kuba
Origin:
Short form of JakubDescription:
Kuba is the attractive short form of Jakub, the spelling of Jacob commonly used in Poland. Much more distinctive than Jake!
- Proinsias
Description:
Proinsias is a traditional Irish masculine name, the Gaelic form of Francis. It derives from the Latin 'Franciscus,' meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free one.' Pronounced approximately as 'PRIN-shish' or 'PRIN-see-as,' this distinctive name carries deep cultural significance in Ireland, where it has been used since the medieval period following the popularity of St. Francis of Assisi. Though relatively uncommon even within Ireland and quite rare internationally, Proinsias represents a strong connection to Irish heritage and language. The name was embraced by some Irish nationalists as an expression of cultural identity, with notable bearers including Irish political figures. While potentially challenging for non-Irish speakers to pronounce, Proinsias offers an authentic option for those with Irish roots seeking to honor their heritage with a name that remains distinctively Gaelic in an increasingly globalized naming landscape.
- Phileas
Description:
Phileas is a distinctive masculine name with Greek origins. It derives from the Greek elements 'philos' meaning 'friend' or 'lover.' The name gained literary fame through Jules Verne's character Phileas Fogg in the novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days.' Despite its classical roots and literary connection, Phileas remains relatively uncommon in modern usage, giving it an air of distinction and vintage charm. It offers appealing nickname options like Phil or Philly. For parents seeking a name that combines historical depth with literary significance while still feeling distinctive, Phileas represents an excellent choice with its combination of sophistication and warmth.
- Ethian
Description:
Ethian appears to be a modern variation of traditional names like Ethan or Aethan, with possible connections to Celtic origins. Ethan, its likely root, comes from Hebrew meaning 'strong,' 'firm,' or 'enduring.' This contemporary spelling may be influenced by the trend of adding softer sounds to masculine names or by the popularity of names ending with '-ian.' The name has a distinctive quality while maintaining recognizable elements, making it accessible yet unique. Ethian has a gentle flow combined with the strength of its etymological roots, potentially appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional echoes but a more uncommon presentation. While traditional Ethan has ranked among the most popular boys' names in recent decades, Ethian remains relatively rare, offering familiarity without commonality.
- Celeste
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Although now almost exclusively feminine in the English-speaking world, Celeste (or Céleste in France) is traditionally a unisex name in Italy and France. It Italy, it was more popular for males until around the middle of the 20th century.
- Hyman
Origin:
Anglicized variation of ChaimMeaning:
"life"Description:
Hyman was commonly used by first-generation Jewish immigrants to Anglicize Chaim, but similarities to terms like heinie and hymen have taken it out of the realm of modern possibility. The original Chaim would be preferable to Hyman.
- Captain
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"person in charge"Description:
A commanding word name that feels occupational like Miller, Palmer, and Shepherd, while also fitting in with ambitious choices like Legend, King, Major, Maverick, and Saint. Referring to someone who takes the lead and holds influence and responsibility, Captain has links to team sports, the military, seafaring, superheroes, and the police.
- Larris
Description:
Larris is an uncommon masculine name that may be a variant of Larry, which itself is a diminutive of Lawrence. Lawrence derives from the Latin name Laurentius, meaning 'from Laurentum' or associated with laurel, a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. Larris has a distinctive quality that sets it apart from the more familiar Larry, offering a similar sound but with added sophistication. The additional syllable and ending give Larris a more formal, complete feeling than its shorter counterpart. Though rare in contemporary use, Larris might appeal to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a more unique presentation, bridging classic and modern naming sensibilities.
- Gabin
Origin:
French form of the Latin GabinusMeaning:
"of Gabium"Description:
Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"
- Valens
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strong, vigorous, healthy"Description:
A common Roman cognomen, borne by a 4th-century Roman emperor among others. From the same root as vale, the Roman word of parting, which means "be well". Note: the Classical Latin pronunciation for this name would be "WAAH-lens" (so if using this name around purists, beware!).
- Ruskin
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"from a family of tanners"Description:
British-sounding literary surname choice.
- Jaska
Origin:
Diminutive of Jaakko, FinnishMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
A nickname for Jaakko, the Finnish form of Jacob.
- Armie
Origin:
Nickname for ArmandDescription:
Handsome young actor Armie Hammer put this name on the map in 2010, when he rose to national attention for playing the Winklevoss twins in David Fincher's "The Social Network." His full name is Armand, after his great grandfather, wealthy Los Angeles businessman Armand Hammer.
- Carroll
Origin:
Anglicized variation of Irish CearbhallMeaning:
"hacking with a weapon"Description:
This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.
- Bayard
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"russet-haired"Description:
An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.
- Harmon
Origin:
Irish variation of HermanDescription:
Has a harmonic feel.