15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Knightley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"servant clearing"Description:
A courtly surname and place name that feels like it could be a successor to Kingsley. It has a British feel thanks to its most famous wearers: actress Keira Knightley, and Mr (George) Knightley, the love interest of Jane Austen's novel Emma.
- Nedrick
Description:
Nedrick is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic roots. It likely developed as a variant of names like Kendrick or Cedric, combining elements that historically meant 'ruler' or 'power.' The name has never achieved widespread popularity but maintains a small, steady presence in English-speaking countries. Nedrick has an old-world charm with its distinctive consonant combination and traditional masculine ending. The nickname 'Ned' provides a friendly, approachable alternative. The name's rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking something recognizable but distinctive, with historical resonance but without being overly common.
- Sisto
Description:
Sisto is a masculine name of Italian and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name Sixtus, meaning 'sixth.' The name has historical significance in Catholic tradition, as six popes have taken the name Sixtus (or Sisto in Italian). The most famous was Pope Sixtus V, who played a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation and in the development of Baroque Rome. While relatively uncommon outside of Italy and Spanish-speaking regions, Sisto has a strong, distinctive sound with its crisp consonants. The name carries an air of classical dignity and Mediterranean charm. For families with Italian or Hispanic heritage, Sisto represents a connection to cultural roots while offering a less common alternative to popular names.
- Berian
Origin:
Welsh place nameMeaning:
"open plain or burial place"Description:
The meaning of the place name Berian, in Pembrokeshire, is not known, but it may mean "plain" or "burial place". It would make an interesting -ian ending option for lovers of names like Julian and Adrian who want something a bit more off-the-beaten-track.
- Cyprus
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"cypress tree; copper"Description:
This Mediterranean island name would be a plausible choice for parents with a Greek or Turkish heritage.
- Tally
Description:
Tally is a spirited masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. Most commonly, it derives from the Old French 'tailler' meaning 'to cut,' evolving into an English occupational surname for woodcutters. Alternatively, it can be a shortened form of names like Talbot or Taliesin, the latter being a revered Welsh poet from Arthurian legends. Tally also functions in everyday language as a word meaning 'to count' or 'keep score,' lending it numerical associations. As a first name, it remains uncommon for boys, giving it a distinctive quality. With its cheerful sound and two-syllable rhythm ending in the playful 'y,' Tally conveys a friendly, approachable character. This succinct name balances casual charm with historical depth, appealing to parents seeking something brief yet meaningful.
- Philo
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"loving"Description:
Could Philo be the next Milo?
- Kairi
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"sea"Description:
A Japanese name that would work well on a boy or girl — it is reminiscent of popular unisex names Kai or Kyrie. Kairi is the name of the main female character in the popular role-playing video game series, Kingdom Hearts.
- Reynard
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"powerful advice"Description:
Associated with Reynard the cunning fox in medieval European animal tales. Reynard can make an unusual yet historic choice for a modern boy, a modern day Richard or Robert.
- Russo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
An Italian surname — a variant of Rossi — meaning "red", hence a red-headed person. Russo is punchy and full of gusto, and very rare as a first name. It debuted on the US charts for boys in 2019.
- Nuno
Origin:
PortugueseMeaning:
"grandfather or ninth"Description:
Related to the surname Nunez, Nuno has several possible meanings, including grandfather, ninth, squire, tutor, or monk.
- Delmer
Origin:
Variation of Delmar, SpanishMeaning:
"of the sea"Description:
Delmer is kind of a smoosh of two dated names, Delmar and Elmer, that does not improve on either. While Elmer is making a return as a Geek Chic name, Delmar was given to only 14 baby boys last year while Delmer is extinct.
- Sammie
Description:
Sammie is traditionally a diminutive form of Samuel or Samantha that has evolved into a standalone masculine name (though it's used for both genders). With Hebrew origins through Samuel, meaning 'heard by God' or 'name of God,' Sammie carries warm, friendly associations. The name has an approachable, unpretentious quality with its informal '-ie' ending. It peaked in popularity during the early 20th century in the United States and has experienced occasional revivals. Sammie offers a cheerful, youthful energy that some parents find appealing, though others may prefer it as a nickname. Its familiar sound and spelling make it instantly recognizable while remaining less common than Samuel as a formal name.
- Tadeo
Origin:
Spanish variation of ThaddeusDescription:
Has a lot of energy and charm, as does the Italian form, Taddeo.
- Gonzo
Description:
Gonzo is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. Most prominently, it has Spanish origins as a nickname for Gonzalo, meaning 'battle' or 'strife.' The name gained popular recognition through the eccentric Muppet character Gonzo and the journalistic style termed 'Gonzo journalism' pioneered by Hunter S. Thompson. As a given name, Gonzo remains quite uncommon in formal contexts, more often used as a nickname. It carries connotations of eccentricity, uniqueness, and a free-spirited nature. The name has a distinctly playful and energetic quality that appeals to parents seeking something unconventional. In recent years, it has occasionally appeared as a creative choice for parents drawn to its bold sound and associations with artistic non-conformity.
- Hakon
Description:
Hakon is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, historically spelled Hákon or Håkon in Scandinavian countries. The name combines the elements 'há' (high) and 'konr' (son, descendant), essentially meaning 'high son' or 'of noble birth.' With deep historical roots, Hakon was borne by numerous Norwegian kings and continues to be used in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland today. While maintaining strong popularity in Scandinavia, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though increasing interest in Norse heritage and mythology has brought attention to such traditional names. Hakon offers a strong, distinctive sound with historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots and a powerful meaning.
- Aoki
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"blue tree"
- Torian
Description:
Torian is a modern masculine name that may have evolved as a variant of names like Torin or Dorian. The suffix '-ian' typically means 'belonging to' or 'related to' in Latin-derived naming patterns. Some suggest it could be connected to the name Tory (meaning 'from the craggy hills' in Irish Gaelic) with an added suffix. The name has been documented in the United States since the late 20th century, with modest usage that increased somewhat in the 1990s and early 2000s. While not among the most common names, Torian has maintained consistent usage across diverse communities in the United States. The name has a contemporary feel that aligns with the trend toward distinctive-sounding names with strong consonants and rhythmic syllables.
- Ziri
Origin:
Tamazight and BerberMeaning:
"moonlight"Description:
Masculine short form of the Berber name Tiziri, meaning "moonlight" in Tamazight.
- Yonis
Description:
Yonis is a masculine name with Somali and Arabic roots. In Arabic, it is a variant of Yunus (the Arabic form of Jonah), meaning 'dove.' In Somali culture, the name has gained popularity and carries connotations of peace and gentleness, echoing the symbolic meaning of the dove. While more common in Somali, Ethiopian, and other East African communities, Yonis has also spread to Muslim communities worldwide. The name combines strength with peaceful attributes, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with cultural significance and positive symbolic meaning.