15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Wally
Origin:
English, diminutive of Walter or WallaceDescription:
A Leave It to Beaver/old comic-strip name, vacationing for years with the Griswolds in WallyWorld, but now back as WALL-E?
- Noriel
Description:
Noriel is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. In Hebrew contexts, it can be interpreted as 'God is my light,' combining 'nor' (light) with the theophoric suffix 'el' (God). The name also appears in Filipino naming traditions, sometimes as a combination of parents' names or as a creative variation of more traditional names. In Spanish-speaking countries, it may be considered a variant of Nuriel or Uriel. Noriel has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly in the Philippines and among Latino communities. The name carries a modern feel while maintaining connections to angelic and biblical naming traditions. Its relatively uncommon status makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce, offering a balance between uniqueness and accessibility.
- Arian
Origin:
Spelling variation of AryanDescription:
This variation of Aryan has a slightly less racist connotation, making it a bit more acceptable. Arian debuted on the Top 1000 in 2011, but didn't have a sustained rise on the charts. This is likely due to the Aryan connection and the popularity of all things Aria among girls.
- Cason
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Cason's entire raison d'etre: It's a rhyming variation on the popular Jason, Mason and Brayson. Casen, Kasen and Kason also have crept into the Top 1000 in recent years.
- Kato
Origin:
African, UgandaMeaning:
"second of twins"Description:
Kato gained a lot of attention during the O. J. Simpson trial via witness Kato Kaelin (born Brian). It is also the name of a fictional character in "The Green Hornet." Spelled Cato, it has a lot more credibility as an ancient name.
- Anchor
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"heavy object used to moor a ship; provide with a solid foundation"Description:
Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.
- Earnest
Description:
Earnest is a masculine name of English origin that developed from the word 'earnest,' meaning 'serious,' 'sincere,' or 'determined.' The name gained popularity during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable and personal qualities were considered appropriate inspirations for given names. Oscar Wilde's 1895 play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playfully highlighted the name's association with seriousness and sincerity. Throughout the early 20th century, Earnest maintained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, before gradually declining after the 1950s. Often confused with Ernest (without the 'a'), this spelling variant has always been less common. The name conveys qualities of dedication, sincerity, and moral seriousness, making it appealing to parents who value these traditional virtues.
- Raka
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"full moon"Description:
Raka is a Sanskrit word name — raka means "full moon" in the ancient language. Raka is mostly used as a boy name, but in the US, could reasonably be worn by a girl as well.
- Pelle
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Peter, GreekMeaning:
"rock, stone"Description:
Pelle is one of several possible Peter-related Scandinavian choices. In Swedish or Norwegian, the name Pelle rhymes roughly with Ella.
- Kyrell
Description:
Kyrell is a modern masculine name that likely developed as a variant of names like Tyrell, Cyril, or Kyrie. Tyrell has Norman French origins (meaning 'stubborn' or from a place name), while Cyril derives from Greek (meaning 'lordly'). The 'Ky-' beginning might also relate to the popular prefix found in names like Kyler and Kyle. Kyrell emerged in the United States during the 1990s and gained modest usage in the early 2000s. The name reflects contemporary naming trends that favor strong-sounding consonants and distinctive letter combinations. Kyrell remains relatively uncommon but has maintained consistent usage in diverse communities across the United States in recent decades, particularly since the 2000s.
- Lamine
Origin:
Western African, MaghrebiMeaning:
"the trustworthy"Description:
A form of Al-Amin, one of the titles used for the prophet Mohammed. Well-used in Africa or African communities, the most notable current namesake is Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal, the youngest player to represent and score for Spain in a football match.
- Jovan
Origin:
Slavic variation of John, or LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Struan
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"stream"Description:
A strong, eminently usable which is currently highly fashionable in its native Scotland, but little known elsewhere. With its cool two-syllable, n-ending shape and attractive nature meaning, Struan is a fresh Scottish name that feels ripe for import.
- Armand
Origin:
French variation of Herman, GermanMeaning:
"soldier"Description:
Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those French names for boys rarely heard in this country.
- Vale
Origin:
Geographical nameDescription:
Vale is part place name, part nature name -- a poetic term for a type of valley. Today Show coanchor Savannah Guthrie put Vale on the baby name map when she chose it for her daughter, but there's no reason the name can't work equally well for a boy. Vale might also be a short form for Valentine or a spelling variation of the city name Vail.
- Ozzie
Origin:
Diminutive of Osmond, Oswald, or OscarMeaning:
"divine; deer"Description:
Ozzy has been on the rise in recent years and currently sits in the Top 1000 in the UK and the US. The Ozzie spelling has yet to catch up, but has nevertheless gained more attention thanks to its popular counterpart. Given to 135 boys and to 50 girls in 2023, for every one Ozzie there are three Ozzys.
- Julio
Origin:
Spanish variation of JuliusMeaning:
"youthful: downy-bearded; sky father"Description:
What with Paul Simon's classic lyric about Julio down by the schoolyard and several distinguished bearers, this livelier Spanish version of Julius is completely familiar to the non-Hispanic community and would make a great choice for a bicultural family. Popular in Brazil, it also ranks in the US Top 600 and given to more than 500 boys each year. NFL Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones bears this name.
- Quirin
Origin:
German from LatinMeaning:
"spear"Description:
A child might like to have a name connected to the legendary Quirin stone, which, when placed on a sleeping person's head, prompts him to expose his secret thoughts.
- Armin
Origin:
Form of Herman or ArmenMeaning:
"soldier or wish, hope"Description:
Possibly related to the Ermin- names (which gave us Emma and her variants) or to Herman OR to the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian names Arman or Armen, this is an unusual choice which fits current trends.
- Ulrich
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"rich and noble heritage"Description:
Ulrich has ancient roots — it was derived from the Old High German name Uodalrich (also spelled Odalric). Ulrich was a common given name in medieval Germany, when it was associated with St. Ulrich of Augsburg. St. Ulrich is the patron saint of pregnant women and easy births.