Three Syllable Names for Boys

Irish surname that refers to High King Brian Boru, also spelled O'Brien.  Makes a fabulous first name.

O'brian

To modernize and add some oomph to the dated CASEY, add an O'-and also honor the great Irish playwright Sean.

O'casey

Perfect name for the child of dog enthusiasts, and much more distinctive than the trendy Connor.

O'connor

Forget Donald.  Honor Grandpa Don with this new spin.

O'donnell

Fallon has gone feminine, but this puts it back in the boys' camp.

O'fallon

Like the other O' names, this is a wonderful way to pass down a family name.

O'grady

Reilly and Riley are hugely popular, but O'Reilly is still an up-and-comer.

O'reilly

O'Riley is a masculine surname-turned-first name of Irish origin. It's derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a personal name thought to mean "valiant" or "rash in battle." The O' prefix traditionally denotes "grandson of" or "descendant of" in Irish naming traditions. As a first name, O'Riley represents the ongoing trend of using family surnames as given names, particularly in Irish-American communities. While not among the most common given names, it offers a distinctive option that honors Irish heritage while maintaining a contemporary feel.

O'riley

Arathoon is a masculine name of Armenian origin, primarily found within Armenian communities and their diaspora. The name likely derives from ancient Armenian roots, possibly connected to words denoting virtue or nobility, though specific etymological details are sometimes debated among scholars. Arathoon represents a distinctive cultural heritage marker, carrying with it the rich history and traditions of Armenian naming practices. It remains quite rare in global usage, particularly outside Armenian communities. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. Historically, the name gained some recognition through notable Armenian families bearing it as a surname, including merchants and community leaders who emigrated to various countries, particularly during the Ottoman period.

Arathoon

Haroutoun is a masculine name of Armenian origin. It derives from the Armenian word 'haroutyoun' meaning 'resurrection', carrying profound religious significance in Armenian Christian tradition. The name is particularly associated with Easter and the resurrection of Christ. Haroutoun has been used for centuries within Armenian communities worldwide, representing both religious devotion and cultural heritage. While common among Armenian families, it remains relatively unknown outside these communities. The name's distinctive sound and spelling reflect its non-Western origins. For Armenian diaspora families, choosing Haroutoun often serves as a way to maintain cultural connections across generations, honoring ancestral roots while providing a unique identity.

Haroutoun

Gardener is surely one of the most pleasant and evocative of the occupational options, calling up images of green grass and budding blooms. The name can also be spelled without the first 'e', as in Gardner (born George Cadogan Gardner) McCay, a hunky TV heartthrob of the 1950s and 60s. Gardner is a much more common surname spelling, associated with screen legend Ava, mystery writer Erle Stanley and art collector and patron Isabella Stewart, founder of Boston's Gardner Museum.

Gardener

Paavali is a Finnish masculine name that serves as the Finnish equivalent of Paul. Derived from the Latin name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble,' it carries the same apostolic connections as its international variants. In Finland, Paavali has deep historical roots but remains less common than its shortened form, Paavo. The name appears in the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, adding cultural significance. Traditionally given as a baptismal name, Paavali reflects Finland's Christian heritage while maintaining its distinctive Finnish linguistic character. Though not among Finland's most popular names today, it represents a strong traditional choice that connects Finnish identity with broader European naming traditions. The name is typically celebrated on January 25th, Paul's conversion day in the Finnish calendar.

Paavali

Benjamine is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' The additional 'e' at the end gives this version a slight French influence in its appearance, though the pronunciation typically remains the same as the traditional spelling. Benjamin appears in the Bible as the youngest son of Jacob and was the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. While the standard spelling Benjamin has consistently ranked among popular boys' names for generations, Benjamine offers a more uncommon alternative that maintains the same rich historical and biblical connections. The name carries connotations of blessing and favoritism from its biblical context, as Benjamin was particularly beloved by his father.

Benjamine

Colonel is an unusual masculine name derived directly from the military rank, which ultimately comes from the Italian word "colonnello," meaning the commander of a column of soldiers. As a given name, Colonel has never been common but occasionally appears in American naming records, particularly in the Southern United States. The name conveys authority, leadership, and a military connection, making it appeal to families with strong military traditions or appreciation for military values. Unlike many title-based names (like Duke or Earl) that have become more accepted as given names, Colonel has remained quite rare. The name carries a formal, commanding presence and might be chosen to honor a family's military heritage or to express aspirations of leadership for a child.

Colonel

Hilliard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'hild' meaning 'battle' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' It emerged primarily as a surname before transitioning to occasional use as a given name. Hilliard projects an image of dignified strength with historical depth. The name has never been exceedingly common but has maintained consistent, albeit limited, usage throughout the English-speaking world. Hilliard carries aristocratic associations in some contexts, perhaps due to its connection to notable families and its formal sound. The name peaked in popularity in the early 20th century and has since become less common, giving it a distinctive vintage quality. Parents choosing Hilliard often appreciate its sophisticated sound, historical connections, and the friendly nickname options like Hill or Hilly that soften its formality.

Hilliard

Is there any boys' name more loaded than Stonewall? It evokes, in two syllables, both the Stonewall riots of 1969, the foundational moment of the gay rights movement, and Stonewall Jackson, second in fame only to Robert E. Lee among Confederate generals. Hard to say whether those two connections weirdly cancel each other out, leaving a ruggedly handsome name behind, or amplify each other, rendering the name too controversial to use.

Stonewall

Ephriam is a variant of the biblical name Ephraim, derived from Hebrew origins meaning "fruitful" or "productive." In the Old Testament, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Ephriam has remained relatively uncommon in modern usage, maintaining a traditional and distinctive quality. This spelling variation gives the name a unique character while preserving its biblical heritage. Though not frequently chosen for baby boys today, Ephriam appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance and historical depth. The name carries connotations of abundance and prosperity, reflecting its etymological roots.

Ephriam

Henery

Eligah appears to be a variant spelling of the biblical name Elijah, which comes from the Hebrew 'Eliyahu' meaning 'Yahweh is my God.' This alternative spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a distinctive written form. The original Elijah was a significant prophet in the Old Testament known for his unwavering faith and miraculous deeds. While the traditional spelling Elijah has been consistently popular, ranking high in many English-speaking countries, Eligah represents a much rarer variation. This alternative spelling emerged in recent decades as parents sought unique ways to personalize traditional names. Eligah carries the same spiritual significance and strong historical roots as its more common counterpart while standing out on paper.

Eligah

Asberry is an uncommon masculine name with likely Anglo-Saxon or Old English origins. It may have evolved as a surname before transitioning to occasional use as a first name, following the pattern of many surnames that became given names. Possibly derived from combinations of elements like "ash" (referring to the ash tree) and "berry" or "bury" (meaning fort, manor, or township), giving it connections to place names in medieval England. Asberry has remained exceedingly rare throughout modern naming records, giving it a distinctive quality for contemporary bearers. The name carries a rustic, traditional resonance with its natural imagery and historical feel, potentially appealing to parents seeking unique names with an old-world character and English linguistic roots.

Asberry

Three-syllable boy names carry a certain gravity and formality: They're mostly full names rather than short forms. 

 today -- Benjamin, Theodore, Oliver -- have three syllables, often with friendlier short forms such as Ben, Theo, and Ollie.

 too: Consider word name Victory, Spanish nature name Jacinto, and the papal (really) Zepherin.

pair best with one or two-syllable surnames

, but if you love a three-syllable name for your son and have a longer last name, you can always choose one with a shorter version. Zachary Zantopoulos is more approachable as Zach Zantopoulos.

 of more than 5000 male names with three syllables, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Three-syllable names for baby boys, including popular three syllable boy names such as Benjamin and Theodore and unique three-syllable baby names for boys, including Templeton and Zoticus. (Page 695)

5000+ Three-Syllable Boy Names