Countdown 3-2-1. 3-syllable names for boys are sophisticated names that offer the perfect balance to a short last name. If your child will have the last name like Smith or Brown, you should definitely think of a first name to compliment the ease of the last name. For instance, the name Ed Brown sounds a bit bland. Instead of the 1-syllable name Ed, consider Edison. A 3-syllable name sounds much better with a name like Brown. Isn’t Edison Brown more appealing?
Another reason for choosing a 3-syllable baby name is that a sibling is already branded with one. You might already have a son named Johnathan. What should you name Johnathan’s brother? A 3-syllable name to match is always a great idea and it shows forethought on the part of parents. Jameson would be a fine choice. The brothers would be named Johnathan and Jameson. A handsome pair, no doubt! We’ve combed the baby boy name archives and found 25 3-syllable names for boys we absolutely treasure.
25. Tobias
The Greek form of the Hebrew name Toviyah is Tobias. Tobias means “God is good.” Tobias Menzies has appeared in all of your favorite British shows including Outlander, The Crown, and Game of Thrones. He’s just one example of the many notable people with this attractive name for boys.
24. Diego
Famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera certainly had an attractive name. Diego is a Spanish name that’s associated with the English name James. The name means “supplanter.”
23. Everett
From the Germanic name Everard, Everett means “brave as a boar.” What meaning! American Impressionist painter, Everett Warner was a printmaker and painter who designed camouflage for the US Navy in both world wars. Everett is a stately name any boy would be lucky to have.
22. Julius
Julius comes from a Roman family name that means “downy bearded.” While the name is most commonly associated with Roman Emperor Julius Cesar the name has also belonged to notable athletes like Julius Peppers, and scientists like Julius Axelrod who won the Noble Prize in Medicine. We absolutely adore the nickname Jules.
21. Anderson
Anderson is a great alternative to the ubiquitous Andrew. Anderson is a Scandinavian name that means “son of Anders.” Journalist Anderson Cooper famously has this novel name. In the 19th Century, Anderson was one of the most popular names for boys in the US. We’d love to see it as widely favored.
20. Dakota
Of First Nations origin, Dakota means “friendly.” This gender-neutral baby name is perfect for both boys and girls. NFL Jaguar teammate, Dakota Allen is a famous example of a man with this distinguished name.
19. Matteo
Matteo is an Italian and Spanish form of the Hebrew name Matityahu. The name means “gift of God.” Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is one such famous Matteo. We love this name and its many nicknames which include Teo or simply Matt.
18. Killian
An Anglicized version of the Irish name Cillín, which means “war strife,” Killian is a very bold choice for a baby boy. Irish actors Killian Scott and Killian Donnely are two great examples.
17. Harrison
Harrison is a classic name for boys that has English origins and means “son of Harrison.” Harrison is a surname that’s belonged to a President and a Beatle. As a first name, Harrison Ford might come to mind as a famous example.
16. Ibrahim
The Arabic form of Abraham, the name Ibrahim means “father of many.” You might not want to be setting your son up to father a ton of kids, but the name has such an appealing sound to it. Libyan writer Ibrahim Al-Koni is one of the world’s most prolific writers. This is an excellent name!
15. Lionel
Lionel has Latin origins and means “little lion,” which is 100% adorable. Your little Lionel would join a long list of impressive individuals with the name. Soccer star Lionel Messi, singer Lionel Richie, and actor Lionel Barrymore are just a few examples.
14. Timothy
Timothy is the English version of the Greek name Timotheos, meaning “honoring God.” Timothy is a name that’s most commonly shortened to Tim. Whether or not your son wants it, Timothy, for whatever reason, will inevitably be shortened to Tim by family, friends, and acquaintances. Actor Timothy Olyphant and director Tim Burton are two terrific Tims!
13. Raphael
Raphael is a Hebrew name that means “the Lord has healed.” One of the most famous archangels from the Bible, Raphael heals the sick and performs all manner of miracle. Cute nicknames for Raphael include Raf, Rafi, and El. Italian painter Raphael Sanzio da Urbino is considered one of the “great masters” of the High Renaissance period.
12. Arturo
Speaking of art and Italians, Arturo is an Italian name for boys that means “bear.” You may be more familiar with its anglicized form, Arthur. Arturo is a much more appealing option with equally good nicknames that include Art, Turo, Artie, and Ro. One of the most acclaimed musicians of the 19th and 20th Centuries, Arturo Toscanini was a conductor known for his intensity and perfectionism.
11. Elliott
Elliott or its Greek form, Elias are two fabulous 3-syllable names for boys. Elliott is the English form of the name and it means “God on high.” Elliott Murphy, Elliott Smith, and Elliott Yamin are three famous examples who are all beloved singers.
10. Enrique
Enrique Spanish version of Henry, a name of German origin meaning “ruler of the estate.” Enrique is commonly shortened to Ricky as a nickname. Singer Enrique Iglesias is one famous example of this very pretty name.
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9. Sirius
Sirius is the name of the brightest star in the sky. It can also be the name of the brightest star in your life! Sirius is a Latin name with Greek origins that means “burning.” Fans of Harry Potter will remember wizard, Sirius Black. The name was also given to Erykah Badu’s son, Seven Sirius Benjamin.
8. Zachary
Zachary has Hebrew origins and means “the Lord remembers.” And, we’re glad someone can! The name is commonly shortened to the cool, Zach. Zachary Taylor was the 12th US President and was known as “Old Rough and Ready.” Zachary is a very popular name for boys and it’s easy to see its appeal.
7. Isaiah
Isaiah is derived from the Hebrew name Yesha’yahu, meaning “God is salvation.” Isaiah is considered one of the four major prophets of the Old Testament. While the religious tones are nice, we really just love the way this name sounds. Basketball player Isaiah Thomas is one accomplished Isaiah with the name.
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6. Atticus
Not from your basement, Atticus is a Latin name meaning “someone from Attica.” Attica is a historic region of Greece that refers to the Attic peninsula. The capital city, Athens is located there. Novelist Atticus Lish wrote Preparation for the Next Life and became an awarding-winning writer.
5. Sergio
Sergio is a popular Italian and Spanish form of the Latin name Sergius which means “servant.” Take that meaning with a grain of salt, because it’s debated. The pronunciation of this name varies. In Italian and Spanish, the name is actually pronounced as two syllables. It’s SER-jo in Italian and SER-hyo in Spanish. In English and Portuguese, the name is pronounced with three syllables as SER-jee-o and ser-ZHEE-oo respectively. NFL players Sergio Kindle and Sergio Brown are two great examples.
4. Orlando
Orlando is the Italian version of the German name Roland, which means “famous throughout the land.” It lends itself to the Star Wars-inspired nickname, Lando. Orlando Bloom, Orlando Brown, and Orlando Jones are three beloved actors with this lyrical name.
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3. Alexis
Alexis is a unisex name that works very well for boys now. It exploded in popularity for girls in the 1980s and 1990s and now it’s time for the name to shine on boys. Alexis is of Greek origin and means “defender.” Alexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez, also known simply as Alexis, is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie A club Inter Milan.
2. Sebastian
With its roots in the Latin name Sebastianus, Sebastian means “person from Sebaste.” Sebaste was a commonly used name for many cities in Ancient Greece. Johann Sabastian Bach is probably the most famous person with the name. If you’re a kid of the 80s, you probably remember The NeverEnding Story a fantasy film with the lovable character Bastian. Bastian is a common nickname for Sebastian along with Bas, Seb, and Bash.
1. Dominic
Dominic comes from the Latin name Dominicus which means “of the Lord.” Because of its meaning, the name is commonly given to boys born on Sunday. The name gives off strong Italian vibes while still sounding somewhat earnest. Common nicknames are Dom and Nic. Dominic West of The Wire fame is a very good example.
Names with three syllables for boys are a treat! They offer more interest than their shorter counterparts. For families with short last names, a longer first name is always a smart choice. These 25 3-syllable names for boys are very good con-ten-ders.