Nickname help!
We want to name our baby Penelope but we can’t decide on a nickname? Help!
If you’re looking for a name of the perfect length, we think these 3 syllable boy names are the perfect pick. Read on for our favorites.
If you love the names Adrian, Joshua, and Timothy, we’re guessing you’re a fan of 3 syllable baby boy names.
The good news is, so are we!
These names bring with them a certain gravitas without being too much of a mouthful.
They sort of just strike the sweet spot.
And we’re not the only ones who think three is a pretty magic number.
We’ll show you why trios are worth paying attention to for many reasons.
Ready to dive into the totally (that’s three syllables) delightful (so is that) universe (ooo, this one too) that is 3 syllable boy names?
Let’s explore.
In this article: 📝
- The rule of threes
- What is the most attractive name for a boy?
- 3 syllable old-fashioned boy names
- What is a badass name for a boy?
- What is a mystical name for a boy?
What is a syllable?
A syllable is a unit of language that contains a vowel sound.
Put syllables together and we get words (and names).
So the word syllable, for example, has three syllables:
- Syl (pronounced sil)
- La (pronounced luh)
- Ble (pronounced buhl)
If you played with Legos as a kid — or still do — think of a syllable as one block that goes into making a larger structure.
The rule of threes
The rule of threes applies to everything from writing to actual survival.
In storytelling, we’re supposedly delighted (and more satisfied) with events, characters, or ideas that come in threes.
We only have to look at the trios of bears, pigs, and Billy goats gruff to see how the rule holds up.
As for our survival on this planet, we can apparently survive) three minutes without oxygen and in icy water, three days without water, and three weeks without food.
With that in mind, three-syllable names feel like just the ticket if we’re looking for the perfect balance of charm and power.
So if you’re asking questions like:
What is the most attractive name for a boy?
We’ve got you covered.
Okay, we’ll have to admit — attractiveness is in the eye of the beholder (or, in this case, the ear of the beholder).
But we really love these gorgeously balanced three-syllable boy names:
- Adriel: This gorgeous name has Hebrew roots and means “of God’s flock.”
- Avery: From Anglo-Saxon roots, this sweet name has an adorable meaning — “ruler of the elves.”
- Benjamin: This classic name comes from the Bible and means “son of the right hand.”
- Gianni: This name drips in effortless cool. It means “God is gracious” and belonged to Versace.
- Julian: A name that never goes out of style, this fresh name means “youthful.”
- Lorenzo: From Latin roots, this powerful name refers to the laurel crown, a symbol of victory and honor.
3 syllable old-fashioned boy names
Looking for an option of the vintage persuasion?
What about these top picks?
- Anthony: This Roman name is forever in style. And that’s perhaps because of its invaluable meaning: “priceless.” Plus, it shortens to both the cute Tony and the fun Ant.
- Atticus: Harper Lee fans will be drawn to this lovely name. It’s so old-fashioned that it goes all the way back to ancient Greek times and refers to a person from Attica, the greater region that housed Athens.
- Edison: This illuminating name simply means “son of Edward.” And Edward? It means “protector of wealth.”
- Ellery: This cheerful name of English origin means “joyful.”
- Emerson: This suave name means “son of Emery.” And Emery means “powerful.”
- Everett: While it sounds incredibly classy, Everett has a wild meaning — “strong boar.” Perfect balance, perhaps?
- Fabian: This lovely Latin name means “bean grower.”
- Gregory: A name that lasts through the ages, it has ancient Greek origins and means “watchful” or “vigilant.”
- Jameson: The name of a popular Irish whisky, the meaning is not hard to guess — “son of James.” James means “supplanter.”
- Jefferson: And this one refers to the son of Jeffrey, meaning “peaceful place.”
- Orlando: This name has Italian roots and means “famous land.”
- Remington: This stylish Old English name has an unusual meaning — “place of the ravens.”
- Sebastian: From its Greek roots, Sebastian means revered. It’s also the name of an adorable Disney crab.
- Sergio: With Spanish, Italian and Portuguese roots, Sergio means “guardian” or “attendant.”
- Solomon: This soothing name has Hebrew origins and means “peace.”
- Tobias: From Hebrew roots, Tobias means “God is good.”
What is a badass name for a boy?
We think most names that have three syllables are pretty badass, but these top the rebel charts.
- Adrian: A name with an age-old appeal, Adrian has Latin roots and means “son of Adria.” It makes the list of badass names because it can also mean “dark one.”
- Alonzo: Not only does this name sound powerful, but it also has a mighty meaning — “ready for battle.” It has Spanish and German roots.
- Dakota: With its Sioux origins, Dakota means “friend” or “ally” and is the name of a Native American tribe known for their artistry, honesty, and might in battle.
- Frederick: This name means “peaceful ruler.” What could be more badass than that?
- Garrison: With its British roots, Garrison means “protection” and is a military term for a group of soldiers guarding a particular location.
- Gideon: “Great warrior.” It has Hebrew roots.
- Killian: This Irish name means both “bright-headed” and “little warrior.” With a slightly different spelling, it belongs to Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy.
- Maverick: A maverick is a person of independent thought. That’s pretty badass.
- Nicholas: This timeless name means “victory of the people.”
- Xavier: Names beginning with X have a built-in cool. This one means “new house” and “bright” and is of Arabic roots.
- Washington: Of course, this surname has a particular resonance in the United States. It has Old English origins and is likely made up of two parts meaning “hunting” and “dwelling.”
What is a mystical name for a boy?
These names all have religious or spiritual connections — and are, of course, made up of three parts.
- Abraham: Meaning “father of nations,” this biblical name can be shortened to the sweet Abe.
- Angelo: This one literally has an angel inside it. Need we say more?
- Apollo: Apollo was the Greek god of a whole lot, including poetry, prophecy, and the sun.
- Christopher: “Bearer of Christ.”
- Elias: With Hebrew and Greek roots, Elias means “the Lord is my God.”
- Elijah: Like Elias, this name has lasted through the ages and means “the Lord is my God.”
- Elliot: We love the inherent sophistication of this Hebrew name. It means “the Lord is my God.”
- Gabriel: He’s an archangel in the Bible, and his name means “God is my strength.”
- Ibrahim: From Arabic roots, Ibrahim means “father of many.”
- Isaiah: “God saves.” It has Hebrew roots.
- Jeremy: “Lifted up.”
- Jonathan “God has given.”
- Joshua: From Hebrew roots, Joshua means “God is deliverance.”
- Malakai: This one has Hebrew roots too and means “my angel.”
- Muhammad: The name of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, this name means “the praiseworthy.”
- Nathaniel: With Hebrew roots, Nathaniel means “gift from God.” Plus, you have the option of the shortened versions, Nate and Nathan.
- Oliver: This sweet French name means “olive tree” — a symbol of peace.
- Orion: From its Greek roots, it’s the name of one of the most recognizable constellations and means “rising in the sky.”
- Raphael “God has healed.”
- Theodore: Meaning “gift of God” from its Greek roots, Theodore can be shortened to the oh-so-cute Teddy.
All the best with your choice!