All the “for instance” tips I’ve seen on nameberry are for two-syllable last names. Our last night name is 3-syllable–1st syllable is emphasized, and it’s a “chewy” name with lots of R’s and heavy vowels ([name]German[/name] origin). I’ve actually found some lilting 3-syllable names that balance well with it, but I’m just wondering if there are any general rules for pairs firsts and middles with a 3-syllable last. I’d appreciate any insights you might have!
I don’t have any special insights, but I have a 3 syllable last name.
I generally don’t like it with ALL long names, but I find a 3+ syllable first name and a short middle can sound okay. 3-1-3 or even 4-1-3? But 3-3-3 sounds rather crap. Still trying to figure out a good balance for 1 syllable firsts, I like the sound of FN/LN 1/3 but not so much with a middle (and I want a middle).
I thinka 3 syllable sounds fine, as long as the middle name is 1 or 2 syllables. It helps if the first name has a stress on a different syllable. (Ex. [name]Alaina[/name] Bergenman instead of [name]Jessica[/name] Bergenman)
I have a 3-syllable last name, and found it to be difficult when naming my daughter. I liked so many 3-syllable names, but ultimately went with [name]Emily[/name], the shortest (in terms of letters) on the list.
I have gotten compliments that [name]Emily[/name] flows so nicely with our last name, which I think is a good sign! 
We went with a 3-2-3 combination.
Making a list of most of my top names, most of my girl combos seem to be 2-3-3 and one 2-1-3 and some lost free floating FN 1s I keep trying to find a home for.
The boys range, got some 3-1-3, 1-4-3, 2-1-3 and some 2-2-3 I’m not sure what to do with.
It is an Irish last name and kinda difficult with any name ending in an -ee sound.
I wouldn’t recommend balancing it out with the middle name because the middle name will rarely be used. I find that it’s easier to balance a name if you have an odd number of syllables and an even number. 2/3 or 4/3 for first and last. I would look for a 2 syllable, simple, elegant name with no r’s. Soemthing like [name]David[/name], [name]Nathan[/name], [name]Hudson[/name], or [name]Isaac[/name].
In general, it’s easier to create a name that flows well when the first and last name have a different number of syllables. It’s just a guideline, though, not a hard and fast rule. It really depends on the names in question. If you’ve found some 3-syllable names that work well with your surname, there’s no reason why you can’t or shouldn’t use them.
FWIW, I love the rhythm of my name (3-2), but I gave my son a 2-2 name, and I love the sound of it, too. My brother and all of his kids have an equal number of syllables in their first and last names, and every one of them has a lovely name.
I have a 3 syllable ln…my name is 2-1-3. My kids have a two syllable ln…3-1-2 and 2-1-2 respectively. I say keep the fn short (in terms of letters) and sweet because learning to spell a long FN and LN can be trying for a child. But If you must have a long fn…keep the mn short.