15,000+ Two-Syllable Boy Names

Shannan is a masculine name with Irish and Gaelic origins, though it's used for both genders in different regions. Derived from the River Shannon in Ireland, the name means "old river" or "wise river." As a masculine name, Shannan emerged as a distinctive alternative to Shannon, which has become more commonly used for girls in recent decades. The name peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States but has since become less common. Shannan carries a strong, masculine sound while maintaining Celtic roots. Famous bearers include Australian rules footballer Shannan McPherson and American football player Shannan Eastin, helping establish the name's masculine usage despite its similarity to the more femininely-associated Shannon.

Ronnel is a masculine name that likely developed as a variant of Ronald or as a combination of Ron (short for Ronald) and the "-el" suffix common in many names. Ronald, from which it may derive, has Norse origins meaning "ruler's counselor." Ronnel has a strong, concise sound while maintaining a certain softness with its ending. The name has never been widely popular in the United States but saw modest usage in the latter half of the 20th century. It may appeal to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet isn't commonplace. Ronnel shares phonetic elements with names like Donnell and Lionel, placing it in a category of names with similar rhythmic patterns.

Donya is a name with dual gender usage, though primarily masculine in some cultures and feminine in others. Of Persian origin, Donya means "world" or "universe," conveying expansiveness and possibility. In Arabic-speaking regions, it's often spelled Dunya, carrying the same worldly meaning. The name appears in various Middle Eastern, North African, and Central Asian cultures, with pronunciation and gender association varying by region. In Persian culture, Donya is more commonly feminine, while some variants are masculine elsewhere. Beyond its literal meaning, Donya symbolizes worldliness, connection to earth, and the physical realm of existence in Sufi philosophy. The name's international quality and profound meaning give it a cosmopolitan appeal, though it remains relatively uncommon in Western countries.

Yurick is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Yuri or Yurik, which are Slavic diminutive forms of George. The name George derives from Greek 'georgos,' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' This uncommon spelling gives the name a distinctive edge while maintaining connections to its more traditional forms. Yurick has a strong, memorable sound with its hard consonant ending. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it offers an interesting alternative for parents seeking something unique with Eastern European flavor. The name carries connotations of strength and resilience, and its unusual nature means a child named Yurick is unlikely to share his name with classmates.

Xarles is a masculine name that originates as a Basque variant of Charles, which derives from Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'warrior.' The distinctive 'X' spelling reflects the Basque language's orthography, where the 'X' is pronounced similar to 'ch' or 'sh.' While extremely rare outside of Basque regions in northern Spain and southwestern France, this name carries strong cultural significance for those with Basque heritage. Xarles represents a way to honor both Basque culture and the widespread Charles/Carlos name tradition. The unique spelling gives this ancient name a modern, distinctive appearance while maintaining its traditional pronunciation and meaning. For parents seeking a name with European roots and an unusual spelling, Xarles offers a compelling option.