One Syllable Names for Boys

  1. Mike
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Michael
    • Description:

      Unlike Jake or Sam, few parents put Mike on the birth certificate.
  2. Greg
    • Description:

      Greg is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Gregory, which comes from the Greek name Gregorios, meaning 'watchful' or 'alert.' While Gregory has been used since early Christian times, Greg gained popularity as a standalone name in the mid-20th century. It reached its peak usage in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Greg has a friendly, approachable quality with a classic yet casual feel. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation have contributed to its enduring appeal across English-speaking countries. Though less commonly given to newborns today than in previous decades, Greg maintains a steady presence and is recognized as both a complete name and a nickname.

  3. Blythe
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful"
    • Description:

      Blythe originated as a nickname for an upbeat person, coming from the Old English word bliðe, meaning "merry" or "cheerful." It was later adapted into a surname, and while it did see some use as a first name from the 16th century Puritans, it wasn't really until the 19th century when it shifted into a mostly feminine given name.
  4. Griff
    • Description:

      Griff is a masculine name with Welsh origins, functioning both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Griffin or Griffith. The name derives from the Welsh 'Gruffydd,' meaning 'strong lord' or 'strong faith.' Griff has a concise, strong quality that appeals to parents seeking short, impactful names. The name carries associations with strength and courage, partly due to its connection to the mythological griffin creature (part eagle, part lion). In Welsh culture, variations of this name have been used for centuries, connecting it to a rich Celtic heritage. While not among the most common names, Griff has maintained steady usage, particularly in Wales and among families with Welsh ancestry.
  5. Espn
    • Origin:

      American variation of Espen, Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "god bear"
    • Description:

      Espn made its debut on the American baby name charts in 2004 and has ranked for at least one sex ever since. It's a uniquely American take on the Scandinavian name Espen, influenced by the basic cable sports channel ESPN. So while you can interpret Espn's meaning as "god bear," a case could also be made for "Entertainment and Sports Programming Network."
  6. Jim
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of James
    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"
    • Description:

      Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
  7. Dan
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"
    • Description:

      Often stands alone in Israel, but rarely here.
  8. Eames
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of the uncle"
    • Description:

      An upscale surname with a nice modern design connection to the creators of the Eames chair and other midcentury furniture classics, Charles and Ray Eames.
  9. Zia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      While this is an ancient male name, it's too similar to modern girls' choices like Mia and Pia to work for a boy today.
  10. Burke
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from the fortress"
    • Description:

      Simple, usable surname choice.
  11. Mahé
    • Origin:

      French/Breton form of Matthew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      A gallicized spelling of Mazhe, itself a Breton version of Matthew, which is currently popular for baby boys in France.
  12. Branch
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Branch is an attractive name with associations both with trees and with branching out into brave new worlds. Baseball's Branch (born Wesley, with Branch as his middle name) Rickey broke the color barrier by hiring Jackie Robinson for the Dodgers. Like Leaf, Branch makes a nice, not-so-obvious, addition to the tree category.
  13. Grove
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Meaning:

      "grove of trees"
    • Description:

      If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
  14. Tide
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      As likely to be tied to the detergent as to the rhythms of the ocean.
  15. Mick
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Michael
    • Description:

      Most often associated with Rolling Stone Jagger, Mick is also used as a generic, and derogatory, term for an Irishman.
  16. Io
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "rely on + emperor, rely on + hero"
    • Description:

      Io is most familiar to English speakers as a female name from Greek mythology, but in Japan it's used for both sexes.
  17. Dreux
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from Drewes"
    • Description:

      This unusual name is a French place name, which became a surname and was brought over to Britain by the Normans. In modern usage, it's probably intended as a creative spelling of Drew.
  18. Koe
    • Origin:

      Various of Coe, English "jackdaw"
    • Meaning:

      "jackdaw"
    • Description:

      An intriguing surname style option, Koe blends the sounds of Krew, Kai, Koa, and Koen. It ultimately derives from the Old English word coo, itself from the Old Norse ka, both meaning "jackdaw". It likely originated as a nickname for someone who reminded people of a jackdaw in some way.
  19. Ola
    • Origin:

      Norwegian and Swedish form of Olaf
    • Meaning:

      "ancestor's relic"
    • Description:

      Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.
  20. Rein
    • Origin:

      Variation of Reign or Rain; English word name
    • Meaning:

      "royal authority; water falling in drops condensed from vapor in the atmosphere"
    • Description:

      Rein, along with Reign, have taken over from Rain as a trendy word name. Should you rein it in or let it rein? Okay, bad puns we know, but that's the downside of word names. This is a true unisex name, given to 15 girls and 12 boys in the US in one recent year.