One Syllable Names for Boys

  1. Lake
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.
  2. Zed
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Zedekiah
    • Description:

      Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
  3. Meir
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "bringer of light"
    • Description:

      The original form of the Hebrew Meyer.
  4. Rick
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Richard, Frederick
    • Description:

      Last cool when Bogie roamed Casablanca.
  5. Zvi
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "deer"
    • Description:

      An alternative transcription of Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding micro name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.
  6. Truth
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "the state of being the case"
    • Description:

      True has become an accepted first and middle name; Truth makes an even stronger statement. And with nearly 150 baby boys named Truth in the US in the most recent year counted, as many as were named Ross, the word name is edging up on the Top 1000.
  7. Xan
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      With the plethora of Alexes around, Xan (and Xander) have emerged as hot new nicknames for Alexander. Xan also stands well on its own. It can be found--not surprisingly--in several computer games.
  8. Del
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive
    • Meaning:

      "small valley"
    • Description:

      The kind of name last found in northern Wisconsin in the 1950s, and even then it was probably a nickname for Delbert.
  9. Leone
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Leo or Leon
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      An Italian spin on the current European darling Leon, though the final e makes it a tad feminine to the American sensibility.
  10. Oakes
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "near the oaks"
    • Description:

      One part nature name, one part surname name. Oakes gives you the best of both worlds.
  11. Ysai
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Isaiah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "salvation of the Lord"
    • Description:

      Ysai is a less-known variation of the popular Isaiah.
  12. Lowe
    • Origin:

      Variation of Loew or Lowell
    • Description:

      Surname names that might work as a first, though either of its original forms may be even better.
  13. Gay
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "joyful"
    • Description:

      The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Gray, Gale and Guy.
  14. Wright
    • Description:

      Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.

  15. Sal
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Salvador or Salvatore, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "savior"
    • Description:

      The sidekick in almost every movie or TV show with an Italo-American setting, this once common name has now fallen onto the endangered list, given to fewer than 50 baby boys each year.
  16. Oro
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "gold"
    • Description:

      Rare, with a gleaming, golden image.
  17. Stan
    • Origin:

      Short form of Stanley
    • Meaning:

      "near the stony meadow"
    • Description:

      One of the old-school nicknames -- think Ray, Vince, Frank -- that's on the brink of coming back into style. Name him Stanislav or Constantine and he'll have a groovier long form to fall back on.
  18. Brook
    • Origin:

      English nature name
    • Meaning:

      "small stream"
    • Description:

      Now that the popularity of Brooke is waning, and surname style variant Brooks is on the rise, Brook seems live a newly fresh nature-inspired option.
  19. Jens
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John
    • Description:

      Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
  20. Hyde
    • Origin:

      Medieval measure of land, or English surname
    • Meaning:

      "hide"
    • Description:

      Hyde, of course, is most familiar as a surname -- as in Mr. Hyde, evil alter ego of Dr. Jeckyll. Unless Hyde is a family name or you have some other excellent reason for using it, we think you could do better.