One Syllable Names for Boys
- Keats
Origin:
English literary nameMeaning:
"kite"Description:
Poetic and easier to pronounce (it's keets) than Yeats (which is yates). This one of many poets' names to consider, such as Auden, Eliot, Frost, Byron, Lorca, Marlowe, Blake, Emerson and Tennyson, which was used by Russell Crowe.
- Bay
Origin:
English word, Old EnglishMeaning:
"an inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; berry"Description:
Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice. This name is also associated with bay leaves, the bay laurel, the contemporary term of endearment, "bae", and the Old English word beġ meaning "berry"
- Riah
Origin:
Short form of Zachariah, HebrewMeaning:
"The Lord has remembered"Description:
If you think there are too many Zachs around, you can use this historic nickname for Zachariah instead, though it does have a somewhat feminine feel.
- Pan
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"all or shepherd"Description:
Pan is the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness. Pan is also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility. Pan is also a Hindi name meaning leaf or feather.
- Rey
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"king"Description:
Sounds exactly like Ray—but with an on-trend royal vibe. The central protagonist in the newest Star Wars trilogy is a woman named Rey.
- Fern
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"plant name"Description:
A fresh, green, rising nature name for girls that would make a cool possibility for a baby boy as well. It has ranked in the US Top 1000 for boys a handful of times since naming records began.
- Veer
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"brave"Description:
One of the fastest-rising Indian boy names of the past few years, Veer is a straightforward choice with visual appeal and a striking V initial.
- Ark
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"(in the Bible) the ship built by Noah to save his family and every animal from the Flood"Description:
A spiritual word name — as in Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant — that also fits the trend for short, punchy words like Oak and Ace. It's rare (used for 7 boys in 2020) but could sail far.
- Tage
Origin:
Swedish and DanishMeaning:
"to take, capture"Description:
One of the top baby names in Sweden, Tage is virtually unknown outside Scandinavia.
- Kaïs
Description:
Kaïs is a masculine name with Arabic and North African origins. The diaeresis over the 'i' indicates that the vowels are pronounced separately. It is derived from the Arabic name قيس (Qays), which was the name of several historical figures in early Islamic history, including the legendary lover Qays ibn al-Mulawwah from the tale of Layla and Majnun. The name has connotations of strength, measurement, and evaluation in Arabic. It's particularly popular in Tunisia, Morocco, and other Maghreb countries, as well as in France among families with North African heritage. Kaïs has a modern sound while maintaining its deep cultural roots.
- Félix
Origin:
Spanish, Hungarian, Portuguese and French form of FelixMeaning:
"lucky"
- Jair
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he shines"Description:
In the Old Testament, Jair is a son of Manasseh as well as a judge of the Israelites. Jair is off its 2003 peak but is still hanging on in the Top 1000 and as a simple yet distinctive name with serious history, is worthy of consideration.
- Sig
Description:
Sig is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Germanic origins. It functions both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of names containing the element 'sig,' such as Sigmund, Sigurd, or Siegfried. The element derives from the Old Norse 'sigr' meaning 'victory.' Compact and distinctive, Sig carries historical weight despite its brevity. In Germanic and Scandinavian cultures, it evokes qualities of triumph and achievement. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries, remaining a rare choice that appeals to parents seeking a minimalist name with strong cultural roots. Its concise nature makes it practical and memorable, while its connections to longer historical names give it depth beyond its single syllable.
- Crow
Origin:
Bird nameDescription:
From Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, the story of a boy named Kafka -- crow in Czech.
- Gabe
Origin:
Short form of GabrielDescription:
Gabe ranked in the Top 1000 from 1880 until 1905, when it fell into obscurity. There are fewer than 100 boys named Gabe, just plain Gabe, each year in the US, compared with over 10,000 named Gabriel. Our advice: Go with the crowd and choose the angelic long form, and then call him Gabe if you want to.
- Dov
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Fierce meaning, gentle image. This name is very common in Israel, where an endearing pet form is Dubi.
- Théo
Description:
Théo is a French masculine name derived from the Greek name Theodoros, meaning "gift of God." This short, stylish form has gained significant popularity across Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. The accent mark gives the name a distinctive continental flair while maintaining its accessibility. Théo offers a modern, sophisticated alternative to the English Theodore or Ted. The name has surged in popularity since the early 2000s, reflecting a trend toward shorter, international names with historical roots. Notable bearers include French footballers and artists. Théo conveys strength and warmth simultaneously, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that works well internationally.
- Ymir
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"cry"Description:
Ymir comes from Norse mythology, he is a giant and forebear of all the Norse gods and goddesses. A moon of Saturn is named Ymir.
- Zach
Description:
See Zac.
- Joon
Origin:
KoreanMeaning:
"ruler, talented, handsome"Description:
A simple and charismatic Korean name, also spelled Jun.