One Syllable Names for Boys

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.

The modern Tyge -- also found in other European countries as Tygo and Tyko -- is a spin on the ancient Greek Tycho or Tychon. A famous 16th century Danish astrologer was Tycho Brahe. Tyge may also be thought of as a short form of Tyger, a spelling variation of Tiger.

Sæl is an Old Norse word used as a greeting in modern Icelandic. As an American baby name, Sael is more likely a spin on more popular choices like Gael.

See RIO.

There have been manly men called Fran, like football great Fran Tarkenton and Hannah's boyfriend in one season of Girls, but that doesn't mean it works for babies anymore of either gender. Pope Francis may have inspired many little namesakes, but they're called Francis or Frances or Francesca....or maybe Frank or Frankie or Franny. Not Fran.

The Old Norse and modern Norwegian word name Fjord, which refers to a passage in the sea, could work for children of both genders. It conjures vivid blue, ice laden landscapes.

Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.

A Top 10 boys' name in Catalonia that will likely be associated with actress Jessica Biel in the US.

Bruin is the Old English term for bear, taken from the Dutch word meaning brown. Bruin might be a sports fan's choice or an animal name in hiding. As a kind of hybrid of Roone and Bruno, it's definitely got some cool.

Phonetic spelling of the British Ian that has earned a share of its own popularity; chosen by Bo Bice for his son.

Rust is one of the few color names for boys, sometimes short for Russell. As a diminutive for Russell, it's much more modern and cooler than Rusty. Whether you use it as a nickname or it stands on its own, the meaning refers to the color red.

This short form stands alone in its native Netherlands.

A name with a lot of historical cred — Bayan was the name of two Mongol generals during the Yuan Dynasty and a number of other military rulers.

A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.

A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.

This short and sweet multicultural name has a lot of potential meanings packed into its two letters!

Snow is increasing in usage mostly as a girls' name, but hero Jon Snow of Game of Thrones just might nudge it into the boys' column. Currently, there are 12 times as many girls named Snow as boys, but its usage is much higher in middle place.

Fragrant herb often used for cooking, but scarcely as a name.

As with all Japanese names, the meaning of Kin changes depending on which kanji are used.

An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.