One Syllable Names for Boys

Hodge is a medieval English nickname for Roger, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Roger isn't ready for a comeback yet, but we'd love to see the resurgence of Hodge, which never was a common choice in the US.

Although there are plenty of Bachs in the world besides Johann Sebastian, everyone will assume you're honoring the great composer -- and why not.

This name of both a grayish-greenish-blue color and a kind of wild duck can be used for both boys and girls.

Moore is recommended as a rich and satisfying middle name choice, whether it relates to your own family history or not. Of the numerous outstanding Moore-surnamed namesakes, count sculptor Henry, writers Clement, Marianne and Brian, entertainers Demi, Dudley, Garry, Roger, Julianne, Melba and Mary Tyler, and provocateur Michael.

This is a name you get stuck with, not (we hope) one your parents choose for you.

A common Scandinavian name, but hard to imagine being used elsewhere.

Strongly associated with Cuban revolutionary Guevara.

Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.

Saide is notably the middle name of actor Shia LeBeouf, from his mother's maiden name. It's typically seen as a feminine given name in Crimea among people of Crimean Tatar descent. Saide derived from the Arabic name Sa'ida, which itself comes from the masculine name Sa'id, an important name in Islam.

This zippy short form of Zachary is more and more often standing on its own -- sometimes as Zac, Zach, Zack, or even Zakk -- but this simple-yet-straightforward version may be the very best.

Strictly for the girls.

A common Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean unisex name, and the name of a culturally rich Chinese Dynastic period. Yao Ming is the seven and a half foot Shanghai-born basketball star. Trivia tidbit: His parents were the tallest couple in China at the time of his birth.

This may be a bit quirky to make it as a name, especially in first place. If you love it, you might try it in the middle.

Mose is the German variation of Moses, a widely familiar name thanks to the character in the Old Testament. Mose is also used a nickname for Moses.

A name gaining recognition in Australia, based on the huon pine tree which grows in Tasmania. Boatbuilders especially love this rare wood, which floats well, is resistant to rot, and has a strong pine-y scent.

Malte began as a short form of the now-obsolete Ancient Germanic name Helmold. Helmold has gone extinct, but Malte has survived and is now enjoying a popularity resurgence in Germany and Sweden.

Peace may be an admirable sentiment to convey in a child's name, but the translated and thus more subtle versions, like Pax or Placido, might work better as first names.