One Syllable Names for Boys

Depending on its origin, this cool single-syllable name has either a wonderful meaning ("give thanks" in Igede) or a terrible one ("persecuted", as a variant of the Hebrew name Job).

One of the classic hippie word names. In the 1970s, actors Barbara Hershey and David Carradine gave this name to their son...who later changed it to Tom.

A two-initial nickname sometimes used on birth certificates — although these initials have a slang meaning you may prefer to avoid.

You'd be forgiven for thinking this is the Catalan form of Geoffrey, but it actually comes from a slightly different Germanic name — also with a peaceful meaning. It's a historical choice, belonging to several medieval counts. In modern times, Guifré Vidal is a leading quantum physicist.

Old-fashioned, conjuring up an ardent suitor in a bow tie and straw boater.

An interesting single-syllable name pronounced brahsh.

A lovely name with many possible meanings depending on the characters used. A common feature of Chinese names for both sexes.

Tuff, a corruption of "tough," has been given to approximately 50 baby boys each year for the past few years. Tough, on the other hand, has never charted as a baby name.

Form of the Welsh name Owain, used by the 12th-century French poet Chrétien de Troyes for his Arthurian tales.

Parents with a penchant for inventing names seem especially enamored of the letter Z, maybe for its counterculture feel and its extra zip.

In demonology, Raum is a Great Earl of Hell, depicted as a crow, who rules over thirty legions of demons.

Even if you love Brian Eno, this doesn't make the most melodic name.

Most names with the Ab beginning, including the more familiar Abigail and Abner, mean father, as does this streamlined Arabic choice. American children might recognize Abu as the name of Aladdin's pet monkey in the Disney film.