Three Letter Boy Names

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.

Pom is a shortened word name that's not much used in France, but cute and familiar here as one of Babar (the Elephant's) triplets. Pom, pommy and pommie are (non-derogatory) terms sometimes used by Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans to denote a person of English heritage. 

While this is an ancient male name, it's too similar to modern girls' choices like Mia and Pia to work for a boy today.

A simple and appealing unisex Korean name with many possible meanings, depending on the hanja characters used. This spelling also coincides with the English word "sun", which is a nice bonus.

Iku is an easily assimilated Japanese name.

Howl joins the wild new gang of names with attitude to spare: We're talking Rebel, Rogue, Wilder, and Wiley. Howell makes it much more genteel.

Rhythmic and unusual.

A nickname for Malcolm that at one point ranked independently on the US Top 1000. It still exists as an affectionate pet form, but you’re unlikely to hear a Malcolm introduce himself as Mal.

Ovidio Crespo is a Cuban musician known mononymously as Ovi. His name is related to Ovid, the English name of Ancient Roman poet Publius Ovidius Naso, who wrote the Metamorphoses.

This simple name has an animal meaning, like many Native American names, and can be used for either sex.

A possibility for parents seeking a Hebrew name with an English-language sound.

What child wouldn't like a name that was a synonym for cool?

Strongly associated with Cuban revolutionary Guevara.

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

More of an abbreviation than a short form that can stand on its own.

Raz is one of the many modern Israeli unisex names. It's simple and sleek and translates easily to English.