Three Letter Boy Names

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

Although it's a traditional male name in the Middle East, Ata has a more feminine read in the US.

Rhythmic and unusual.

An earthy rock'n'roll name with multiple origins. The Roc was a giant bird in Middle Eastern legend.

A forgotten nickname for Columbus, which itself is becoming ever rarer. Radio comedy program Lum and Abner, which ran for over two decades beginning in 1931, featured a character named Columbus "Lum" Edwards.

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

This name of an ancient saint and one of the first knights of King Arthur's Round Table has a modern, if feminine, feel.

So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.

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

Take your pick of pleasant meanings, depending on the character used.

Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.

Super-short names are popular with Dutch-speaking parents, and this shortened form has come a long way from the original Aemilianus. Mil is in the Top 100 in Belgium.

Once a birth order name, now might work as a cool x-ending nickname. But be warned that it sounds very close to an unfortunate slang term.

Back in the day, Con was a nickname for Cornelius and Conrad. Today it feels like a pet form of Connor.