Three Letter Boy Names

French spelling of Leo, currently a bit hit with French-speaking parents.

Rare, with a gleaming, golden image.

Popular name in the Netherlands that's arguably more attractive than the original Shem, who was one of the biblical sons of Noah. A Sam alternative, though you'll forever be explaining it.

Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.

Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.

Aza's similarity to the biblical name Asa makes it ripe for adaptation. If you want something more elaborate, you might consider Azariah. Something simpler? It doesn't get much simpler and that is the beauty of Aza (or Asa).

In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion, though elsewhere it might be associated with fish eggs or a small breed of reddish deer.

A cross-cultural name that can be a nickname for David, as is common in Wales, pronounced "dye".

Lem is a corn-cob pipe-smoking, back porch-rocking nickname name. But we predict as Sam and Gus become ho-hum, more parents will look to Lem.

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

See RIO.

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

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

A bit slight to put directly on the birth certificate, but Dom is a pleasant nickname for a boy or a girl.

Simple Biblical name with an auspicious meaning. There are two men named Gad in the Old Testament — one the first son of Jacob and Zilpah, and the other a prophet of King David.

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

This name has two possible derivations - in Turkish it means hero, in English it is used as a reference to mountains. Either offer a soaring option for a little boy.

Edo is a truly pan-European name with a rich history, having origins in German, Dutch, Italian, Georgian, Croatian, and Slovene.