One Syllable Word Names Part 1

  1. Card
    • Description:

      Card is an unusual masculine name with English origins. It likely developed as a surname-turned-first-name, which is a common naming pattern in English-speaking countries. The surname Card may have derived from occupational roots (someone who carded wool) or possibly as a nickname for someone who played cards. As a first name, Card is extremely rare, with very few recorded uses. This distinctiveness could appeal to parents seeking a short, strong-sounding, and unique name. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, despite its traditional origins. Due to its uncommon nature as a given name, a person named Card would likely stand out in almost any context.

  2. Case
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      A brisk and unconventional name that could be a style stand-in for confederates Casey, Chase, Cale, and Cade.
  3. Cat
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Catherine
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
  4. Champ
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "champion"
    • Description:

      Though it sounds like a modern invention, Champ actually has a long history as a first name. It hit the Top 1000 several times just before and after the turn of the 20th Century.
  5. Chance
    • Origin:

      French variation of Chauncey
    • Description:

      Once a cavalier Mississippi gambler type name, Chance has entered the mainstream since being endorsed by such celebrity dads as Larry King and Paul Hogan. Chance the Rapper has also boosted the name's popularity.
  6. Chase
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "to hunt"
    • Description:

      Chase, with its sleek and ultraprosperous aura, is redolent of the worlds of high finance and international banking. Chase has been well used during the last few decades, seen as a character on 24 and on several young-audience shows.
  7. Chess
    • Description:

      Chess is an uncommon masculine name derived from the classic strategy board game. As a given name, it evokes qualities of strategic thinking, patience, and intellectual prowess. The game of chess dates back to the 6th century, originating in India before spreading worldwide, which gives the name a sense of historical depth and cross-cultural significance. As a contemporary first name, Chess has a distinctive, concise quality with a modern edge, while still maintaining connections to tradition and thoughtful contemplation. The name remains quite rare in usage, appealing to parents seeking something truly unique with intellectual associations for their son.
  8. Chick
    • Description:

      Chick is an uncommon masculine name that originated as an English nickname for someone with chicken-like features or mannerisms, or alternatively as a term of endearment meaning 'young child.' As a formal given name, Chick has historically been rare, sometimes used as a diminutive for Charles or other names starting with 'Ch.' In the early-to-mid 20th century, it gained some recognition through notable bearers like jazz musician Chick Webb and basketball player Chick Hearn. The name carries a distinctive vintage Americana quality, evoking the casual, colloquial spirit of mid-century America. In contemporary usage, Chick remains exceedingly rare as a legal given name, though it persists as an occasional nickname. Its brevity and friendly informality give it a casual, approachable character.

  9. Chip
    • Origin:

      Pet name for Charles
    • Description:

      Only if you're madly nostalgic for sixties TV.
  10. Chuck
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Charles
    • Description:

      So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.
  11. Clay
    • Origin:

      English word name; diminutive of Clayton
    • Description:

      Clay is a rich, earthy one-syllable name with a southern-inflected handsome-rogue image, featured on soap operas and reality TV. Its longer forms are Clayton and Clayborne.
  12. Cliff
    • Origin:

      Topographical name or short form of Clifford or Clifton
    • Description:

      Cliff is a familiar, timeless short form -- never too popular, yet widely known -- that you might also think of as a geographical name ala Vale or Field.
  13. Cloud
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Like Sky and Sunshine, this fluffy name from the hippie 1970s has floated back onto the naming radar. It's similarity of Clyde and Claude help to ground it.
  14. Clove
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Clove is one of a whole tantalizing genre of spice names that might work for a boy. Clovis could be considered a long form.
  15. Coal
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      This recently coined respelling of Cole darkens its image.
  16. Cob
    • Description:

      Cob is a short, strong masculine name with deep Anglo-Saxon roots. Originally a nickname derived from Jacob, it can also be a standalone name with multiple meanings across cultures. In English, it connects to nature, referring to a male swan or the center core of items like corn. The name carries agricultural associations with harvest and abundance. Historically, Cob appeared as both a surname and given name in medieval England. Though uncommon in modern times, its brevity aligns with the trend toward short, punchy boy names. Cob offers a distinctive alternative to popular three-letter names, appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon with a rugged, earthy quality.
  17. Colt
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "young horse"
    • Description:

      Colt is the kind of unconventionally macho name that is so trendy right now, because of or in spite of its association with horses and guns.
  18. Cord
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cordell
    • Meaning:

      "maker or seller of rope or cord"
    • Description:

      This is the kind of strong one-syllable boy's name many parents are seeking these days. The more musical Chord was introduced by hot young actor Chord Overstreet.
  19. Cork
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "swamp, marsh"
    • Description:

      Buoyant but lightweight.
  20. Count
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "nobleman"
    • Description:

      Nobility names like Duke and Count seem to be forming a minitrend: actor Danny Bonaduce named his son Count Dante Jean-Michel Valentino. Beat that. Or wait: don't.