One Syllable Names: Part 1

  1. Crain
    • Origin:

      Manx, English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ciarán; Crane"
    • Description:

      A surname from the Isle of Man and a spelling twist on a bird name, Crain could fit in with the likes of Kane, Zane, Crew, Creed, Cade, Wren, and Rayne.
  2. Craine
    • Description:

      Craine is a masculine name of English origin, derived from a surname that originally referred to someone who lived near a crane habitat or perhaps someone tall and slender like the bird. It may also relate to medieval occupational surnames connected to cranes used in construction. This uncommon name carries a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic sound with its long vowel and crisp ending. Craine possesses a rare quality of being both traditional in structure yet unusual in usage. The name evokes imagery of the graceful crane bird, symbolizing longevity and wisdom in many cultures, while its strong one-syllable sound gives it a bold, memorable presence.

  3. Crane
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "crane"
    • Description:

      This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.
  4. Crash
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Crash is a particularly calamitous entry in the badass boys' name category, taking Wilder and Maverick one -- or maybe a dozen -- steps further. But we can think of at least a dozen reasons you shouldn't name your baby Crash.
  5. Crayn
    • Description:

      Crayn is an unusual masculine name with obscure origins, possibly derived from older English or Scottish surnames. It may be related to the word 'crane,' referring to the tall, elegant bird, or could be a variant spelling of 'Crain' or 'Crane' used as a given name. The distinctive spelling with a 'y' gives it a contemporary feel despite its potential traditional roots. Crayn remains extremely rare in usage, making it an exceptionally unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon name with a strong, concise sound. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation combine with its rarity to create a name that stands out while remaining accessible and memorable.
  6. Crayne
    • Description:

      Crayne is an uncommon masculine name that likely originated as a surname before crossing over to first-name usage, following a popular naming trend. It may be an alternate spelling of 'Crane,' deriving either from the bird (symbolizing vigilance and longevity in many cultures) or from topographical features. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives it a contemporary edge while maintaining its strong, single-syllable impact. Crayne projects qualities of strength and distinctiveness with its crisp sound and unusual spelling. Extremely rare as a first name, it would be a standout choice for parents seeking something unique yet straightforward to pronounce. The name has a modern, somewhat austere quality that might appeal to those looking for names outside traditional choices. Its rarity means it carries few preconceptions, allowing the bearer to define its associations.
  7. Creed
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "I believe; statement of belief"
    • Description:

      Cool, solid, and often spiritual, Creed derives from the Latin word credo meaning "I believe". It appeared sporadically in the US Top 1000 back in the late 19th century, but remained only quietly used the 2000s. By 2016 it was back in the charts, and as of 2023, Creed is given to around 400 babies each year.
  8. Crew
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "a band or force of armed men"
    • Description:

      Crew is yet another word name that was added to the baby name lexicon when this one was chosen by The Young and the Restless star Joshua Morrow for his son. It debuted on the Top 1000 in 2010. We've also heard spelling variations Cru and Crue.
  9. Crewe
    • Description:

      Crewe is a masculine name derived from the Old Welsh 'criu' meaning 'ford' or 'crossing.' It originated as a place name in Cheshire, England, where the town of Crewe developed around an important railway junction in the 19th century. As a given name, Crewe represents the growing trend of adopting location names for children. It carries associations of industrial heritage and transportation history while maintaining a distinctly British feel. Though uncommon as a first name, Crewe has seen modest increased usage in recent years, particularly among families seeking short, strong-sounding masculine names with historical connections. Its single-syllable structure and distinctive sound pattern make it a noteworthy alternative to more common place-inspired names.

  10. Cris
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cristian
    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"
    • Description:

      A short form that covers multiple names including Cristian, Cristóbal, and Crispin.
  11. Criss
    • Description:

      Criss is a masculine name that likely originated as a diminutive or variant of Christopher, which means 'bearer of Christ' from Greek elements. It may also function as a shortened form of names like Crispin or Cristian. The name has a concise, modern feel compared to its longer counterparts. Criss gained some recognition through figures like musician Criss Angel, giving it associations with creativity and performance. While never extremely common as a given name, its brevity makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor shorter names. Criss has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining masculine associations.

  12. Crist
    • Description:

      Crist is a compact masculine name with deep religious and historical roots. It's a shortened form of Christ or Cristo, ultimately derived from the Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' While uncommon as a first name in English-speaking countries, it has been used historically in various European regions, particularly those with strong Christian traditions. In some contexts, it may also be a variant spelling of the surname Christ. The name carries strong religious associations due to its connection to Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. As a given name, Crist has remained rare, likely due to its sacred associations in many cultures, though it occasionally appears in communities with strong religious identities.
  13. Croix
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "cross"
    • Description:

      Pronounced "crwa", this unusual name was chosen by Cedric the Entertainer for his son.
  14. Cross
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "cross"
    • Description:

      Evocative word name that's refreshingly straightforward. Overtones of Christianity and penalty. More subtle option: Cruz.
  15. Crow
    • Origin:

      Bird name
    • Description:

      From Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore, the story of a boy named Kafka -- crow in Czech.
  16. Cru
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Crew or short form of Cruz or Crusoe
    • Description:

      The short, clipped Cru is one of those modern names that's starting to find favor -- it was given to about 100 boys last year, while Crew has vaulted onto the Top 1000. One inspiration is undoubtedly the Spanish name Cruz, which came to wider attention via the third son of Victoria and David Beckham. Cru has a handsome sound and a modern feel.
  17. Cruise
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "cross"
    • Description:

      Cool, cruising choice for either sex.
  18. Cruz
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "cross"
    • Description:

      For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.
  19. Crys
    • Description:

      Crys is an uncommon masculine name that likely originated as a shortened form of names like Crystal, Christopher, or Chrysanthos. The name has Greek roots related to 'chrysos' meaning 'gold' or 'golden,' suggesting brightness and value. As a standalone name, Crys has a distinctive, modern feel while maintaining connections to these longer traditional names. The brevity and crisp sound of Crys gives it a contemporary edge that aligns with the trend toward shorter, punchy names for boys. Despite these positive qualities, Crys remains quite rare in usage, likely due to its stronger association as a nickname or its similarity to the word 'cry.' For parents seeking a truly unique option with subtle connections to more established names, Crys offers an unconventional choice with an intriguing sound and ancient golden associations.

  20. Cryss
    • Description:

      Cryss is a masculine name of modern origin, likely derived as a creative variant of Chris or Criss. The distinctive spelling with a double 's' and the 'y' replacement gives this short name a contemporary edge and unique visual appeal. It may be considered a stylized diminutive of traditional names like Christopher, Christian, or Crystal. The name Cryss remains quite rare, not appearing on most popularity charts and representing an unconventional choice for parents seeking something distinctive. Its brevity and modern spelling make it memorable, while still maintaining a connection to more traditional names. The name may appeal to those looking for something short, impactful, and with a slightly edgy, contemporary feel.