One Syllable Names for Boys
- Gui
Origin:
Short form of Guillermo, Spanish form of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
It's tempting to think of Gui as the Spanish form of Guy, but it's short for Guillermo.
- Zahn
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"tooth"Description:
Newswoman Paula brought the surname Zahn to the public eye. It makes a dramatic, unusual Zane alternative -- though you may not want to enlighten your child as to its prosaic meaning.
- Knight
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
" a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior"Description:
Knight (as opposed to Night) is a name clad in shiny armor. This high-ranking word name was introduced by singers Kelis and Nas. Knight might join brothers King, Royal, and Noble in a new definition of royal baby names.
- Brix
Origin:
Short form of Brixton, place-name and surname, EnglishMeaning:
"stone of Brixi"Description:
Brixi was a Saxon lord thought to have erected a stone boundary of an ancient meeting place on the site that is now Brixton, a suburb in south London. Brixton is a newly fashionable boys' name and shortened form Brix was used for more than 40 baby boys in the US last year.
- Leone
Origin:
Italian variation of Leo or LeonMeaning:
"lion"Description:
An Italian spin on the current European darling Leon, though the final e makes it a tad feminine to the American sensibility.
- Kal
Description:
Kal is a concise, powerful masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Norse mythology, Kal relates to 'cold' or 'frost,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'time' or 'black.' The name also appears as a diminutive of Kalman or Kaleb in some traditions, and resonates with Superman fans as the birth name of the superhero (Kal-El). This cross-cultural versatility gives Kal a global appeal while maintaining a strong, distinctive sound. The name's brevity makes it punchy and memorable, following the modern trend toward shorter masculine names. Despite its ancient roots, Kal feels contemporary and has gained modest popularity in recent decades. Its simplicity makes it work well internationally while its varied cultural connections give it depth and character.
- José
Origin:
Spanish, French, and Portuguese form of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Popular in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries, and in some French regions, José is a variation of the Biblical Joseph. Also written as Jose (which ranks more highly in the charts internationally), this accented form is preferred in France, Portugal, and Uruguay.
- Crue
Origin:
Variation of Crew, English word nameMeaning:
"a band or force of armed men"Description:
Crew x True = Crue. This on-trend name — short and punchy with popular sounds —is rising for a reason. Crue entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, following in the footsteps of trendy Crew and Cruz. It continued to be a fast rising choice in 2023,when it was given to around 360 babies, making it roughly three times less popular than Crew, but also three times more popular than it was a decade ago.
- Tyr
Origin:
Norse, God of law and heroic victoryDescription:
Tyr is a very early embodiment of a Norse god, typically thought to guide the law, justice, war and victory.
- Swann
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"nature and literary name"Description:
A unisex French name that ranks in the Top 200 for boys and the Top 500 for girls there, inspired by a character with the surname Swann in Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time. As a given name, it was popularized by the 1984 film Un amour de Swann ("Swann in Love"), directed by Volker Schlöndorff.
- Jase
Origin:
Diminutive of JasonMeaning:
"the Lord is salvation"Description:
Nickname name Jase joined twin brother Jace in the Top 100 in 2013, after first entering the list in 2002 -- but has since dropped in the charts. Inspiration may be Jase (born Jason) Robinson of the reality show Duck Dynasty.
- Blas
Description:
Blas is a masculine name of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name 'Blasius,' which comes from 'blaesus' meaning 'lisping' or 'stuttering.' In Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and parts of Latin America, Blas has maintained consistent use throughout history. The name gained significance through Saint Blaise (San Blas in Spanish), a physician and bishop who became a Christian martyr in the 4th century. Blas is celebrated annually on February 3rd in many Catholic communities. The name is appreciated for its brevity, strong sound, and cultural heritage. While not among the most popular Spanish names internationally, Blas continues to be chosen by families valuing its historical depth and straightforward pronunciation.
- Sir
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
We've got Saint, we've got King, we've got Prince Duke Bishop Deacon and Messiah. So why not Sir? While some might find it slightly pretentious, at least 80 parents chose it for their babies in 2024..
- Fin
Description:
Fin is a concise, impactful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's a shortened form of Fionn or Finn, meaning 'fair' or 'white,' connected to the legendary Irish hero Finn MacCool. In Scandinavian countries, Fin derives from Old Norse, possibly meaning 'wanderer' or relating to the Finnish people. The name's brevity makes it appealing to modern parents seeking minimalist names with historical depth. While traditionally a nickname, Fin has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its cross-cultural appeal, straightforward pronunciation, and connection to folklore contribute to its growing usage as parents embrace shorter, distinctive names with strong sounds.
- Ken
Origin:
Diminutive of Kenneth; JapaneseMeaning:
"born of fire or handsome; healthy and strong"Description:
In many minds this one belongs to Barbie, but with such positive meanings and international connections, can Ken make the transition to usability again?
- Swede
Description:
Swede is a masculine name derived from the demonym for people from Sweden. As a given name, it likely originated as a nickname for someone with Swedish ancestry or someone with characteristics associated with Swedish people, such as blonde hair or fair complexion. The name carries associations with Scandinavian culture, including qualities often stereotypically attributed to Swedes: strength, stoicism, and Nordic heritage. While uncommonly used as a formal given name, Swede has occasionally appeared as a nickname or informal name throughout the 20th century, particularly in North America. The name has a distinctive, straightforward quality that conveys masculinity through its brevity and consonant sounds. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across various languages while maintaining its clear cultural reference.
- Len
Description:
Len is a concise masculine name that typically functions as a shortened form of longer names such as Leonard, Lennox, or Lennon. Derived from Germanic roots, Leonard means 'brave lion,' lending Len associations with courage and strength. This crisp, single-syllable name embodies minimalist appeal while carrying the weight of its traditional origins. Len enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name's brevity gives it a straightforward, unpretentious quality appreciated in contemporary naming trends. Len balances an approachable informality with a classic sensibility, making it appealing for parents seeking a short but substantial name with traditional roots.
- Zeb
Origin:
Diminutive of Zebediah or Zebulon, HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God, exaltation, or little dwelling"Description:
Short and to-the-point, it turns an ancient biblical name into a friendly cowboy.
- Ron
Origin:
Short form of Ronald, NorseMeaning:
"ruler's counselor"Description:
Ron is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of longer names like Ronald, Aaron, or Byron. Ronald, its most common source, derives from the Old Norse 'Rögnvaldr,' meaning 'ruler's advisor' or 'decision maker.'
- Clint
Origin:
English, diminutive of ClintonDescription:
As flinty and steely as Mr. Eastwood.
