One Syllable Names for Boys
- Magne
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"great"Description:
Variation of Magni or Magnus, popular throughout modern Scandinavia. In mythology, Magni was a son of Thor.
- Ale
Origin:
Diminutive of Alejandro, SpanishMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Commonly heard as a nickname for Alejandro, but a rare sight on the birth certificate. Ale has only made the US charts for boys twice, once in 2005 and again in 2018.
- Kays
Origin:
French from ArabicMeaning:
"measurement"Description:
Modern French spelling of the Arabic name Qays or Qais.
- Faivre
Description:
Faivre is a masculine name that originates primarily as a French surname rather than a traditional given name. It derives from the Old French word 'fevre' or 'faivre,' meaning 'blacksmith' or 'craftsman who works with metal.' As a first name, Faivre is extremely rare, representing a modern trend of adopting surnames as given names. The name carries connotations of craftsmanship, strength, and traditional artisanal skills. Historically concentrated in eastern France, particularly the Franche-Comté region, Faivre as a family name has spread to other French-speaking areas. When used as a first name, it offers a distinctive and uncommon choice with French cultural associations and an artisanal heritage.
- Fei
Origin:
ChineseMeaning:
"to dance in the air"Description:
A unisex name in China, but better suited for girls in the US due to the similarities to sound-alike Faye.
- Sindre
Origin:
Norwegian, Old NorseMeaning:
"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"Description:
A variation of the Old Norse name Sindri, which is borne by a blacksmith dwarf in Norse mythology, who, with his brother, made Thor's hammer. With its appealing meaning "sparkling", this form is familiar in Norway and was particularly popular in the 90s, when it ranked #21 in the Norwegian charts.
- Reg
Description:
Reg is a masculine name most commonly used as a diminutive of Reginald, which derives from the Old Germanic name Raginald, meaning 'counsel' and 'power.' This short, punchy name has been used for centuries, particularly in Britain where it gained popularity as a nickname. Reg has a straightforward, unpretentious quality that has given it enduring appeal. While less common as a standalone name, it has been used independently rather than just as a nickname. The name saw its greatest popularity in the early to mid-20th century and carries a somewhat vintage charm today. Reg projects reliability and straightforwardness with its crisp, single-syllable sound.
- Quandre
Description:
Quandre is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a modern creation, possibly influenced by names like Andre, Deandre, or Quadir. The 'Qu' beginning gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining familiar phonetic elements. The name has gained limited usage primarily in the United States since the late 20th century. Quandre carries a contemporary, unique feel that appeals to parents seeking something original without being difficult to pronounce. While its precise origins are unclear, it fits within naming trends that value distinctiveness and creative combinations of familiar name elements.
- Wynne
Description:
Wynne is a concise masculine name with Welsh origins, derived from 'gwyn' meaning 'fair,' 'blessed,' or 'white.' It has historically been used as both a surname and given name in Wales and other Celtic regions. While traditionally masculine, it has occasionally been used for girls in recent decades, especially in America. Wynne carries a sense of simplicity and dignity with its clean, single-syllable structure. The name possesses a certain refined quality while maintaining strength. Though uncommon, it's easily recognizable and pronounceable. Those named Wynne often appreciate its Celtic heritage and the positive connotations of blessing and fairness embedded in its meaning.
- Seve
Origin:
Short form of Severino or Severiano, Spanish, LatinMeaning:
"stern"Description:
A light and livelier form of the serious Severino, Seve is a Spanish diminutive, ultimately derived from the Latin Severus, meaning "severe" and "stern". Typically pronounced as SEH-beh in Spanish, it may be pronounced SEH-vay or SEH-vee by English and Portuguese speakers.
/br? Notably borne by golfing legend, Seve Ballesteros, it was also chosen by reality TV star Nicola Hughes and her husband for their son, born in 2025.
- Bine
Origin:
Slovene variation of Albin, LatinMeaning:
"white"Description:
A common choice for baby boys in Slovenia. Bine is identical in sound to the Yiddish feminine name Bina.
- Nisse
Origin:
Danish, Swedish, FrisianMeaning:
"victory of the people"Description:
In Danish and Swedish, Nisse is a diminutive of Nils, a relative of Nicholas meaning "victory of the people". In Frisian, it's a diminutive of Dionysus, meaning "of Zeus". And Nisse also happens to mean "elf" in Danish.
- Shrey
Description:
Shrey is a masculine name with Sanskrit origins, primarily used in India and among the Indian diaspora. The name derives from the Sanskrit word श्रेय (shreya) meaning "auspicious," "superior," or "better." It can also connote qualities of prosperity, excellence, and good fortune. Shrey is particularly popular among Hindu families, appreciated for its positive connotations and spiritual significance. The name has gained increasing usage in recent decades, especially among families seeking names that are both authentically Indian and relatively easy for international pronunciation. Compact yet meaningful, Shrey represents the trend toward shorter Hindu names that maintain traditional roots while working well in global contexts. Its simplicity and positive meaning make it a practical yet culturally rich choice for families honoring Indian heritage.
- Hines
Description:
Hines is primarily a surname of English and Scottish origin that has occasionally transitioned to use as a masculine given name. Derived from the medieval English word 'hind,' meaning 'servant' or referring to someone who tends deer, it gained recognition through notable families and places named Hines throughout the British Isles. As a first name, Hines projects a distinguished, somewhat traditional character with a modern appeal. It remains quite uncommon as a given name, making it distinctive for those seeking something unique with established roots. The name's brief, strong sound contributes to its masculine quality, while its surname origins give it a polished, professional tone that carries well from childhood into adulthood.
- Buhl
Description:
Buhl is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning historically more as a surname than a first name. It derives from Middle High German 'bühel' meaning 'hill' or 'mound,' originally designating someone who lived on or near a hill. As a given name, Buhl is extremely rare, representing an uncommon transfer of a family name to first name status. The name has a strong, compact sound with its single syllable and consonant ending. Buhl may have regional significance in areas with German heritage, particularly in parts of the United States with historical German immigration. Its brevity gives it a certain stark modernity despite its ancient roots. The unusual nature of Buhl as a first name ensures individuality, though bearers might frequently need to explain its pronunciation and origins.
- Cork
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"swamp, marsh"Description:
Buoyant but lightweight.
- Lock
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"a fastening (as for a door) operated by a key or a combination"Description:
Interestingly, Locke is a gender-neutral name used only for boys, while word name Lock is so rare it was given to fewer than five children of either gender in the US last year.
- Faine
Description:
Faine is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Irish word "fáinne" meaning "ring" or be related to the Old English "fægen" meaning "glad" or "joyful." In some contexts, it appears as a variant spelling of Fane, a surname from Norman origins. The name has a distinctive, concise sound with its single syllable creating a strong impression. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Faine has an appealing simplicity and a subtle sophistication. Its rarity makes it attractive to parents seeking a distinctive name that remains straightforward in pronunciation and spelling. The name carries positive connotations through its possible etymological connections to joy or precious objects, giving it an uplifting quality.
- Reince
Origin:
Diminutive of ReinholdDescription:
The extremely unusual, hard-to-pronounce first name of Donald Trump's first Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus, is apparently intended as a catchy nickname to the uber-Teutonic Reinhold. Just say nein.
- Tann
Description:
Tann is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Germanic roots as a shortened form of names containing 'tann' (meaning 'oak forest' or 'pine tree'), connecting it to natural strength and endurance. Alternatively, it could function as a variant spelling of Tan, which has separate origins in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Scottish cultures. The name's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality while its simplicity makes it easily pronounced across different languages. While uncommon as a given name, Tann appeals to parents seeking a short, impactful name with natural associations. Its woodland connection aligns with the trend toward nature-inspired names, while its simplicity contrasts with longer, more elaborate naming patterns. The name projects an image of straightforward strength and resilience.