One Syllable Names for Boys
- Malthe
Origin:
DanishMeaning:
"Rule / Power"Description:
This name has been used in Denmark since the 13th Century, and is once again very popular there, now being in the Top 10. We don't see it crossing the Atlantic anytime soon, despite the strong meaning.
- Katt
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
We normally think of Cat and Kat as girls names -- nicknames, essentially, for Catherine and Katherine. But actor Katt Williams, Emmy-nominated for his role in Atlanta, presents the intriguing possibility of it working for a boy as well. He was originally born Micah, and so far, U.S. parents haven't shown much love for Katt as a whole name -- but with unique unisex names drawn from nature on the rise, we wouldn't be surprised to see it catch on.
- Stark
Origin:
Word name, surname, and literary nameDescription:
Stark is an ancient surname derived from the Old English word stearc, meaning firm and unyielding. In modern parlance, stark means severe or plain. But Stark's use as a first name -- 15 boys were named Stark in the US in 2017 -- stems from its prominence in Game of Thrones, which has inspired so many new baby names. House Stark is a ruling family on GoT; its motto is fittingly "Winter is coming," so Stark and other names from the show might make creative names for winter babies.
- Page
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"page, attendant"Description:
Strictly for the girls.
- Abi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father"Description:
Short form of the Biblical name Abiah or Abijah, meaning "my father is God".
- Nik
Description:
Nik is a short, masculine name that serves as a diminutive form of Nicholas or Nikolas, which derive from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people.' This concise variant maintains the strength of its longer counterparts while offering a more modern, streamlined appeal. Popular in Eastern European countries and increasingly used internationally, Nik provides a contemporary alternative that's easy to pronounce and spell across cultures. The name conveys a sense of reliability and straightforwardness while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality. In recent years, Nik has gained popularity as parents increasingly seek shorter names that work well in our fast-paced, global society.
- Duarte
Origin:
Portuguese variation of Edward, EnglishMeaning:
"wealthy guardian"Description:
Incredibly handsome and super smooth, Duarte sounds like it came straight out of a romance novel. You almost wouldn’t believe it’s derived from Edward.
- Peace
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Peace may be an admirable sentiment to convey in a child's name, but the translated and thus more subtle versions, like Pax or Placido, might work better as first names.
- Sao
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the rescuer"Description:
In Greek mythology, Sao was one of the 50 Nereids, daughters of the sea god Nereus. A moon of Neptune is named in her honor. In modern times, it works equally well for a son.
- Alf
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf counsel"Description:
Short form of Alfred that had fallen out of favor, but could come back alongside Alfie and other clunky old-style nicknames like Gus and Ike.
- Cort
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave"Description:
Short and curt.
- Khan
Origin:
TurkicMeaning:
"king, ruler"Description:
This surname and title spread widely across Asia thanks to the conquests of Genghis Khan in the thirteenth century. You may also recognise it from the emperor Kublai Khan, who hosted Marco Polo; The Jungle Book's Shere Khan; and the Star Trek character Khan Noonien Singh. With other royal names and titles rising, this international variant has also seen a little more use, though it is still pretty rare.
- Ade
Origin:
YorubaMeaning:
"crown"
- Mayan
Origin:
Variation of Maayan, HebrewMeaning:
"spring of water"Description:
Likely to be misinterpreted as Mayan, with emphasis on the first syllable, as in the Maya civilization of Mesoamerica.
- Yale
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fertile upland"Description:
An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan, Yale Pollack is the name of Woody Allen's best friend. The Hebrew Yael is not related.
- Klyde
Origin:
Spelling variation of Clyde, Scottish river nameDescription:
Klyde is a masculine name that represents a modern variant spelling of 'Clyde.' While Clyde derives from the River Clyde in Scotland and has Celtic origins, the 'K' spelling gives it a contemporary edge. The name has an understated strength and carries associations with the famous Scottish river.
- Trae
Description:
Trae is a modern masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may have evolved as a creative spelling of Trey, which traditionally means "three" or "third" in French, often given to a third child or someone named after two predecessors. Alternatively, it could be a shortened form of names like Traevon or an inventive variant of Ray or Dre. The name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the 1990s, particularly in southern states and among families seeking distinctive yet straightforward names. Its appeal lies in its brevity, contemporary sound, and versatility. Trae has connections to sports culture, with several notable athletes bringing visibility to the name. Its simple pronunciation and spelling, combined with its modern feel, have helped maintain its steady usage.
- Pearce
Origin:
English and IrishMeaning:
"son of Piers"Description:
The spelling Pearce softens the name's sharper edges, though we prefer the original Piers. That "pear" snippet could confuse pronunciation, which is just like Pierce.
- Kindred
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"family; connectedness"Description:
This unusual English word name and surname was the middle name of American sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick, after his mother's maiden name. Its striking sound and appealing meaning make it a promising virtue name possibility for either gender.
- Zul
Origin:
Malay and IndonesianMeaning:
"owner, possessor"Description:
From an Arabic word meaning "owner of", and often found as the first part of compound names.