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One Syllable Names for Boys

  1. Kaede

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "maple tree"

    • Description:

      No - not a creative spelling of Cade. This name, which can be used for boys or girls, means maple tree. Kaede is unusual in Japan although it has been gaining more popularity after it has been used for several anime and manga characters.
  2. Thad

    • Origin:

      Short form of Thaddeus or variation of Tad

    • Description:

      Thad is a tad too slight to stand alone as a name, though as a short form of the imposing Thaddeus it's as serviceable as Ted or Ed.
  3. Shey

    • Description:

      Shey is a versatile, gender-neutral name that leans masculine in usage. With multiple potential origins, it may be a variation of Shea (Irish, meaning "hawk-like"), a simplified form of Shay (Hebrew, meaning "gift"), or a creative modern spelling variant of names like Che or Shai. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary feel, while its pronunciation (rhyming with "day") is straightforward yet distinctive. Shey remains uncommon in most English-speaking countries, never having reached the top naming charts. This rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a short, simple name that stands out. The name carries a gentle strength and works well cross-culturally, with its simple phonetics making it accessible in many languages.

  4. Tod

    • Description:

      Tod is a masculine name of German and English origin, meaning 'death' in German or functioning as a short form of the names Theodore ('gift of God') or Todhunter. Despite its somewhat grim German meaning, the name has enjoyed moderate popularity in English-speaking countries. Tod peaked in usage during the mid-20th century but has since declined. The name carries a strong, concise quality with its three-letter simplicity. Famous bearers include American actor Tod Andrews and baseball player Tod Sloan, which helped establish it as a recognizable yet uncommon choice. Tod's brevity gives it a straightforward, no-nonsense character.

  5. Knoll

    • Origin:

      English and German surname

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the hill; lump"

    • Description:

      An architectural take on Noel. Knoll honors Florence Knoll, the Michigan-born modernist architect and furniture designer. Her namesake company still produces her designs today.
  6. Ayan

    • Origin:

      Somali

    • Meaning:

      "fortune"

    • Description:

      The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.
  7. Ties

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      Diminutive of Matthijs, the Dutch form of Matthew.
  8. Adi

    • Description:

      Adi is a multicultural masculine name with diverse origins and meanings across several traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'jewel' or 'ornament,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'first' or 'beginning.' The name also has Germanic roots where it serves as a short form of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' This concise, two-syllable name has gained popularity in Israel, India, and increasingly in Western countries drawn to its simplicity and international appeal. Adi travels well across cultures and is appreciated for its modern feel despite ancient origins. Its brevity makes it both memorable and easy to pronounce in multiple languages, contributing to its growing global usage.
  9. Rion

    • Description:

      Rion is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Irish name Ryan, meaning 'little king,' or from the Greek word meaning 'flowing.' Some consider it a variation of Orion, the legendary hunter from Greek mythology. In Japanese contexts, Rion can be written with characters meaning 'jasmine' and 'sound' or other combinations. This multicultural name has gained modest popularity in recent decades across several countries, appealing to parents seeking short, strong-sounding names with international appeal. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its various cultural connections provide depth and versatility. Rion projects an image of strength and individuality with a cosmopolitan flair.
  10. Just

    • Description:

      Just is a masculine name with Latin roots, derived from the word "justus" meaning "fair" or "righteous." As a given name, it carries strong connotations of morality, integrity, and fairness. Popular primarily in Dutch-speaking regions and parts of continental Europe, Just maintains a simple, strong quality with its single syllable and clear meaning. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, where it might be confused with the adverb "just," the name has maintained steady usage in the Netherlands and surrounding areas. The name's brevity gives it a direct, unpretentious quality, while its meaning provides a powerful aspirational quality for its bearer.

  11. Joyce

    • Description:

      Yes, the poet Joyce Kilmer ("Trees") was a man, the very last male named Joyce. And even for women, it's been in limbo for several generations.
  12. Bright

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "bright"

    • Description:

      Rare word name that works for either gender.
  13. Md

    • Description:

      Md is most commonly used as an abbreviation for 'Mohammed' (or Muhammad), one of the world's most popular masculine names honoring the Prophet of Islam. This abbreviated form is particularly common in Bangladesh, parts of India, and some other South Asian countries, often appearing on official documents and signatures. The full name Mohammed derives from Arabic and means 'praiseworthy' or 'praised one.' While technically an abbreviation, Md functions as a given name in its own right for many bearers. Its extreme brevity makes it distinctive, though it may cause confusion in international contexts where such abbreviations are less familiar. For many families, using Md represents a connection to Islamic tradition while offering a compact alternative to the full name, which has numerous spelling variations across different cultures.
  14. Mitch

    • Description:

      Mitch is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Mitchell, which itself began as a surname derived from the name Michael, meaning "who is like God?" in Hebrew. Mitch emerged as a standalone given name in the mid-20th century, reflecting the American tendency to use nicknames as formal names. It peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, conveying a friendly, approachable quality with its short, punchy sound. The name carries associations with masculinity and straightforwardness. While its usage has declined since its peak, Mitch maintains a steady presence and evokes a certain unpretentious charm. Famous bearers include baseball player Mitch Williams and author Mitch Albom, adding to the name's cultural resonance.

  15. Jhan

    • Description:

      Jhan is a masculine name that appears as a rare, streamlined variation of John or Johan. The name likely has multiple origins, including possible connections to Southeast Asian naming traditions or as a modern, simplified spelling of European classics. John, from which Jhan may derive, means 'God is gracious' in its Hebrew origins. The distinctive four-letter spelling with the uncommon 'Jh' combination gives this name a contemporary, international feel while maintaining the recognizable sound of more common variants. Jhan remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that feels familiar in pronunciation but distinctive in appearance. Its brevity and unique spelling offer a modern twist on one of history's most enduring masculine names.
  16. Oan

    • Origin:

      Breton

    • Meaning:

      "lamb"

    • Description:

      A too-literal spin on Owen.
  17. Rayaan

    • Description:

      Rayaan is a masculine name of Arabic origin meaning 'gates of heaven,' 'well-watered,' or 'satiated.' In Islamic tradition, Ar-Rayyan refers to a special gate in Paradise through which those who fasted regularly will enter. The name carries beautiful spiritual connotations of abundance, satisfaction, and divine reward. Rayaan has gained popularity in Muslim communities worldwide and is increasingly appreciated for its melodic sound and meaningful etymology. The double 'a' spelling enhances its flowing quality and distinctive appearance. The name offers cross-cultural appeal with its accessible pronunciation and positive associations. Potential nicknames include Ray or Rayan. As a contemporary name with deep traditional roots, Rayaan balances cultural heritage with modern sensibility.
  18. Nas

    • Description:

      Nas is a masculine name with diverse origins. In Arabic, it means 'people' and can be a shortened form of names like Nasir ('helper' or 'protector'). It gained recognition in Western culture primarily through the famous American rapper Nas (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) who emerged in the 1990s. The name carries a contemporary, strong sound with its brevity and distinctive ending. While relatively uncommon as a standalone given name, it has appeal for parents seeking a short, multicultural name with musical associations. In some cultures, Nas can also function as a surname or nickname, adding to its versatility across different communities.
  19. Stein

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "Stone"
  20. Kwan

    • Origin:

      Korean

    • Meaning:

      "strong"

    • Description:

      An Asian name that would be easily understood in this country.