One Syllable Names for Boys

Neo

Latin or Tswana

"new or gift"

This nouveau name of Keanu Reeves's character in The Matrix has not enjoyed the same burst of popularity as its female counterpart, Trinity, but it definitely sounds, well, newer. Neo Rauch is an…

Nev

Diminutive of Yaniv, Hebrew; Neville, English; or Nevin, Irish

"he will prosper; new town; holy"

Short and strong multicultural option for a son. Nev Schulman (born Yaniv) is the creator of the MTV series Catfish .

Newt

English

"a small salamander"

Rarely used on its own and irrevocably tied to former House Speaker Gingrich -- who was christened Newton.

Nial

Nial is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, representing a variation of the more common spelling Niall. Derived from ancient Irish roots, it means 'champion' or 'cloud,' connected to Niall…

Nick

English, diminutive of Nicholas and Dominick

The classic strong-yet-friendly nickname name, much used for charming movie characters.

Nic

Nic is a masculine name that functions as a short form of Nicholas or Dominic. It derives from the Greek 'nikē' meaning 'victory' when used as a diminutive of Nicholas. As a standalone name, Nic has…

Nik

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…

Nye

Welsh diminutive of Aneurin

"honor"

This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.

Night

Word name

An ubercool and mysterious name, brought to you by director M. Night Shyamalan.

Nike

Greek

"victory"

Cool goddess name, but you might need to brace yourself for lots of sneaker jokes, depending on where you live.

Duff

Irish

"swarthy"

This somewhat boisterous Celtic name would be at home in a noisy pub or out walking on the moors. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion. Duff…

Nin

Literary name, meaning unknown

Better hold off and hope for a daughter so you can name her Anais.

Nir

Hebrew

"plowed field"

Short, simple international names like this make distinctive middle name possibilities. Nir also makes for a nature-oriented first name that's both straightforward and unusual. But be prepared for a…

Njord

Scandinavian

"north"

Pronounced to rhyme with fjord, the Norse god of the sea's name, this would make an unorthodox choice for sea-lovers and fishermen.

Njorth

Njorth is an unusual masculine name likely derived from Norse mythology, where Njörðr (Njord) was the god of the sea, seafaring, wind, fishing, and prosperity. This alternate spelling maintains the…

Noam

Hebrew

"pleasantness, charm, tenderness"

Noam is an underused modern Hebrew name with any number of attractive attributes attached to its meaning; it doesn't have the biblical weight of Noah, but could make a more distinctive alternative to…

Burk

Burk is a masculine name with Germanic roots, functioning as a shortened form of names like Burke or Burkhard. The original Germanic name Burkhard means "strong as a fortress" or "brave heart,"…

Naam

Naam is a masculine name with roots in multiple cultures, including Hebrew, Arabic, and Thai traditions. In Hebrew, it relates to pleasantness or sweetness, while in Arabic contexts it can mean…

Noaz

Hebrew

"bold"

A unique name with familiar sounds, Noaz may appeal to those who love Noah, Boaz, Ezra, and Azariah but also want something braver. Meaning "fearless, courageous, bold" from its Hebrew origins, one…

Lief

Lief is a masculine name with Norse and Germanic origins, typically considered a variant spelling of Leif, which means 'heir' or 'descendant.' The most famous bearer was Leif Erikson, the Norse…