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One Syllable Names for Boys

  1. Triumph

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "a great victory or achievement"

    • Description:

      A positive word name that came into use in the early 21st century. Also a large motorcycle manufacturer based out of the UK; Harley and Triumph could make an interesting sibset.
  2. Vid

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Vitus, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      In Slavic cultures, Saint Vitus is called Sveti Vid, making this a saintly appellation.
  3. Manfred

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "man of peace"

    • Description:

      Hipsters might consider reviving this old German name, though we're not so sure their sons wouldn't have preferred the classic Fred name Frederick. Manfred B. Lee (born Manford) was half of the team of detective story writers who used the pseudonym Ellery Queen; Manfred Mann was a British pop group of the 1960's, with Manfred Mann (born Michael Liebowitz) at the keyboard. There's also a wooly mammoth named Manfred, and nicknamed Manny, in the film Ice Age.
  4. Zahn

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Science

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "knowledge"

    • Description:

      Actress Shannyn Sossamon used this as the middle name for her son Audio; one of the most do-not-try-this-at-home combos we've heard.
  6. Doug

    • Description:

      Doug is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Douglas, a Scottish surname meaning 'dark water' or 'dark stream,' derived from the Gaelic elements 'dubh' (dark) and 'glas' (water). While Douglas has been used as a given name since the late Middle Ages, Doug emerged as a standalone name in the mid-20th century. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, conveying a friendly, approachable quality. Doug has a straightforward, unpretentious character that embodies mid-century American values. Though its usage has declined significantly since its peak, the name retains a certain classic appeal. Doug conveys a sense of reliability and straightforwardness, with many perceiving it as friendly and trustworthy.

  7. Ive

    • Description:

      Ive is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It can be a short form of the Germanic name Ivo, meaning 'yew wood' (traditionally used for making bows, suggesting strength). It might also relate to the French name Yves, ultimately derived from the Germanic element 'iv.' This compact, one-syllable name carries a surprising amount of strength in its brevity. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Ive has seen occasional use in parts of Europe, particularly in Scandinavian and Slavic regions. The name has a clean, modern feel despite its ancient roots. Its simplicity makes it accessible across language barriers while its rarity gives it distinction. The name may appeal to parents seeking a short, strong name with European connections.

  8. Gwion

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "fair, blessed"

    • Description:

      Gwion is a name from old Welsh literature: according to "The Tale of Taliesin", it was the name of the legendary poet Taliesin before he transformed into a bard. Gwion is used steadily in small numbers in Wales. Elsewhere in the world, it would strike a good balance of uncommonness and simplicity, and be pretty unique.
  9. Ming

    • Origin:

      Chinese

    • Meaning:

      "shining bright"

    • Description:

      A common Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean unisex name, and the name of a culturally rich Chinese Dynastic period. Yao Ming is the seven and a half foot Shanghai-born basketball star. Trivia tidbit: His parents were the tallest couple in China at the time of his birth.
  10. Kári

    • Origin:

      Variation of Kárr, Old Norse

    • Meaning:

      "curly hair"

    • Description:

      A name with Old Norse roots that at one time existed alongside the name Kárr, although Kári is the dominant form today. In recent years, it's been common in Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
  11. Hoke

    • Description:

      Hoke is a surname name with a Southern feel, thanks to Morgan Freeman's character in the Oscar-winning movie Driving Miss Daisy. Parents may have passed this name by because of the similarity to hokey and hokum, slang for exaggerated or contrived. But there's at least one distinguished bearer: Chicago journalist Hoke Norris, famous for his coverage of the Civil Rights movement.
  12. Piotr

    • Origin:

      Russian, Polish, Belarusian

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      A variant transcription of Russian Pyotr, and also the Polish and Belarusian form of Peter, classic and still very popular there.
  13. Tore

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Salvator, variation of Thor, Italian, Norse

    • Meaning:

      "savior; thunder"

    • Description:

      In Norway, a Grandpa Name.
  14. Young

    • Description:

      Young is a masculine name that originated as a surname in English, derived from the Old English word 'geong,' meaning 'young' or 'youthful.' As a given name, it has been most commonly used in East Asian cultures, particularly in Korea, where it's pronounced differently than in English. In Korean usage, Young (or Yeong) can have various meanings depending on the Chinese characters used to write it, including 'brave,' 'flourishing,' or 'eternal.' The name is straightforward, simple, and carries positive connotations of youth and vitality. While uncommon as a first name in Western countries, its simplicity and positive meaning make it an accessible cross-cultural option.
  15. Bligh

    • Origin:

      English variation of Blythe

    • Description:

      Too tightly associated with the real-life villainous Captain Bligh of The Mutiny on the Bounty.
  16. Berg

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "mountain, hill"

    • Description:

      Earthbound surname that few would make as first choice.
  17. Ziek

    • Description:

      Ziek is a masculine name of multiple potential origins. It may function as a Dutch short form of Ezekiel (meaning 'God strengthens'), or it could relate to various European and Jewish naming traditions. In some contexts, it might be a modern variation of Zeke. The name has a distinctive, concise sound with its single syllable and strong consonant combination. Ziek remains quite uncommon in global naming records, making it a distinctive choice that stands out. The brevity of the name gives it a contemporary feel despite its potential traditional roots. While usage statistics are limited, Ziek might appeal to parents seeking a short, impactful name with an international quality and potential biblical connections, depending on the interpretation of its origins.
  18. Britt

    • Description:

      Britt as a masculine name is less common than its usage for females, making it an interesting gender-neutral option. Originally a nickname for Brittany or Bridget when used for women, as a male name it typically derives from the Old Norse 'Britr' meaning 'Briton' or can be a shortened form of names like Britton. The name has a strong, concise sound with Nordic connections. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Britt has been used as a standalone name for both genders, though more commonly for females. For males, it projects a modern, slightly unconventional image while maintaining simplicity and strength. Its brevity gives it a contemporary feel that works well internationally, though its usage for boys remains relatively uncommon in most regions.
  19. Byrd

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      The name of the teenaged son on the dear departed television show "Huff."
  20. Udo

    • Origin:

      Igbo

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      Udo is the Igbo word for peace, and, in Nigeria, is a name usually reserved for men. Related names include Akudo, Udoka and Udo-Amaka.