One Syllable Names for Boys

  1. Gruff
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Gruff is a name that gets used on a handful of boys each year, in both the US and the UK.
  2. Boe
    • Description:

      Boe is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. In Scandinavian contexts, it may derive from Old Norse, meaning 'to live' or serving as a short form of names containing 'bo' like Bowen or Beauregard. In some cases, it may be an Anglicized spelling of the Vietnamese name Bô. The name's simplicity gives it a strong, modern feel despite its ancient roots. Boe's brevity makes it distinctive yet uncomplicated, appealing to parents seeking minimalist names that are easy to spell and pronounce. While uncommon in mainstream usage, this short, punchy name has seen occasional use throughout the English-speaking world, particularly appealing to those drawn to concise, single-syllable names with an outdoorsy, rugged quality.

  3. 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.
  4. Arte
    • Description:

      Arte is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Japanese, Arte (アルテ) can be associated with art or creativity. In Spanish and Italian contexts, it directly relates to the word for 'art,' suggesting creativity and aesthetic sensibility. The name might also be considered a short form of Artemis (Greek) or Arthur (Celtic), both names with ancient roots. In Greek mythology, Artemis was the goddess of hunting and the moon, though the masculine Arte disconnects somewhat from this feminine association. Arte has a concise, modern feel despite its classical connections. The name's brevity gives it contemporary appeal, while its cultural versatility makes it appropriate across different linguistic traditions. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, its simplicity and artistic connotations make it an increasingly appealing choice.
  5. Sims
    • Origin:

      English surname derived from Simon
    • Meaning:

      "the listener"
    • Description:

      Sims is a medieval English surname, also found in Ireland and Scotland, that has many variations all deriving from the Hebrew Biblical name Simon. Sims is a simple, straightforward, yet proper-sounding name that works well as a first, whether you find it in your family tree or pluck the idea from someone else's. It was used for only five boys in the US in 2013.
  6. Kan
    • Description:

      Kan is a succinct masculine name with multicultural significance. In Japanese, it can mean 'perception' or 'intuition,' while in Turkish it means 'blood,' symbolizing life force and vitality. The name also appears in Chinese, Mongolian, and various Central Asian cultures with different meanings. Its brevity gives it strength and memorability, making it easy to pronounce across language boundaries. Despite its ancient roots in multiple cultures, Kan remains uncommon in Western countries, offering a distinctive choice that bridges East and West. The name's simplicity belies its rich cultural associations, providing depth behind its minimalist form. For parents seeking a short, powerful name with international versatility and meaningful heritage, Kan offers substance and distinction without complexity.
  7. Krown
    • Origin:

      Variation of Crown, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "crown"
    • Description:

      Krown broke through the charts in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Corona means "crown").
  8. Pol
    • Origin:

      Breton and Catalan form of Paul
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      Pol, pronounced as "pole," though a popular Breton name, would be an unusual form of a simple classic elsewhere. The Breton Saint Pol Aurelian was known as a slayer of dragons and a founder of monasteries.
  9. Say
    • Description:

      Say is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins and meanings. In Vietnamese tradition, it can be derived from Sino-Vietnamese elements with various meanings depending on the specific character used. In Western contexts, Say might function as an uncommon short form of names like Isaiah or as a modern word name. The name's brevity gives it a distinctive minimalist quality that works well cross-culturally. Though rare as a given name in most countries, Say has the advantage of being easy to pronounce in many languages while maintaining its distinctive character. The simplicity of the name contrasts with its potential depth of meaning, particularly when connected to its various cultural origins.
  10. Vide
    • Origin:

      Swedish from Norse
    • Meaning:

      "willow"
    • Description:

      Vide derives from the Old Norse word víðir, referring to the willow tree, which gives the name a peacefully and willowy quality.
  11. Tiich
    • Origin:

      Choctaw, Native American, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      A name given among the Choctaw tribe of Mississippi and Oklahoma.
  12. Kaz
    • Description:

      Kaz is a compact, modern masculine name with multicultural roots. It can function as a standalone name or as a shortened form of longer names like Kazimir (Slavic, meaning 'destroyer of peace' or 'famous proclamation'), Kazuo (Japanese, meaning 'harmonious man'), or Kazimierz (Polish variant of Casimir). The brevity of Kaz gives it a contemporary, dynamic quality that appeals to parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names. While not historically common in English-speaking countries, Kaz has gained modest traction since the 2000s. The name's international versatility makes it work well across different cultural contexts, and its strong consonant sounds provide a bold presence despite its short length.

  13. Thos
    • Description:

      Thos is a masculine name that originated as an abbreviated written form of Thomas, common in older documents and records where scribes would shorten names. Thomas itself comes from the Aramaic word for 'twin' and became widely used throughout the Christian world due to the apostle Thomas. This contracted form Thos (typically pronounced like 'Thomas' rather than phonetically) appears in historical documents but is extremely rare as a given name in its own right. It has an antiquated, scholarly quality that might appeal to those interested in historical naming practices or seeking an extremely unusual variant of a classic name. While Thomas remains perennially popular across many cultures, Thos offers a distinctive alternative with the same essential meaning and heritage.
  14. Sime
    • Description:

      Sime is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Croatian and other South Slavic languages, it functions as a diminutive form of Simeon or Simon, names deriving from the Hebrew Shimon meaning 'he has heard.' In Scottish usage, particularly in the Highlands, Sime appears as a variant or nickname for Simon. Pronounced 'SEE-meh' in Slavic contexts and 'SIME' (rhyming with 'time') in English-speaking regions, this short, approachable name carries cultural richness despite its simplicity. Sime remains relatively uncommon internationally, giving it a distinctive quality while maintaining connections to the more familiar Simon. Its brevity makes it practical across language barriers.
  15. Moises
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese variation of Moses
    • Description:

      This variation on Moses got a boost from Moises Alou, a Dominican-American baseball player who spent 17 seasons in the National League.
  16. Raye
    • Description:

      Raye is a masculine name that can function as both a given name and a nickname. It likely derives from the English word 'ray' (as in a beam of light) or may be a shortened form of Raymond, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'advice' and 'protector.' As a male name, Raye represents a less common spelling variant of Ray. The added 'e' gives the name a distinctive written appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation. This simple, single-syllable name has a direct, unpretentious quality that has appealed to parents throughout the 20th century, though never reaching high levels of popularity. Raye combines brevity with a bright, positive association that makes it both accessible and meaningful.
  17. Rees
    • Description:

      Rees is a Welsh masculine name derived from the Welsh word 'rhys,' meaning 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor.' This concise, strong name has deep Celtic roots and has been borne by several Welsh princes and nobility throughout history. While traditionally a surname, Rees has gained popularity as a first name in Wales and beyond. The single-syllable structure gives it a modern, streamlined quality despite its ancient origins. Rees offers a distinctive alternative to the more common spelling Rhys, while maintaining the same powerful meaning and Welsh heritage. Its simplicity, meaningful etymology, and cultural significance make it appealing to parents seeking a name with substance and brevity.
  18. Shayne
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Shane
    • Description:

      Why add the y.
  19. Mccabe
    • Origin:

      Irish, patronymic from the word for cape or hat
    • Description:

      McCabe is an Irish patronymic surname that originated with Scottish mercenaries in Ireland who wore distinctive hats -- or cabas, which is also the name for capes.
  20. 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.