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One Syllable Names for Boys

  1. Maks

    • Description:

      Maks is a masculine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a shortened form of Maksim or Maksymilian (variations of Maximus and Maximilian). Popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, the name means 'greatest' or 'the greatest,' reflecting its Latin roots. Maks gained increased international recognition in the early 21st century, partly due to globalization and the influence of Slavic celebrities and public figures. The name's concise, strong phonetic quality gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. While still relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Maks has been gradually rising in usage as parents seek short, distinctive names with cross-cultural appeal and straightforward pronunciation.
  2. Mies

    • Origin:

      Dutch, diminutive of Bartholomeus

    • Meaning:

      "son of the earth"

    • Description:

      Apt choice for an architect's child, honoring German-born Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a central figure in modern design, and universally referred to as Mies.
  3. Payne

    • Origin:

      English or Mapuche

    • Meaning:

      "villager, country-dweller; blue"

    • Description:

      The y helps a bit, but still a painful image.
  4. Bret

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Brett

    • Description:

      There are 15 times as many baby boys named Brett than Bret, but this sleeker version is used and has some merits, namely, being sleeker.
  5. Kj

    • Origin:

      Modern, initials K + J

    • Description:

      A two-initial nickname occasionally used on birth certificates.
  6. Siem

    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Simon, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the listener"

    • Description:

      An attractive and popular choice in the Netherlands, but not one we see making it to the Top 50 in the US anytime soon.
  7. Lovre

    • Origin:

      Croatian, diminutive of Lovrenco, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum"

    • Description:

      Lovre is short for Lovrenco, the Croatian form of Laurence. In Croatia it is currently popular in its own right.
  8. Vice

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "moral depravity or corruption"

    • Description:

      This scary word name was given to five baby boys in the US in 2013, entering the lexicon for the first time. Are the boys named Vice destined for a life of crime, or the creation of a media empire?
  9. Blaize

    • Origin:

      Variation of Blaise, French

    • Meaning:

      "to lisp, stammer"

    • Description:

      A Blaise/Blaze hybrid that maintains neither the history of Blaise nor the wordiness of Blaze.
  10. Jelle

    • Origin:

      Dutch and Frisian

    • Meaning:

      "sacrifice, value"

    • Description:

      Originally a Frisian short form of names beginning with the element gild "sacrifice, value". It is also used as a Dutch short form of William.
  11. Jrue

    • Origin:

      Modern invented, variation of Drew

    • Description:

      This phonetic spelling of Drew feels particularly distanced from the original classic Andrew. Jrue, along with other phonetic "Jr" names such as Jream, is on the rise in the US — even cracking the Top 1000 in 2022.
  12. Rich

    • Description:

      Rich is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Richard, which derives from Germanic elements meaning "powerful" and "brave ruler." As an independent name, Rich emerged in English-speaking countries during the 20th century when abbreviated forms gained popularity. The name carries obvious associations with wealth and abundance, conveying a sense of prosperity and success. Its simplicity and positive connotations have made it appealing, though it remains less common as a formal given name than Richard. As a nickname, Rich has been consistently popular throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, valued for its straightforward, unpretentious quality.
  13. Moab

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "from my father"

    • Description:

      Moab is a Biblical name and an ancient place name. In the Old Testament, Moab was the son of Lot. The Kingdom of Moab, in modern-day Jordan, was Biblically significant for often being in conflict with Israel.
  14. Court

    • Origin:

      Word name, short form of Courtney

    • Meaning:

      "tribunal presided over by a judge, area marked out for ball games; short nose"

    • Description:

      As a word name, Court brings with it a plethora of potential meanings, from a legal gathering, to a stage for basketball or tennis, to a street. Sharp and strong, Court feels right at home with other rugged picks like Rhett and Jett. And yet, Court remains remarkably rare in the US. The alternate spelling Cort is only slightly more popular.
  15. Loyd

    • Description:

      Loyd is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a variant spelling of Lloyd. The name derives from the Welsh elements "llwyd" meaning "grey" or "brown," originally used as a nickname for someone with grey hair or complexion. Loyd emerged as an alternative spelling primarily in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This simplified version eliminates the double consonant while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name enjoyed modest popularity in America during the first half of the 20th century but has declined since then. Loyd conveys a straightforward, no-nonsense quality with its compact structure and strong sound. Notable bearers include various American politicians, athletes, and musicians. While less common than Lloyd, the Loyd spelling appeals to parents who appreciate its streamlined appearance and connection to traditional naming patterns while maintaining its distinctive character.

  16. Roel

    • Description:

      Roel is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. Primarily used in Dutch communities, it developed as a shortened form of Roland, meaning 'famous land' or 'famous throughout the land.' In Spanish-speaking regions, Roel can be a variant of Raúl, the Spanish form of Ralph, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'counsel' and 'wolf.' The name is appreciated for its brevity and simplicity, making it easy to pronounce across different languages. In the Netherlands, Roel has maintained moderate popularity as a straightforward, traditional Dutch name. The name has a strong, concise sound that conveys dependability and warmth. While not extremely common globally, Roel appeals to parents seeking a short, international name that works well across cultural boundaries while maintaining a classic masculine quality.

  17. Loic

    • Origin:

      French variation of Louis or Lucas

    • Description:

      While there is some disagreement over the origins of this name, it's clearly fashionable and a new idea, for English speakers, of a way to spin either an old classic or a familiar favorite. Still, Loic is one of those French names for boys that is rarely heard outside its native land.
  18. Diem

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "day"

    • Description:

      A modern name likely inspired by the Latin phrase carpe diem meaning "seize the day".
  19. Dun

    • Description:

      Dun is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins and meanings. In Scottish and Irish contexts, it derives from Gaelic, meaning 'brown-haired' or 'brown one,' and sometimes appears as a shortened form of Duncan ('dark warrior'). In Chinese culture, Dun (敦) can represent qualities like honesty, sincerity, or generosity, depending on the specific character used. As an English surname and place name, Dun refers to a dull grayish-brown color or relates to hills and forts (from the Old English 'dūn' meaning hill). The name's brevity gives it a strong, straightforward quality while its cross-cultural presence offers diverse heritage connections. Never widely popular as a first name in Western countries, Dun maintains an uncommon status that might appeal to parents seeking a simple, distinctive name with multicultural resonance.
  20. Re'em

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "oryx"