One Syllable Names for Boys

  1. Beat
    • Origin:

      Variation of Beatus
    • Meaning:

      "blessed"
    • Description:

      Swiss-German variation of the Roman name Beatus.
  2. Gwil
    • Origin:

      Welsh, diminutive of Gwilym
    • Description:

      Gwil is short for Gwilym — so essentially the Welsh version of Will — and is sometimes used as a name in its own right.
  3. Krish
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Krishna, Hindi, Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "black, dark"
    • Description:

      Although Krishna is popular in India, only this diminutive variation made the US Top 1000 in 2013. It also features in the UK Top 1000, appealing in its simplicity, ability to work in multiple languages and spiritual significance.
  4. Lodge
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "shelter"
    • Description:

      This English surname offers an interesting mix of images: it sounds upper-crusty yet macho, and also conjures up the coziness of a wintery ski lodge. As a surname it is associated with the Massachusetts Republican Senate Minority Leader in the Woodrow Wilson era, Henry Cabot Lodge, who was the father of poet George Cabot Lodge and grandfather of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., who was ambassador to the UN and Richard Nixon's 1960 presidential running mate.
  5. Síomón
    • Description:

      Síomón is the Irish Gaelic form of the name Simon, carrying the same historical roots but with distinctive Irish spelling and pronunciation. The name derives ultimately from the Hebrew name 'Shimon,' meaning 'to hear' or 'he has heard.' The accent over the 'i' (fada) in Irish indicates a long vowel sound. While traditional in Ireland, Síomón is relatively uncommon even there, with the anglicized Simon being more widely used. The name has rich biblical connections, as Simon was one of Jesus's apostles in the New Testament. Síomón represents a way for families to honor Irish heritage while using a name with global recognition. The pronunciation differs slightly from Simon, with emphasis on the first syllable and a longer 'ee' sound.
  6. Cleve
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cleveland
    • Description:

      Appealing short form of the stuffy Cleveland, occasionally used on its own.
  7. Nuh
    • Origin:

      Arabic and Turkish form of Noah
    • Meaning:

      "rest"
    • Description:

      A variant of the highly popular Noah, Nuh has featured in the UK Top 1000 on and off since the 2010s.
  8. Zeal
    • Origin:

      English from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "passion, fervor"
  9. Krys
    • Description:

      Krys is a masculine name functioning as a shortened form of names like Krystian, Krzysztof (Polish variations of Christian and Christopher), or Kristopher. With its crisp, modern sound, Krys offers a streamlined alternative to longer traditional names while maintaining their historic roots. The distinctive 'K' spelling gives it a contemporary edge compared to the variant 'Chris.' Popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, the name has spread globally through diaspora communities. As a standalone name, Krys remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce. The simplicity and strength of this short name appeals to parents seeking a masculine name that's both modern and connected to traditional naming patterns.

  10. Calm
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      A modern virtue name, particularly desirable in this pressure-cooker world.
  11. Nohr
    • Origin:

      Danish
    • Meaning:

      "north"
    • Description:

      For those who can't bear to use a Kardashian name, perhaps the translation Nohr might be an option. Nohr is currently in Denmark's Top 50 and so is one of those Danish names prime to travel to the wider world.
  12. Eko
    • Åge
      • Origin:

        Norwegian
      • Meaning:

        "ancestor"
      • Description:

        Åge is a common element of Scandinavian names — in Sweden, it's a nickname for August — but it's also a given name in its own right. It comes from the Old Norse name Áki, meaning "ancestor".
    • Bende
      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Bendegúz, Hungarian from Turkish
      • Meaning:

        "jewel, bead"
    • Kj
      • Origin:

        Modern, initials K + J
      • Description:

        A two-initial nickname occasionally used on birth certificates.
    • Ville
      • Origin:

        Finnish, Swedish diminutive of William
      • Meaning:

        "resolute protection"
      • Description:

        A great choice for a native Swedish speaker, but not as user-friendly as some of the other international short forms of William — Pim (Dutch), Gwil (Welsh), and of course, Liam (Irish).
    • Real
      • Origin:

        English word name
      • Meaning:

        "existing"
      • Description:

        Real has been around much longer than you might think — it first appeared on the charts for boys in 1918.
    • Virle
      • Description:

        Virle is an uncommon masculine name with obscure origins. It may derive from Latin roots related to 'virilis' meaning 'manly' or 'virile', or possibly represent a shortened form of longer names. The name could also have localized origins, as Virle exists as a place name in northern Italy. With its compact single-syllable structure, Virle has a concise, distinctive quality. Though rare in contemporary usage, the name offers a brief yet substantial option for parents seeking something uncommon. Its brevity contrasts with longer naming trends, potentially appealing to those preferring minimalist name choices.
    • Gor
      • Description:

        Gor is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Armenian tradition, it means 'proud' or 'brave' and has been used for centuries. It also appears in Russian culture and several Central Asian countries. The name's brevity gives it strength and directness, making it easy to pronounce across different languages. Despite its ancient roots, Gor remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality when used internationally. The name has connections to mythology in some cultures, where it's associated with power and courage. In recent years, Gor has seen increased interest from parents seeking short, meaningful names with cross-cultural appeal.

    • 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.