By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Egyptian
"sun"
The name of the sun god of Egyptian mythology could only be used in combination with a longer name.
Yi is a name with significant presence in East Asian cultures, particularly Chinese and Korean traditions. In Chinese, Yi (易) can mean "change" or "easy," though the meaning varies widely depending…
Al is a masculine name that primarily functions as a shortened form of names beginning with 'Al,' such as Albert (meaning 'noble and bright'), Alfred ('wise counselor'), Alexander ('defender of the…
Modern, initials J + D
A two-initial nickname occasionally used on birth certificates.
Modern, initials K + J
Karen
"to love"
A brief name from the Karen culture of Myanmar.
English, nickname
Initial nicknames have a cool, casual sound, but you'd have to be bold — or really want to leave your kid's options open — to put just the letters on the birth certificate.
Modern, initials L + J
Sy is a short masculine name that can serve as a nickname for longer names like Simon, Seymour, or Sylvester, but also stands independently. It has multiple origins, including Hebrew, where it…
Chinese
"universe"
Yu the Great founded China's first dynasty and the name went on to become one of the most popular boy names in its native country during the 2000s. In more recent years, it has been used as an…
Short form of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
Jo is usually the feminine form of the name, while Joe is the masculine spelling.
Zo is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it relates to "life" (from zoe), while in some African cultures, particularly Madagascar, it can mean "ancestor" or carry…
Ab is a short masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'אָב' (av) meaning 'father,' reflecting paternal significance in ancient societies. It appears in the Bible as…
Japanese
"rely on + emperor, rely on + hero"
Io is most familiar to English speakers as a female name from Greek mythology, but in Japan it's used for both sexes.
