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Three Letter Boy Names

  1. Gru

    • Description:

      Gru is an unusual masculine name that gained recognition primarily through the main character in the animated film series 'Despicable Me.' Before this cultural reference, the name had very limited usage globally. It may have origins as a shortened form of Eastern European surnames or as a nickname in several cultures. The name is extremely rare as a given name but has seen occasional use since the film's popularity beginning in 2010. Gru has a distinctive brevity that makes it memorable, with just one syllable and three letters. While some parents might choose it for its association with the reformed villain character known for his intelligence and eventual kindness, its rarity suggests most families still consider it too closely tied to the fictional character for mainstream use.

  2. 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.
  3. Črt

    • Origin:

      Slovene, diminutive of Črtomir

    • Meaning:

      "hatred + peace"

    • Description:

      This name, which sounds a little like "churt", is commonly used in Slovenia but could pose pronunciation problems in the anglo world.
  4. Paz

    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "gold; peace"

    • Description:

      Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.
  5. Lum

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Columbus, English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      A forgotten nickname for Columbus, which itself is becoming ever rarer. Radio comedy program Lum and Abner, which ran for over two decades beginning in 1931, featured a character named Columbus "Lum" Edwards.
  6. Eno

    • Description:

      Even if you love Brian Eno, this doesn't make the most melodic name.
  7. Fio

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Fiorenzo, Italian

    • Meaning:

      "flowering"

    • Description:

      Quirky Italian baby name that works for any gender.
  8. Den

    • Description:

      Den is a masculine name with several potential origins. It can be a short form of Dennis (derived from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry) or names like Denham or Denzil. It also exists as an independent name in some Slavic countries, where it can mean 'day.' In Japanese, Den can represent several different characters with meanings like 'transmit,' 'legend,' or 'field.' The name's brevity gives it a strong, direct quality. Despite its simplicity and cross-cultural presence, Den remains relatively uncommon as a given name in Western countries. Its short, punchy nature makes it memorable and easy to pronounce across languages, appealing to parents who prefer minimalist, no-nonsense names with potential international resonance.

  9. Boo

    • Origin:

      Word name or nickname

    • Description:

      Boo as a first name first achieved notoriety as the name of the child-man in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Arthur "Boo" Radley was meant to be frightening, but only in a simple, non-threatening way. More recently, Boo has been used as the middle name of one of chef Jamie Oliver's children and the nickname in the middle of television's Honey Boo Boo. Boo is also the name of the world's cutest dog and of the adorable little girl in Monsters Inc. In a more basic way, Boo is a term of endearment.
  10. 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.

  11. Foy

    • Origin:

      Surname, from French

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      This once-popular surname name (rhymes with Roy) has since faded away, but we think it has a simple, stylish charm.
  12. Ram

    • Origin:

      Arabic; Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "archer; pleasing"

    • Description:

      One of the most familiar, and assertive, names found throughout the Middle East and India, with a macho soap opera aura in this country.
  13. Eja

    • Origin:

      Native American, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Singer Shania Twain is said to have chosen this name, pronounced as Asia, for her son to honor her father's Native-American culture.
  14. Léo

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      French spelling of Leo, currently a bit hit with French-speaking parents.
  15. Evo

    • Description:

      Evo is a concise, powerful masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from Latin "evolvere" meaning "to evolve" or could be a shortened form of names like Evander or Evan. In some Slavic contexts, it relates to names meaning "life" or "living." The brevity of Evo gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that fits contemporary naming trends toward shorter, impactful names. Despite its simplicity, Evo carries connotations of evolution, progress, and forward movement. Relatively rare in English-speaking countries, it has seen more usage in parts of Eastern Europe. Its international versatility and strong sound pattern make it appealing for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with positive connotations.
  16. Xan

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      With the plethora of Alexes around, Xan (and Xander) have emerged as hot new nicknames for Alexander. Xan also stands well on its own. It can be found--not surprisingly--in several computer games.
  17. Nil

    • Origin:

      Catalan and Russian variation of Neil, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "cloud"

    • Description:

      Better to stick with the Neil spelling in the US, where the word "nil" also means "zero." But this is a Top Ten name in Catalonia.
  18. Sai

    • Origin:

      Hindi or Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "holy or difference"

    • Description:

      Sai is a name used in India to honor Shirdi Sai Baba, a spiritual master revered by both Hindus and Muslims.
  19. Ced

    • Description:

      Ced is a masculine name that typically functions as a diminutive of Cedric or sometimes Cedar. Cedric itself has Anglo-Saxon origins created by Sir Walter Scott for a character in his novel 'Ivanhoe,' possibly based on the Saxon name Cerdic. As a standalone name, Ced is quite uncommon, offering simplicity and brevity that contrasts with many contemporary naming trends. Its single-syllable structure gives it a strong, straightforward quality. Some parents might choose it as a modern-feeling shortened form while maintaining connection to the more traditional Cedric. The name's rarity makes it distinctive, while its shortness makes it practical and difficult to shorten further into nicknames. Ced may also appeal to parents seeking names with nature connections if viewed as related to cedar trees.
  20. Set

    • Description:

      Set is an ancient name with deep historical roots. It derives from the Egyptian deity Set (also spelled Seth), who was the god of chaos, storms, disorder, and violence in ancient Egyptian religion. In Egyptian mythology, Set was known for killing his brother Osiris. The name has appeared in various cultures throughout history, though it remains relatively uncommon as a given name. In modern usage, Set attracts parents seeking a brief, powerful, and distinctive name with mythological connections. Its single-syllable structure gives it a strong, commanding presence despite its simplicity. While uncommon in mainstream usage, it appeals to those interested in Egyptian mythology or seeking a name with an ancient pedigree.