Three Letter Boy Names
- Agu
Origin:
IgboMeaning:
"tiger"Description:
In its native Nigeria, Agu is a surname that signifies strength and being a force of nature. Agu as a first name has some pedigree, however: most notably via Agu Casmir, a famous Nigerian-Singaporean soccer player.
- Aja
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"goat"Description:
Retro musical reference to classic Steely Dan rock album, but mostly for girls today.
- Nic
Description:
Nic is a masculine name that functions as a short form of Nicholas or Dominic. It derives from the Greek 'nikē' meaning 'victory' when used as a diminutive of Nicholas. As a standalone name, Nic has gained modest popularity in recent decades as part of the trend toward brief, punchy names. Its simplicity makes it internationally accessible across language barriers. Nic carries a contemporary, friendly quality while maintaining a connection to traditional naming. The name is perceived as approachable and unpretentious, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both casual and classic. Its brevity gives it versatility in professional and personal contexts.
- Sim
Origin:
Scottish diminutive of SimonMeaning:
"the listener"Description:
The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.
- Sax
Origin:
Diminutive of SaxonDescription:
Rhythmic and sensual -- maybe too sensual, in terms of playground teasing. Sax Rohmer was the nom de plume of the prolific English novelist who created Dr.Fu Manchu.
- Jae
Origin:
Korean name element, spelling variation of Jay, or short form of names beginning with J.Description:
Jae is a gender-neutral name with multiple cultural origins. In Korean contexts, it's often used as part of compound names, derived from elements meaning various positive qualities like 'respect,' 'talent,' or 'wealth,' depending on the specific Chinese character used. In Western usage, Jae might be a respelling of Jay or a shortened form of names beginning with J, such as Jason, Jacob, or James.
- Bat
Origin:
Short form of BartholomewDescription:
Bartholomew is one vintage name with Biblical antecedents that hasn't risen again in the modern world, perhaps because short form Bart, as in Simpson, would be too difficult for a contemporary boy to bear. But antique nickname Bat might work better. Might.
- Xil
Description:
Xil is an extremely rare masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a shortened form of names like Axil or Maxil, or could have roots in various indigenous languages. In some contexts, it might represent a creative modern coinage, as names beginning with 'X' have gained appeal for their exotic quality and uniqueness. The name's brevity—just three letters—gives it a sharp, contemporary feel that appeals to parents seeking minimalist names. Xil's pronunciation could vary (zil, shil, or ksil), adding to its enigmatic nature. Due to its extreme rarity, the name has no established popularity trends and would be a highly distinctive choice in most cultural contexts.
- Rod
Origin:
English, diminutive of Roderick and RodneyDescription:
Macho-er than thou.
- Ico
Description:
Ico is a compact masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'first-born son' or relate to various kanji combinations with different meanings. It also appears in some European contexts, potentially as a diminutive of names like Federico in Italian or Spanish cultures. The name's brevity—just two syllables and three letters—gives it a distinctive minimalist quality that's easily pronounced across language barriers. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Ico has gained some recognition through the eponymous Japanese video game released in 2001, which may influence contemporary associations. The name carries a modern, international feel while remaining culturally flexible, appealing to parents seeking a short, distinctive name that works well globally.
- Tyg
Description:
Tyg is an uncommon masculine name with Scandinavian and Old Norse roots. It likely evolved as a variant of names like Tyge, Tycho, or Tygve, which have historical significance in Nordic countries. The name carries connotations of strength and determination, possibly relating to the Norse god of war and heroism, Tyr. While rare in modern usage, Tyg maintains appeal for parents seeking a concise, distinctive name with ancient heritage. Its simplicity and strong consonant ending give it a contemporary feel despite its traditional origins. The name remains extremely uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a truly distinctive choice for a boy.
- Ibn
Description:
Ibn is a masculine name of Arabic origin that literally means 'son of' or 'son.' Rather than functioning primarily as a standalone first name, Ibn traditionally serves as a patronymic element in Arabic naming conventions, appearing between a person's given name and their father's name (as in 'Ahmad ibn Muhammad,' meaning 'Ahmad, son of Muhammad'). However, in some contexts, particularly in modern usage or in diaspora communities, Ibn has occasionally been adopted as a given name. The name carries cultural significance in Islamic traditions, appearing frequently in historical texts and religious contexts. While uncommon as a standalone first name in most countries, including Arab nations where it's more commonly used in its traditional patronymic function, Ibn may appeal to parents seeking a name with direct connections to Arabic linguistic heritage and Islamic cultural traditions.
- Dei
Origin:
Welsh, diminutive of Dafydd/DavidDescription:
Simplify things and spell it Dai, or even Day.
- Jaq
Description:
Jaq is a compact, modern variant of Jack or Jacques, characterized by its minimalist spelling. This streamlined version maintains the friendly, approachable quality of its more common counterparts while offering a distinctive edge. With just three letters, Jaq presents a contemporary feel that works well in our digital age. Originally a medieval diminutive of John (meaning "God is gracious"), the name has evolved to stand independently. While extremely rare as an official name, Jaq might appeal to parents seeking something familiar yet unconventional. Its brevity and unusual spelling make it memorable without being difficult to pronounce, though bearers might frequently need to correct spelling assumptions.
- Gig
Origin:
English slang wordDescription:
In addition to being the term for a job performing music, Gig has been used as a name, as in onetime actor Gig Young--who was born Byron but took his stage name from a character he played.
- Tab
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
A Hollywood agent created the name Tab Hunter and poof -- the former Arthur Gelien became a fifties teen idol. We don't advise trying this at home.
- Zay
Description:
Zay is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may function as a shortened form of longer names such as Isaiah, Zachariah, Xavier, or Zayn. In Arabic, 'Zay' is the name of a letter of the alphabet. The name could also relate to the Hebrew letter 'zayin.' As a standalone name, Zay began appearing in American naming records primarily in the late 20th century and has seen increased usage in the 21st century. The name's brevity aligns with the modern trend toward shorter, distinctive names that work well globally and across digital platforms. While still relatively uncommon as a formal given name, Zay's simplicity and distinctive sound have contributed to its gradual increase in usage across diverse communities in recent decades.
- Oan
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"lamb"Description:
A too-literal spin on Owen.
- Jeh
Description:
Jeh is a concise, distinctive masculine name with various potential origins. In Indian cultures, it may be a shortened form of names like Jehangir, which has Persian origins meaning "conqueror of the world." In some contexts, it could be a variant spelling of Jay, which derives from the Latin name Gaius or from the jaybird. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal while potentially connecting to rich historical traditions. Jeh's simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across cultures, though its meaning may vary depending on its cultural context. While uncommon as a standalone name, it has gained some recognition through figures like Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. The name's short form allows it versatility and a contemporary edge that appeals to parents seeking something concise yet distinctive.
- Qué
Description:
Qué is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be derived from the Spanish word "qué," meaning "what." As a name, it may have emerged as a modern, unique choice or possibly as a shortened form of a longer name. The pronunciation would likely follow Spanish language rules (keh). Due to its rarity, Qué doesn't appear in most traditional name databases or popularity rankings. Parents might choose this distinctive name for its brevity, simplicity in spelling, or its Spanish language connections. Cross-culturally, its interrogative meaning in Spanish might create interesting conversations about the name's origin and selection.