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Three Letter Boy Names

  1. Aoi

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "hollyhock; blue"
  2. Idi

    • Origin:

      African

    • Meaning:

      "born during the Idd festival"

    • Description:

      Adverse associations with the ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.
  3. Sea

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      With River and Ocean becoming mainstream, why not consider Sea?
  4. Ryo

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "exceed; cool; refreshing; distant; reality"

    • Description:

      Also spelled as Ryō, this Japanese name holds international appeal, thanks to its cool -O ending, and concise, stylish feel. Used as a unisex name in Japan and said with equal emphasis on both syllables (REE-OH), in the US, it is used predominantly on boys, and likely said as REE-o or RY-o by English speakers.
  5. Ayo

    • Origin:

      Yoruba

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      This charming West African mini name fits in with the other similarly short names that are all the rage right now. Actress Ayo Edebiri is the star of TV's The Bear.
  6. Nir

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "plowed field"

    • Description:

      Short, simple international names like this make distinctive middle name possibilities. Nir also makes for a nature-oriented first name that's both straightforward and unusual. But be prepared for a lifetime of "...and far" jokes.
  7. Jad

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "serious"

    • Description:

      Simple and serious Arabic name which debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016.
  8. Koz

    • Description:

      Koz is a brief, impactful masculine name that may have several origins. It could be derived from Slavic surnames (particularly Polish, Czech, or Russian), where it relates to the word for "goat" and may have been a nickname for a stubborn or agile person. Alternatively, it might be a shortened form of longer names like Kozlov or Kozlowski. With just three letters, Koz delivers maximum impact with minimal length, featuring a strong consonant sound and modern feel. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in Western naming contexts. Parents might choose Koz for its uniqueness, international character, and contemporary edge. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across languages while its uncommon status helps it stand out.
  9. Zan

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      There's Zan and there's Xan--take your pick. Both of these are the latest generation of Alexander nicknames, Xan having been noticed first as a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (a rich source of names), and soon phoneticized into Zan.
  10. Ott

    • Description:

      Ott is a compact masculine name with Germanic roots. It likely originated as a shortened form of names beginning with the Old High German element 'ot' or 'od,' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune,' such as Otto, Ottokar, or Ottfried. The name also appears as a surname throughout Central and Northern Europe, particularly in Estonia, Germany, and Switzerland. As a given name, Ott is quite rare in English-speaking countries but has had more usage in Germanic and Nordic regions. Its brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality that's easy to pronounce and spell. The name's uncommon nature may appeal to parents seeking something minimalist yet rooted in European tradition. Despite its shortness, Ott carries historical weight and conveys a certain solidity and straightforwardness in its single-syllable form.

  11. Ain

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "eye; precious"
  12. Léo

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      French spelling of Leo, currently a bit hit with French-speaking parents.
  13. Dal

    • Description:

      Dal is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Welsh traditions, it means 'meadow,' suggesting open spaces and natural beauty. In Slavic languages, particularly Russian, it relates to 'distance' or 'far away.' It also appears in Persian culture with connections to the heart or courage. Dal's brevity makes it distinctive in English-speaking contexts, where it might be used as a nickname for names like Dallas or Dalton. The name's simplicity gives it versatility across cultures while its cross-cultural meanings involving nature, distance, and courage lend it subtle depth. While not widely used as a standalone first name, Dal's minimalist appeal aligns with the modern trend toward short, impactful names.
  14. Pal

    • Description:

      Pal is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hungarian, it's equivalent to Paul, derived from Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' In South Asian cultures, particularly India, Pal means 'protector' or 'caretaker.' The name also functions as a nickname for Paul or similar names in many Western countries. Short and straightforward, Pal is instantly recognizable and easy to pronounce across languages. While not currently ranking among popular baby names in most Western countries, it maintains steady usage in Hungary and parts of South Asia. The word's friendly associations in English (as in 'friend' or 'buddy') gives the name a warm, approachable quality. Its multicultural nature makes it appealing for families seeking a simple name with international versatility.
  15. Yug

    • Description:

      Yug is a concise and powerful masculine name with roots in Indian culture. In Sanskrit, 'yug' means 'era' or 'epoch,' representing a significant period of time in Hindu cosmology. The name carries meaningful philosophical connotations of timelessness and cosmic cycles. Its brevity gives it modern appeal while its cultural depth provides substance. Yug is increasingly chosen by families with South Asian heritage who desire a name that is both easy to pronounce internationally and connected to their cultural traditions. The name's simplicity, distinctive sound, and profound meaning make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a short yet meaningful name for their son.
  16. Rik

    • Description:

      Rik is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots, functioning as a short form of names containing the element 'ric' or 'rik' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' such as Richard, Frederik, Erik, or Henrik. This concise variant has been particularly popular in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavian countries. With just one syllable, Rik offers a strong, direct quality that contrasts with the more formal versions from which it derives. The name projects a friendly accessibility while maintaining masculine strength. Since the mid-20th century, Rik has occasionally been used as an independent given name rather than just a nickname, reflecting the modern preference for shorter names. Its simplicity makes it internationally transferable while its traditional roots give it substance and history.

  17. Dag

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "daylight"

    • Description:

      Norse god who's the son of light plus historic diplomat Dag Hammarskjöld and author Dag Solstad combine to boost this Nordic name's appeal, but this could be difficult in English-speaking countries where the obvious tease will be "daggy Dag."
  18. Raj

    • Description:

      Raj is a name of Indian origin that means 'king' or 'royal' in Sanskrit. It has been used throughout South Asia for centuries as both a standalone name and as part of compound names. The name carries connotations of leadership, authority, and dignity. In Western countries, Raj gained recognition through cultural exchanges and immigration, becoming more familiar through Indian characters in films and television. The name is appreciated for its brevity, strong sound, and regal meaning. Raj is particularly popular among Indian diaspora communities who wish to maintain cultural connections while using a name that's relatively easy to pronounce in English-speaking countries.

  19. Irv

    • Description:

      Irv is a masculine name primarily used as a diminutive of Irving, which has Old English origins meaning 'green water' or 'sea friend.' This short, punchy name gained modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in Jewish-American communities where Irving was more common. Irv carries a vintage, mid-century charm that evokes the era of its peak usage. While rarely used as a formal given name today, it maintains recognition as a nickname. The brevity of Irv gives it a straightforward, unpretentious quality that contrasts with longer, more elaborate naming trends. It represents a connection to earlier generations while offering simplicity.
  20. Din

    • Origin:

      Slavic from Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "religion, faith"

    • Description:

      Although it sounds like Dean, this name has different origins and is used in Slovenia and Bosnia as well as Arabic-speaking countries.