Three Letter Names

In English, a fen is a wetland fed by surface and/or groundwater. In Dutch and Frisian, it's a traditional diminutive of names containing the element frid, meaning "peace". Either way, Fen makes a fresh alternative to fashionable Finn.

Meg, perennially one of the Little Women, is a Margaret short form that manages to be neither quite in nor quite out of style. Meg is sleeker and more sophisticated than Maggie, more contemporary than Peg, more stylish than Megan, and still one of the best diminutives of Margaret. 
Meg Ryan was born Margaret Mary Emily Anne.

Kev is primarily a shortened form of Kevin, a name of Irish origin meaning 'handsome' or 'gentle birth.' Originally derived from the Irish name Caoimhín, Kev has evolved into a standalone name in some cultures. Though informal in nature, its brief, punchy sound gives it a contemporary feel appealing to parents seeking modern minimalism. Kev has been more commonly used in the United Kingdom and Australia than in the United States. As a single-syllable name, it has a straightforward, unpretentious quality that's easy to pronounce across cultures. While less formal than its parent name Kevin, Kev carries the same friendly, approachable associations while offering a more casual alternative.

Pen is a concise masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. As a standalone name, it can be derived from the Welsh element 'pen' meaning 'head' or 'chief,' suggesting leadership. It may also function as a shortened form of longer names like Penrose, Penton, or Spencer. In Eastern cultures, particularly Chinese, Pen can represent different characters with meanings like 'basin' or 'foundation.' The name's simplicity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal while its cross-cultural versatility adds depth. Though uncommon as a full given name, Pen's brevity and strength make it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet unpretentious for their son.

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.

This name of the ten-year-old boy in the much loved and acclaimed modern classic To Kill a Mockingbird could find favor along with that of the character's sister, Scout.

Cob is a short, strong masculine name with deep Anglo-Saxon roots. Originally a nickname derived from Jacob, it can also be a standalone name with multiple meanings across cultures. In English, it connects to nature, referring to a male swan or the center core of items like corn. The name carries agricultural associations with harvest and abundance. Historically, Cob appeared as both a surname and given name in medieval England. Though uncommon in modern times, its brevity aligns with the trend toward short, punchy boy names. Cob offers a distinctive alternative to popular three-letter names, appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon with a rugged, earthy quality.

Doe is a soft and gentle-eyed middle name possibility and, like Fawn, one of the few animal names open to girls. 
 The Ballad of Baby Doe is a modern American opera based on the story of Elizabeth McCourt Tabor, known as Baby Doe. 
 So yes, use the sweet Doe as a middle name for your daughter--just not if her first name will be Jane.

Luk is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic countries, it functions as a variant of Luke, derived from the Latin 'Lucas' meaning 'from Lucania' or 'light.' In Chinese contexts, Luk (陸) represents a common surname meaning 'land' or 'shore.' The name appears in Dutch and German-speaking regions as a shortened form of Lukas. Compact and straightforward, Luk offers international versatility while maintaining its distinct identity. Though less common than the more widely used Luke or Lucas, Luk has seen modest usage particularly in Eastern European countries and among Chinese communities worldwide. Its brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal while still connecting to the rich historical tradition of its longer counterparts.

The lead character of the Captain America movies, played by Chris Evans, is occasionally called Cap, short for "captain," but even he has a real name. (Steve Rogers, ICYC)

Naz was a common name for girls in Turkey in the 2000s. In the US, it may be used as a nickname for names such as Nazareth and for boys, Nazir.

The original Pip was the main character in Great Expectations (full name Philip Pirrip). Cute for a tike, maybe too cute for an adult.

Succinct and deceptively simple, Tua is a multicultural, unisex choice with a variety of meanings. It is most notably borne by NFL player, Tua Tagovailoa. 
 
From its Samoan roots, it ultimately comes from tu meaning "to stand", though it may also be thought of as a nickname for Tuanigamanuolepola, the full name of the aforementioned footballer. This name means "stand for the echo of the bird in the Pola mountain", a spiritually significant choice used to honor a bird whose loud call encourages people to rise in the morning. 
 
As an Indonesian name, it's a unisex choice, likely from a Malay word meaning "old, ripe", in the sense of having lived many years and also in relation to fruit being ready to pick. Alternatively, it may come from a Latin word meaning "yours".
 
The name is additionally used as a feminine choice in Scandinavia, as a feminine form of the Danish Tue ("Thor, thunder"), a Scandinavian variant of Tove ("beautiful, beloved"), or as a nickname for Perpetua. There's also the possibility that it links to the Danish word for a small hill, the Irish word for axe, and a Welsh word meaning "toward, approx, about".

With a simple and appealing sound, this travelling-lite name is a multicultural and unisex option, with plenty of meaning packed into three letters. 
 
On one hand, it may be a Swedish variation of Tove (via Tova and Tuva), making it a modern form of the Old Norse Tófa, meaning "beloved, beautiful". Alternatively, it may be a femininization of the Danish Tue, a form of Tófi, used from names including the Thor element, such as Þórfreðr ("peaceful thunder; Thor is peaceful") and Þórfastr ("solid thunder; Thor is firm").
 
There's also the possibility that it comes from the Danish word for a small hill, a Latin word meaning "yours", or as a nickname for Latin Perpetua. 
 
Beyond that, it is a Samoan masculine name, notably borne by NFL player, Tua Tagovailoa. Tua would mean "to stand", but his full name is Tuanigamanuolepola, meaning "rise to the echo of the bird of the Pola mountain", used to honor a spiritually significant bird that lives on Pola mountain in Samoa and makes a loud call each morning. 
 
Well used in Indonesia as a unisex name, it comes from a Malay word meaning "old" (as in, having lived a long life) or "ripe" (as in, ripened fruit). 
 
As if that wasn't enough, Tua is also an Irish word meaning "axe" and a Welsh word meaning "towards, approx, about", and besides that, we could imagine it being used as a nickname for Tallulah too.

Obe is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Hebrew name Obadiah, meaning "servant of God," or it could be a short form of German names like Oberlin or Oberon. In some West African traditions, particularly Yoruba, Obe can refer to "knife" or "cutting tool." The name has remained extremely rare in English-speaking countries throughout recorded history, never appearing on most popularity charts. Its brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal despite its ancient roots. Obe might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with cross-cultural connections.

This abbreviated form chosen by tennis greats Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi couldn't be jazzier. 

Short doesn't have to mean insubstantial! Three letter names range from classic like Ann and Ben to international like Aya and Tua to nickname-y like Bee and Jaz. Below, a whole range of three letter names, ordered by their popularity on Nameberry.

Short doesn't have to mean insubstantial! Three letter names range from classic like Ann and Ben to international like Aya and Tua to nickname-y like Bee and Jaz. Below, a whole range of three letter names, ordered by their popularity on Nameberry. (Page 11)