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Cool, Unusual, One Syllable Nicknames

Lennie
By Lennie
Updated Thu May 25 2023
  1. Ax

    • Origin:

      Word name or short form of Axel

    • Description:

      Ax makes a somewhat threatening short form of the popular Axel, given to more than 3000 baby boys last year. It can also be used on its own, though it usually isn't. There were, however, seven baby boys named Axe in the US in 2015.
  2. Bing

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "kettle-shaped hollow"

    • Description:

      When Kate Hudson named her second son Bingham and announced that she would be calling him Bing, it put this zingy nickname name out on the table. Before that, there was only one, further nicknamed Der Bingle -- and he was really Harry Lillis Crosby.
  3. Bix

    • Origin:

      Modern nickname

    • Description:

      Bix is a cool and jazzy nickname name, thanks to that final x. It's largely associated with the legendary and influential cornet player (and inspiration for the novel Young Man With a Horn), Bix Beiderbecke. He was born Leon Bismark Beiderbecke and his nickname derived from his middle name.
  4. Bly

    • Origin:

      English surname name

    • Meaning:

      "friendly"

    • Description:

      The surname of enterprising journalist Nellie Bly and poet Robert Bly makes a simple, modern, and upbeat sounding choice for either a boy or a girl.
  5. Buck

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "male deer or rabbit"

    • Description:

      Comedian Roseanne Barr chose this macho nature name for her son. In the 18th century it was used to describe a dashing, fashionable dressed man. Buck fits in well alongside names like Beck, Jack and Huck.
  6. Bam
    • Chess

      • Description:

        Chess is an uncommon masculine name derived from the classic strategy board game. As a given name, it evokes qualities of strategic thinking, patience, and intellectual prowess. The game of chess dates back to the 6th century, originating in India before spreading worldwide, which gives the name a sense of historical depth and cross-cultural significance. As a contemporary first name, Chess has a distinctive, concise quality with a modern edge, while still maintaining connections to tradition and thoughtful contemplation. The name remains quite rare in usage, appealing to parents seeking something truly unique with intellectual associations for their son.
    • Dart

      • Origin:

        English place- and word name

      • Description:

        This British river name sounds sleek and strong but perhaps a bit too energetic.
    • Day

      • Origin:

        English word name

      • Meaning:

        "the time of light between one night and the next"

      • Description:

        Many African tribes have a tradition of naming children for the day or time they were born -- Friday, Afternoon -- a practice finding new life in the Western world as word names become more popular.
    • Doss

      • Origin:

        Surname name and British English word name

      • Description:

        Diehard World War II buffs may be interested in this name as a reference to American combat medic Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to be awarded the metal of honor. But it carries a host of negative connotations in the U.K., especially in Scotland, related to laziness and the shirking of work.
    • Floy

      • Description:

        Floy is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Welsh name Floyd (meaning 'grey-haired' or 'grey'), function as a shortened form of Florence, or have roots as a variant of the Old French name Eloi. While historically used for both genders, it has been more commonly associated with men in the United States. Floy experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has become increasingly rare. The name has a distinctive, compact sound with its single syllable and unusual vowel combination. Its vintage quality might appeal to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with historical roots but a somewhat unconventional feel.

    • Fy
      • Hart

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "stag"

        • Description:

          Hart could be the hero of a romantic novel, but on the other hand, it's short, straightforward, and strong sounding. The most famous bearer of the name was tragic poet Hart (born Harold) Crane, but it also has musical cred via Lorenz Hart, of the classic Rodgers & Hart songwriting duo and a literary tie to playwright Moss Hart.
      • Hodge

        • Origin:

          Variation of Roger, German

        • Meaning:

          "famous warrior"

        • Description:

          Hodge is a medieval English nickname for Roger, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Roger isn't ready for a comeback yet, but we'd love to see the resurgence of Hodge, which never was a common choice in the US.
      • Isle

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "small island"

        • Description:

          Isla is a contemporary gem, so why not Isle? As an English word name, it takes you straight to the literal definition — a small island — which could have an appealing, aspirational ring to it, for those wanting to raise independent children.
      • Jinx

        • Origin:

          Word name

        • Meaning:

          "spell, curse, bringer of bad luck"

        • Description:

          Jinx, a James Bond heroine name has an ominous meaning but kinetic energy. In the film "Die Another Day," the actual first name of the character played by Halle Berry is Giacinta. It could therefore be a playful nickname to Ginevra, Jessica, Genevieve, Gianna, Josephine, or Georgina, or a bold choice for those wanting some sparky and witchy.
      • Keys

        • Description:

          Keys is an unusual masculine name derived from an English surname that originally referred to someone who was a key-maker or who held the position of a key-keeper for a castle or church. As a given name, Keys is extremely rare and unconventional. It may appeal to parents looking for a distinctive, short, one-syllable name with a practical association. The name carries connotations of access, security, and importance—keys literally unlock doors and possibilities. While primarily used as a surname, Keys has occasionally appeared as a first name in recent decades, though it remains statistically uncommon in birth records. Some may choose it for its musical associations, reminiscent of piano keys or musical keys.

      • Lark

        • Origin:

          Bird name

        • Description:

          In one recent year there were 60 baby girls in the US named Lark....and only eight baby boys. But there's no reason this bird name can't also be masculine, especially given that Robin is making a comeback for boys and Sparrow is a notable starbaby boy (he's Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's son).
      • Loy

        • Description:

          Loy is a short, distinctive masculine name with multiple origins. In English contexts, it often serves as a diminutive of Eloy or Loyal, carrying meanings of 'elegance' or 'faithfulness.' With Spanish and French roots, it can derive from Eligius, meaning 'chosen one.' This succinct name has medieval connections and historical usage across Europe. While never reaching widespread popularity in modern times, Loy maintains a steady if uncommon presence. Its brevity gives it a contemporary feel despite its historical roots. The name also appears in Irish contexts, possibly as an anglicized form of various Gaelic names. Its simplicity and cross-cultural character make it adaptable to various linguistic traditions.
      • Oak

        • Origin:

          English tree name

        • Meaning:

          "tree from the genus Quercus"

        • Description:

          Oak, a symbol of solidity, strength, and longevity, is joining Cedar and Pine as a viable name, one that would work especially well in the middle.