Hipster one syllable names

  1. Britt
    • Origin:

      Swedish, contracted form of Birgit
    • Meaning:

      "high goddess"
    • Description:

      Brisk but rather brittle. Britt Eklund was a Bond Girl in the 1974 The Man with the Golden Gun. Britt is a contracted form of Birgit, but be aware that it does come with the strong possibility of being confused with Bret/Brett—or as a shortening of Brittany.
  2. Zed
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Zedekiah
    • Description:

      Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
  3. Yeats
    • Origin:

      Scottish, English
    • Meaning:

      "the gates"
    • Description:

      Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this surname-style name, especially for the middle spot. Ultimately derived from the Old English geat, Yeats is the Scottish form of Yates, pronounced exactly the same, and rhyming, helpfully, with its literal meaning of "gates".
  4. Witt
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "a talent for banter or persiflage"
    • Description:

      In the old days, this might have been a short form for Dewitt, but today it's more likely to appear as a witty word name. We approve.
  5. Keyes
    • Origin:

      English, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "keeper of keys; son of Aodh"
    • Description:

      With an easy-going and interesting sound, the surname-inspired Keyes might fit in with the likes of Hayes, Reese, Kai and Keegan. While Keyes has never appeared in the US stats, Key (perhaps as a variation of Kay or Kai) is given to a handful of boys each year.
  6. Jone
    • Description:

      Jone is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It can be viewed as a variant spelling of Joan, which derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' In Basque culture, Jone is a distinct female name pronounced 'HO-neh' and is associated with the moon. The name also appears occasionally as a variation of Joni or as a simplified form of Joanne. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Jone has seen modest usage historically. Its simplicity gives it a clean, modern appeal despite its ancient roots. The name's cross-cultural presence means it can function well internationally, being easily pronounced in various languages. Jone offers a streamlined alternative to more common variants like Joan or Joanna while maintaining their graceful qualities and historical significance.

  7. Raul
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Ralph
    • Meaning:

      "wolf counsel"
    • Description:

      Raul and French brother Raoul are much more appealing than flat-footed daddy Ralph. Puerto Rican actor Raul Julia, who starred in the Addams Family movies, brought fame to the name before his death in 1994.
  8. Linde
    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Linda, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian
    • Meaning:

      "pretty"
  9. 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.
  10. Keats
    • Origin:

      English literary name
    • Meaning:

      "kite"
    • Description:

      Poetic and easier to pronounce (it's keets) than Yeats (which is yates). This one of many poets' names to consider, such as Auden, Eliot, Frost, Byron, Lorca, Marlowe, Blake, Emerson and Tennyson, which was used by Russell Crowe.
  11. Stijn
    • Origin:

      Dutch short form
    • Description:

      As you may surmise from its origins as a short form for Constantijn and Augustijn, Stijn rhymes with nine and fine, though most English-speakers wouldn't guess that. A popular name in the Netherlands that's obscure elsewhere, for reasons undoubtedly connected to its spelling and pronunciation issues.
  12. Doon
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of word name Dune or Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "brown or dark"
    • Description:

      Photographer Diane Arbus named her daughter Doon, inspired by the sand dunes she walked among when pregnant. Used this way, Doon might be considered a nature name, a refashioning of the word dune. But Doon might also stem from the familiar Scottish surname Dunn or Dunne, which means brown or dark, originally used for a dark-haired person.
  13. Field
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      More unusual than Forest or Forrest, Field is a nature name that is simple, evocative, and fresh--sort of the male equivalent of Meadow.

      Field and Fields are both relatively common surnames, noted bearers including department store owner Marshall Field, poet Eugene Field (Wynken, Blynken and Nod) and actress Sally. Those with the plural include W.C. Fields, cookie company founder Debbi, and entertainers Gracie and Kim Fields.

  14. Mette
    • Origin:

      Norse, variation of Margaret
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.
  15. Forbes
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "field"
    • Description:

      Forbes is a business magazine in the U.S., long led by Malcolm Forbes, with a buttoned-down Brooks Brothers image. If you name your son Forbes, you're definitely implying a connection to the prominent and wealthy family -- which may be exactly what you're intending. But if you have a more down-to-earth image in mind, try Field.
  16. Nole
    • Description:

      Nole is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Arnold or Nolan, or derive from the Italian town of Nole in Turin. The name could also be a variation of Noel, meaning "Christmas" in French. In recent years, Nole gained some recognition as the nickname of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. The name has a concise, modern feel with just four letters, while still offering depth in its cultural connections. Nole is uncommon but easily pronounced across many languages, making it an accessible yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a short, contemporary name with international appeal.
  17. Teal
    • Origin:

      Bird and color name
    • Description:

      This name of both a grayish-greenish-blue color and a kind of wild duck can be used for both boys and girls.
  18. Bates
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Bartholomew
    • Description:

      Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best known for penning the words to "America the Beautiful".
  19. Graeme
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Graham
    • Meaning:

      "gravelly homestead"
    • Description:

      An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.
  20. Brahms
    • Origin:

      German surname from Abraham, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"
    • Description:

      A melodic choice for lullaby-lovers. Brahms might also make a trendy s-ending nickname for Abraham.