One Syllable Names For Boys

Sven

Scandinavian

"youth"

Especially for parents of Scandinavian descent, Sven is an accessible and attractive name with an appealing mix of strength and swagger. It comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Sviars, who gave…

Thorne

English

"thorn thicket"

Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorne? The E ending gives it a surnamey spin à la Hawthorne. Thorne Smith (born James Thorne) was a comic fantasy…

Trig

English form of Trygve, Norse

"trustworthy"

While it might sound like a purely mathematical option, Trig is considered an Anglicized form of the Old Norse name, Trygve (pronounced TRUYG-vuh or TREEG-vuh, depending on region), which means…

Trigg

Trip

Word name

This began as a nickname, usually for someone who was a "third," as in William III. But in an age where any noun goes, this could be thought of as representing a little voyager -- hopefully not into…

Xan

Diminutive of Alexander

"defending men"

With the plethora of Alexes around, Xan (and Xander) have emerged as hot new nicknames for Alexander. Xan also stands well on its own. It can be found--not surprisingly--in several computer games.

Xane

Spelling variation of Zane, variation of John, Hebrew

"God is gracious"

As Zane and Zayn (and Zayne) get more popular, can Xane be far behind? Xane is one of the names that have risen the most on the charts since the turn of this century, though it's still under the Top…

Zac

Diminutive of Zachariah/Zachary

"the Lord has remembered"

A popular nickname that, over the past few decades, has acquired enough standing to work on its own, a la earlier equivalents such as Jack and Max; an alternative to Zach/Zack. Actor/singer Zac…

Zach

See Zac.

Zai

Invented name

A modern invention in the style of Kai. Long I is the hottest vowel sound right now, so Zai is destined for wider use.

Zan

Diminutive of Alexander, Greek

"defending men"

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…

Zeus

Greek mythology name

The supreme Olympian god represents a mighty image for a little fella to live up to, but more and more parents are beginning to consider it seriously. The Roman equivalent Jupiter has also come down…