One Syllable Names: Part 1
- Aart
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"eaglelike"Description:
That double a invests the old Arthur nickname with fresh life.
- Abe
Origin:
Diminutive of Abraham. HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Old-time nickname that's following in the fashionable footsteps of cronies Jake and Sam. Abe feels both fresher and cuter -- which is maybe the same thing? -- than those choices right now. You can also get to Abe via Abel, which may prove a friendlier formal name than the gray-bearded Abraham.
- Ace
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"one, unity"Description:
No longer tied to the hapless Ace Ventura, this jaunty, high-flying nickname name is starting to take flight among celebrity and other parents, with its countless positive references to doing well in tests and poker games, on the tennis court and golf course, and in the air.
- Ad
Description:
Ad is a concise masculine name that primarily functions as a shortened form of names beginning with these letters, such as Adam, Adrian, or Addison. With just two letters, it stands as one of the shortest given names in use. Ad has Dutch origins where it serves as a traditional nickname for Adam or Adrian, though it can stand independently. In some contexts, it may derive from the Hebrew element meaning "ornament" or "adornment." The name's brevity gives it a modern, clean feel despite its traditional roots. While uncommon as a formal given name in most English-speaking countries, Ad's simplicity appeals to parents seeking minimalist naming options. The name's pronunciation is straightforward, making it internationally accessible.
- Ade
Origin:
YorubaMeaning:
"crown"
- Aed
Description:
Aed is an ancient Irish masculine name pronounced roughly like 'aid' or 'ayd.' It derives from the Old Irish word meaning 'fire' and was borne by numerous kings and figures in Irish mythology. Most notably, Aed was the name of the god of the underworld in Celtic mythology, associated with fire and the sun. Throughout Irish history, several High Kings and regional rulers bore this name. While historically significant, Aed remains quite rare in modern usage, even in Ireland where shortened versions like Aodh have been more common. The name's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality while its mythological associations lend it depth and cultural significance for those with Irish heritage or interest in Celtic traditions.
- Aime
Description:
Aime is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from the French verb 'aimer' meaning 'to love'. Pronounced 'EM' or 'EYM-ay', this simple yet meaningful name carries warmth and affection in its very essence. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has maintained some popularity in French-speaking regions. The name's brevity and straightforward spelling give it a clean, modern feel despite its traditional roots. Aime can also be seen as related to Amy or Aimée, though it stands distinct with its own pronunciation and styling. For parents seeking a name that embodies love while remaining understated and elegant, Aime offers a sweet, meaningful choice with international appeal and sophisticated French connections.
- Air
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
This nature name hasn't escaped the hippie dippy air of others like River or Sky.
- Aire
Origin:
English word name or JapaneseMeaning:
"air; love"Description:
Aire is a poetic spelling of the word "air", once widely used in Middle English. Today, it's a brand new baby name, introduced to wider audiences when Kylie Jenner revealed it as the new name of her son (the baby previously known as Wolf). Aire is an exciting new choice in nature names and unisex names — one that is decidedly less materialistic than the homophone name Heir.
- Al
Description:
Al is a masculine name that primarily functions as a shortened form of names beginning with 'Al,' such as Albert (meaning 'noble and bright'), Alfred ('wise counselor'), Alexander ('defender of the people'), or Alvin ('noble friend'). With its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation, Al projects a friendly, approachable quality that has made it enduringly popular as a nickname throughout the 20th century. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-1900s and carries associations with a generation of reliable, hardworking men. Al's simplicity gives it a timeless quality, though in recent decades it has become less common as a standalone given name, with parents more likely to use it as a familiar nickname for longer Al- names.
- Alf
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf counsel"Description:
Short form of Alfred that had fallen out of favor, but could come back alongside Alfie and other clunky old-style nicknames like Gus and Ike.
- Alv
Description:
Alv is a concise masculine name with Nordic origins, particularly connected to Norwegian and Swedish heritage. Derived from Old Norse, the name means 'elf' or 'supernatural being,' reflecting the significant role of magical creatures in Norse mythology and folklore. Traditionally pronounced similar to 'alf,' this short, powerful name carries historical weight while maintaining a modern, minimalist appeal. Though uncommon outside Scandinavia, Alv has maintained consistent usage in Norway and among families honoring Nordic ancestry. The name's brevity gives it strength and distinctiveness, while its mythological connections add depth and cultural significance. As international interest in Nordic culture continues, names like Alv may gain wider appreciation.
- Ance
Description:
Ance is an uncommon feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a shortened form of names like Constance or Ancel, or potentially derived from the Latvian name Ance, which has been used in Baltic regions. In some contexts, it could also be related to the French suffix '-ance' which forms abstract nouns. As a given name, Ance remains quite rare internationally, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's brevity and clear pronunciation make it practical while still being unique. Ance has a contemporary, minimalist feel that aligns with the trend toward shorter names. Its simplicity allows it to work well cross-culturally, while its uncommon nature makes it stand out among more traditional feminine names.
- Ange
Description:
Ange is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Latin word "angelus" meaning "messenger" or "angel." While more commonly used as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, Ange is traditionally masculine in French culture. This elegant and spiritual name carries celestial connotations, reflecting divine messengers in many religions. In France, it has maintained modest popularity throughout the centuries, often chosen for its simple yet meaningful nature. Despite its brevity, Ange carries significant symbolic weight, representing purity, protection, and guidance. The name's brevity and soft sound make it distinctive yet accessible across different cultures.
- Ann
Origin:
English variation of Hebrew HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Ann, the name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary, was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 and show no signs of returning, with Anne is the middle of the US Top 1000 and Ann dropped out of sight.
- Anne
Origin:
French variation of English Ann and Hebrew HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.
- Anse
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"cove"Description:
Name of Faulkner's great emotional villain in As I Lay Dying, Anse is not ordinarily used as a first name. It literally means cove in French, though the element ans means God in Old German and is found in names such as Ansel and Anselm.
- ANh
- Aobh
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"beauty, radiance"Description:
Also spelled Aoibh, this rare Irish Gaelic name is pronounced just like Eve.
- Aodh
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"fire"Description:
Aodh, the name of the Celtic sun god meaning "fire", was common in early Scotland. It's also the origin of the wildly popular Irish name Aidan (originally Aodhán). Its pronunciation varies depending on region: AY or EE are Irish pronunciations, and in Scotland it's closer to UH, and has been Anglicized as Hugh.