The allure of a single-syllable name lies in its ability to pack a punch with just a few short letters. The name of the game is leaving a lasting impression without overcomplicating things. 1-syllable baby names often have an authoritative quality that commands strength and respectability. These names also have the ability to sound short and sweet which is perfect for parents who will also be giving their children a lengthy last name. For instance, Abe Anderson feels better than Abraham Anderson. When pairing a last name with a first, it’s always important to consider the way the names fit together. Short first names always go better with three-syllable plus family names.
A single-syllable name also cuts out any guesswork for a nickname or pet form. For instance, Robert can be shortened to Rob, Robbie, Bobbie, or Bob. You’re leaving a lot to chance! By going ahead and choosing a name that’s succinct, you have a baked-in ready-to-wear for all occasions moniker. We combed through the baby names database and have found the best 1-syllable names for baby boys and picked our favorites. Here are 25 single-syllable baby names for boys we think you’ll love.
25. Ace
Ace is a popular boy’s name that was the 255th most popular name for boys in the US in 2018. The name has Latin origins and means “unity” or “one.” Jessica Simpson named her son Ace when he was born in 2013.
24. Slade
Slade is a classy name of English origin that means “from the valley.” A quietly nature-loving name, Slade hasn’t enjoyed the same favor as its similar cousin, Slate. We love both, but Slade would be a unique choice.
23. Duke
Duke ranked 531st as a top name for boys in the US. The English name means “nobility” which will give your heir a regal-sounding moniker. Duke is such a fun name and parents are increasingly considering it a gender-neutral option.
22. Case
Case is an English name that means “bringer of peace.” The name is increasingly favored by parents as it’s now the 506th most popular name. Traditionally, the name has been used as a pet form of Casey, but parents are forgoing the “Y” for the cooler effect of Case.
21. Poe
You can go a couple of different routes with the effortless name Poe. The traditional English meaning of the name Poe is “peacock.” If you drop the “E” and spell the name Po, you’ve got an ancient Roman name that refers to the picturesque river in Italy.
20. Tag
Tag is a classic Irish name that means “handsome.” The name can be spelled with an additional “G” for added gravitas. Just be ready for other children to make the “tag your it” joke for a few years. It will blow over, but your son will have tired legs for a time.
19. Rain
Once considered too hippie, Rain has now become an acceptable choice for a little boy or girl. For nature-loving parents, you could do no better. Fans of The Office will recognize the name belonging to actor Rainn Wilson, who gives the name a masculine twist with an added “N.”
18. Moss
While Moss might have a rustic connotation, the English name actually means “descendant of Moses.” The name is much more common as a surname but playwright Moss Hart (born Robert Hart) loved it so much he picked it for himself.
17. Ren
In the West, we often consider Ren a diminutive form of Rene. However, in Japan, Ren is one of the most popular names for boys and girls. The Japanese name means “water lily.”
16. Jude
Jude is a Latin form of the name Judah and it means “praised.” Saint Jude was the apostle who famously interceded for people with problems and became the patron saint of lost causes. Jude has a wonderful ring to it and would be an excellent choice and we’re not alone in that assessment. Jude is the 157th most popular baby name in the US.
15. Quinn
The name Quinn is a boy’s name of Irish origin meaning “descendant of Conn” or “chief leader” or “intelligence.” Although it started out as a Celtic surname, it works perfectly as a given name. Many parents agree because it’s the 384th most popular baby name in the US. Sharon Stone chose the name for her son who was born in 2006.
14. Trip
Trip began its journey as a nickname for people who are the third of something. For instance, John William III became a Trip. Thus, the name means “third” and might be an attractive option for adventurous parents who like a literal meaning.
13. Scout
Scout is a trending name for both boys and girls that’s enjoyed favor in the US ever since To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960. Scout has been a popular nickname for a very long time so it’s only natural that it’s started to become a given one as well.
12. Jack
Tried and true Jack has been with us for some time now and it’s a solid choice. The name ranks at 28th of the most popular baby names in the US. The English name is a diminutive of John (for some reason) and it means “God is gracious.” The name doesn’t only enjoy broad appeal in the US, it’s exceedingly popular in the UK as well.
11. Bear
The name Bear is of English origin. It means *drumroll* “bear.” The name is more popular in the UK than the US, but we see that changing very soon. Celebrity parents Alicia Silverstone and Kate Winslet both have children named Bear.
10. Max
How good is the simple name Max? It’s just grand. The name has English and German origins and comes from the same root as Maximilian and Maxwell. The name means “greatest” and many parents agree with that assessment because it’s the 136th most popular name for newborns in the US.
9. Pike
Zebulon Pike was the explorer who gave his name to Pike’s Peak. The English name means “a fish” as in a pike fish. Pike has a natural appeal missing from similar names Ike, Mike, or even Spike.
8. Cruz
How cool of a name is Cruz? Cruz is a Spanish name that means “cross.” The name has risen up the baby name charts in recent years seeing it hit number 327 in 2018. Victoria and David Beckham gave the name to their son born in 2005.
7. Beck
American musician and 90s darling, Beck Hansen was born Bek Hansen and is known simply as Beck. He’s a little strange, but he’s got a great name! Beck has English origins and means “one living beside a small stream.” What a darling meaning for this masculine-sounding name.
6. Link
The name Link has a mod vibe that we’re really into. The name is a diminutive form of Lincoln which means “town by the pool.” Musician Link Wray was named by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
5. Nash
Since 1997, Nash is a name that’s been on the rise. In 2018, the name hit 256 on the US popularity chart. The English name means “by the ash tree.” Although the name has been shown plenty of favor, it still retains a rock n’ roll vibe.
4. Ralph
Ralph is the proverbial hill we will die on. The American pronunciation of the name “RaLF” is an abomination. However, the traditional pronunciation “Rafe” à la Ralph Fiennes is a beautiful choice. You might not have the energy, as a parent, to fight the battle that will ensue after naming your child Ralph, so perhaps consider the spelling: Rafe. The name has English and German origins and means “wolf-counsel.”
3. Beau
The classic French name Beau means “handsome” and we’d have to agree. Beau has been on the charts since 1969 and it currently sits at number 151. Art Garfunkel, Emma Bunton, Wendy Wilson, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Tori Spelling all have sons named Beau.
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2. Miles
Jazz icon Miles Davis is as good an excuse as any to choose the name Miles for your son. Miles is the English form of the Latin name Milo and it means “merciful” or “soldier.” The internet’s favorite mom, Chrissy Teigen and musician John Legend chose the name for their youngest, born in 2018.
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1. Finn
Names like Finlay, Finley, Finian, Finnian, Finnegan, and Finnigan all benefitted from the nickname Finn. Let’s cut all the noise and get straight to the good stuff! Finn is a fantastic Irish name that means “fair” and belonged to one of Irish mythology’s greatest heroes, Finn MacCool AKA Fionn mac Cumhaill.
Do these baby names pack a punch or what? Single-syllable baby names are hip and cool names that will give your child an edge. If you’re a no-nonsense parent, consider one of these succinct baby names.
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