3-Letter Baby Names: 230+ Unique & Unisex Ideas

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Plus 3-letter baby names from Hindu, Japanese, & other languages

Co-authored by Tara Collins and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: August 14, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Girl Names
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• Boy Names
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• Unisex Names
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• Hindu Names
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• Japanese Names
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• Names from Different Cultures
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• Choosing the Perfect 3-Letter Name

|Show more |Show less

Looking for the perfect 3-letter name for your baby? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 3-letter baby boy, girl, and unisex names. We’ll also teach you how to choose the perfect name, plus provide ideas in different languages. Keep reading for short, snappy, and unique names for your little one!

Top 3-Letter Baby Names

Baby name expert Chloe Hodgson says some of the top 3-letter names for girls are Ava, Ivy, Mia, Ada, Eva, and Zoe, and some top 3-letter names for boys are Leo, Max, Kai, Jax, and Eli. Here are some more popular 3-letter baby names:

• For Girls: Amy, Bea, Cat, Gia, Joy, Liz, Meg, Sky.
• For Boys: Ace, Ben, Cal, Dan, Ian, Jay, Zac.
• Unisex: Ari, Ash, Cam, Dev, Hal, Jet, Lex, Nat, Rey.
• Unique: Aja, Dua, Gal, Jin, Koa, Luz, Mai, Ovi, Poe, Sol.

Steps

Section 1 of 7:

3-Letter Girl Names

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1. 
   Choose a charming name that captures your daughter’s spirit. Think of the style you and your partner want to come up with a fitting name. Looking for something soft and sweet? Try “Ivy” or “Emi.” Something bold and unique? Maybe “Flo” or “Nyx.” Here are the best 3-letter names for a baby girl:

   • Ada
   • Amy
   • Ana
   • Ani
   • Ann
   • Ava
   • Aya
   • Bea
   • Bia
   • Bri
   • Cat
   • Deb
   • Dot
   • Eda
   • Emi
   • Emy
   • Eva
   • Eve
   • Flo
   • Gia
   • Ida
   • Ina
   • Ivy
   • Jan
   • Jen
   • Joy
   • Kat
   • Kim
   • Lea
   • Lia
   • Liv
   • Liz
   • Lua
   • Mae
   • May
   • Meg
   • Mia
   • Nia
   • Nyx
   • Pam
   • Pia
   • Rae
   • Rue
   • Sky
   • Tia
   • Una
   • Val
   • Zoe
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Section 2 of 7:

3-Letter Boy Names

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1. 
   Select a short and punchy 3-letter name for your beloved baby boy. Decide on the vibe of the name with your partner, and choose one that rolls off the tongue easily. If you’re looking for something modern and edgy, “Axl” or “Dom” are great options. For something classic and timeless, you might go with “Ben” or “Eli.” Here are some the best 3-letter names for a baby boy:

   • Ace
   • Alf
   • Art
   • Axl
   • Ben
   • Bob
   • Bud
   • Cal
   • Dan
   • Dax
   • Dom
   • Eli
   • Gus
   • Guy
   • Ian
   • Ike
   • Jax
   • Jay
   • Jed
   • Joe
   • Jon
   • Kes
   • Kip
   • Leo
   • Mac
   • Max
   • Ned
   • Noa
   • Ozi
   • Raf
   • Ray
   • Rex
   • Rio
   • Rob
   • Roy
   • Sal
   • Sid
   • Taz
   • Ted
   • Tim
   • Tio
   • Van
   • Von
   • Wes
   • Zac
   • Zak

Section 3 of 7:

3-Letter Unisex Names

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1. 
   Pick a unisex name to let your child express their personal identity. Many unisex and gender-neutral names sound modern yet timeless, which can help your child stand out in a positive way. It also allows them to express their identity freely, without being confined to traditional gender norms. Here are some fresh and flexible ideas for boys and girls:

   • Abi
   • Adi
   • Ali
   • Ari
   • Asa
   • Ash
   • Cam
   • Del
   • Dev
   • Dru
   • Fay
   • Fox
   • Hal
   • Han
   • Ira
   • Isa
   • Jet
   • Kay
   • Kai
   • Kal
   • Kit
   • Lee
   • Lex
   • Lou
   • Lux
   • Mel
   • Nat
   • Noe
   • Ora
   • Pat
   • Paz
   • Rei
   • Rey
   • Rin
   • Rya
   • Sam
   • Tay
   • Vin
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Section 4 of 7:

Hindu 3-Letter Names

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1. 
   Choose a name linked to Hindu deities or strong character traits. Many parents name their child after Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Durga. However, names that represent desirable traits, nature, and celestial objects are also popular. Here are some unique and meaningful ideas for inspiration:

   • Ahi (“Cloud,” “sun,” or “water”)
   • Anu (“An atom”)
   • Aru (“Sun”)
   • Das (“Servant” or “devotee”)
   • Dea (“Kindness” or “goddess”)
   • Dia (“Divine”)
   • Eka (“One,” “unique,” “first,” or “chief”)
   • Eta (“Luminous”)
   • Eth (“Modest”)
   • Gau (“Period after sunset”)
   • Het (“Love”)
   • Hir (“Powerful,” “diamond,” or “darkness”)
   • Iti (“A new beginning”)
   • Jai (“Conqueror” or “victory”)
   • Jia (“Heart” or “outstanding”)
   • Mou (“Honey” or “sweet”)
   • Nil (“Blue” or “indigo”)
   • Nit (“Favor” or “grace”)
   • Oja (“Strength” or “vigor”)
   • Raj (“King”)
   • Ram (“Beautiful” or “pleasing”)
   • Ria (“Graceful”)
   • Rua (“Almost perfect”)
   • Som (“Moon”)
   • Sov (“A child born on Saturday”)
   • Ved (“Sacred knowledge”)
   • Ven (“Good fortune,” “desirable,” or “affectionate”)
   • Yuv (“Vigorous” or “young”)
   • Zev (“Deer” or “wolf”)
   • Zue (“Pretty” or “beautiful”)

Section 5 of 7:

Japanese 3-Letter Names

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1. 
   Consider the meaning of the name, based on the kanji characters. When choosing a Japanese name, it’s important to look closely at the kanji characters, since certain characters may sound the same but have a different meaning. You should also pick a theme, such as nature, beauty, or spirituality, to narrow down your choices. Here are some unique ideas:

   • Aki (“Autumn”)
   • Eri (“Picture” or “pear”)
   • Gen (“Origin” or “beginning”)
   • Hik (“Boy” or “prince”)
   • Ich (“One”)
   • Iku (“Nurture” or “raise”)
   • Iro (“Color”)
   • Ito (“Thread” or “wisteria”)
   • Jun (“Rich” or “moisture”)
   • Mas (“Right” or “correct”)
   • Mei (“Bud” or “sprout”)
   • Mio (“Beautiful thread”)
   • Nao (“Straight” or “honest”)
   • Oto (“Sound”)
   • Rui (“Tears”)
   • Ryū (“Dragon”)
   • Sae (“Clear” or “lucid”)
   • Sho (“Soar” or “fly”)
   • Sui (“Water”)
   • Tad (“Loyalty” or “faithfulness”)
   • Tai (“Great” or “big”)
   • Toa (“Ten”)
   • Ume (“Plum”)
   • Umi (“Sea”)
   • Yōk (“Sunshine” or “fragrance”)
   • Yon (“Four”)
   • Yos (“Ocean”)
   • Yui (“Only” or “sole”)
   • Yūk (“Gentle,” “superior,” or “excellent”)
   • Yūn (“Friend” or “sound”)
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Section 6 of 7:

3-Letter Names From Around the World

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1. 
   Honor your culture with a 3-letter name from another language. Every language has popular 3-letter names for boys and girls, and using one is a beautiful way to celebrate your family’s history and heritage (or honor another culture that you admire). Here are some unique 3-letter baby names from various cultures:

   • Aja (Sanskrit for “to drive” or “propel”)
   • Ata (Arabic for “gift”)
   • Cid (Spanish for “master”)
   • Dil (Hindu for “heart”)
   • Don (Irish for “chief” or “noble”)
   • Dua (Arabic for “prayer” or “supplication”)
   • Fae (French for “fairy”)
   • Fai (Chinese for “beginning”)
   • Gal (Hebrew for “wave”)
   • Gil (Hebrew for “happiness”)
   • Jin (Chinese for “gold”)
   • Kei (Japanese for “reverent,” “blessing,” or “favor”)
   • Ken (Scottish Gaelic for “born of fire”)
   • Koa (Hawaiian for “warrior” or “brave one”)
   • Kya (Greek for “pure”)
   • Lan (Chinese for “orchid”)
   • Lin (Latin for “pretty”)
   • Luc (French for “man from Lucania”)
   • Luz (Spanish for “light”)
   • Mab (Irish for “intoxicating”)
   • Mai (Japanese for “dance”)
   • Maj (Greek and Hebrew for “star of the sea”)
   • Nye (Welsh for “golden”)
   • Ode (Greek for “song”)
   • Ovi (Marathi for “sacred message of saint” or “holy message”)
   • Pax (Latin for “peaceful”)
   • Poe (Middle English for “peacock”)
   • Ren (Japanese for “lotus”)
   • Ryo (Japanese for “excellent”)
   • Sai (Marathi for “one who is divine”)
   • Sol (Spanish for “sun”)
   • Sri (Sanskrit for “radiance,” “beauty,” or “wealth”)
   • Tal (Hebrew for “dew” or “rain”)
   • Tan (Vietnamese for “new”)
   • Ula (Native American for “jewel of the sea”)
   • Wyn (Welsh for “fair” or “blessed”)
   • Yue (Chinese for “moon”)
   • Zia (Arabic for “light”)

Section 7 of 7:

How to Choose the Perfect 3-Letter Name

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1. When it comes to naming your child, consider factors like your family heritage, underlying meanings, preferred style, how easy it is to say and spell, and how popular or trendy the name is. Most parents want something unique and timeless, but it’s totally up to you! Just make sure you and your partner agree on the choice, check that the initials don’t spell anything awkward or inappropriate, and try to choose a name that will age beautifully so your child loves it.

   • If you need help, ask your loved ones for suggestions or use a baby name generator.
   • You can check out the Social Security Administration’s annual list of the most popular baby names to see what names to choose (if you want a trendy name) or avoid (if you want a unique name).
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