265+ Short Baby Boy Names That You’ll Adore (& What They Mean)

Looking for a short and unique name for your baby boy? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 2- to 5-letter names, whether you want something rare, cool, classic, or exotic. We’ll also provide short middle name ideas, plus tips for choosing the perfect baby name. Keep scrolling to learn more!

Best Short Baby Boy Names

Popular: Adam, Ezra, Jack, Kai, Levi, Liam, Theo
Unique: Bear, Denim, Key, Moss, Onyx, Rye, Wolf
Classic: Alex, Cody, Dan, Jim, Paul, Sam, Will
Cool: Ace, Colt, Duke, Jett, Kane, Nash, Zico
Exotic: Abi, Aman, Koa, Rafi, Taj, Yuri, Zayn

Section 1 of 10:

Popular Short Boy Names

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Follow the current trends to pick a popular short boy name. The following options are short, trendy, and topping baby name lists worldwide. Here are the most popular short names for your baby boy:^{[1]
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- Adam: Hebrew name meaning “son of the red earth.”
- Amir: Arabic name meaning “prince,” “commander,” or “leader.”
- Beau: French name meaning “handsome” or “beautiful.”
- Eli: Hebrew name meaning “high” or “elevated.”
- Enzo: Italian name meaning “home ruler.”
- Ezra: Hebrew name meaning “help” or “helper.”^{[2]
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- Gael: Gaelic name meaning “Irishman.”
- Ian: Scottish name meaning “God is gracious.”
- Jack: British name meaning “God is gracious.”
- John: Hebrew name meaning “God is gracious.”
- José: Brazilian name meaning “God multiplies.”
- Kai: Welsh name meaning “keeper of the keys” or “earth.”^{[3]
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- Leo: Latin name meaning “lion.”^{[4]
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- Levi: Hebrew name meaning “joined.”
- Liam: Irish name meaning “helmet of will” or “protection.”
- Luca: Italian name meaning “from Lucania” or “bringer of light.”
- Luke: Greek name meaning “from Lucania.”
- Noah: Hebrew name meaning “rest” or “comfort.”
- Owen: Welsh name meaning “noble-born.”
- Remi: French name meaning “oarsman” or “rower.”
- Ryan: Irish name meaning “little king” or “descendant of the king.”
- Theo: Greek name meaning “God’s gift.”

Section 2 of 10:

Rare & Unique Short Boy Names

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Select a rare and unique name to stand out from the crowd. Searching for a short boy's name that’s one-of-a-kind? Take inspiration from food, animals, objects, or colors for something truly special. Here are some ideas you won’t hear often:
- Bean: An edible seed, typically kidney-shaped.
- Bear: A powerful mammal known for its strength and ferocity.
- Blip: A small, often unexpected interruption.
- Buck: British name meaning “male deer, goat, or stag.”
- Chip: British name meaning “free man.”
- Coal: A black, combustible rock formed from plants.
- Cobb: British name meaning “large” or “lump.”
- Cove: British name meaning “small coastal inlet.”
- Denim: French name meaning “strong cloth.”
- Dill: An aromatic herb from the parsley family.
- Flint: English name meaning “flint stone.”
- Fox: A cunning, bushy-tailed wild animal.
- Gray: The color resulting from a blend of black and white.
- Hawk: English name meaning “bird of prey.”
- Jade: British name meaning “precious stone.”
- Kale: German name meaning “free man.”
- Key: British name meaning “living near the quay.”
- Lake: British name meaning “body of water.”
- Land: German name meaning “territory.”
- Lock: German name meaning “woods,” “fortified place,” or “pond.”
- Lynx: Greek name meaning “wild cat.”
- Moss: British name meaning “savior” or “descendant of Moses.”
- Moth: An insect closely related to butterflies.
- Nori: Japanese name meaning “seaweed,” “achievement,” “law,” “ceremony,” or “love.”
- Onyx: Greek name meaning “claw” or “nail.”
- Otter: A playful aquatic mammal.
- Quill: Irish name meaning “wood,” “forest,” or “hazel tree.”
- Rock: Latin name meaning “rough.”
- Rye: British name meaning “at the island.”
- Skip: British name meaning “sea captain.”
- Slate: American name meaning “gray-green rock.”
- Stone: British name meaning “dweller by the rocks.”
- Teal: British name meaning “a bird of blue-green color.”
- Wolf: German name referring to the loyal and cunning wolf.

Section 3 of 10:

Classic Short Boy Names

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Look into the past if you want a name that’s classic and timeless. Names like Alan and Paul have stuck around for good reason—they’re simple, strong, and suitable with almost any last name. Here are the best 3-4 letter boy names that have been loved across generations:^{[5]
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- Alan: Celtic name meaning “little rock” or “handsome.”
- Alex: Greek name meaning “defender of humankind.”
- Amos: Hebrew name meaning “to carry” or “born by God.”
- Cade: English name meaning “round” or “barrel.”
- Cody: Irish name meaning “descendant of Cuidightheach.”
- Cole: Greek name meaning “victory of the people.”
- Dan: Hebrew name meaning “to judge.”
- Dean: British name meaning “valley.”
- Eric: Norse name meaning “sole ruler.”
- Evan: Welsh name meaning “God is gracious.”
- Hugh: German name meaning “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.”
- Hugo: German name meaning “mind,” “intellect,” or “soul.”^{[6]
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- Ivan: Russian name meaning “God is gracious.”
- Jace: Greek name meaning “healer” or “lord of salvation.”
- Jake: Hebrew name meaning “supplanter.”
- Jay: Latin name meaning “ blue-crested bird.”
- Jean: French name meaning “God is gracious.”
- Jim: Hebrew name meaning “supplanter.”
- Joel: Hebrew name meaning “Jehovah is the Lord.”
- Kyle: Gaelic name meaning “slender” or “strait.”
- Leon: Greek name meaning “lion.”
- Lou: French name meaning “famous warrior.”
- Max: German name meaning “greatest.”
- Neil: Irish name meaning “champion,” “passion,” or “cloud.”
- Noel: French name meaning “Christmas.”
- Otto: German name meaning “wealth.”
- Paul: Latin name meaning “small” or “humble.”
- Ray: German name meaning “counsel protection” or “wise protector.”
- Reed: British name meaning “red” or “red-haired.”
- Rick: British name meaning “brave ruler.”
- Rob: German name meaning “bright” or “famous.”
- Rory: Irish name meaning “red king.”
- Sam: American name meaning “God has heard.”
- Saul: Hebrew name meaning “prayed for.”
- Sean: Irish name meaning “God is gracious.”
- Tim: Greek name meaning “honoring God.”
- Tom: Aramaic name meaning “twin.”
- Will: German name meaning “desiring protection.”
- Zack: Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh remembers.”

Section 4 of 10:

Cool Short Boy Names

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Make a statement with a cool, edgy, or mysterious name. If you want something more masculine, choose a name that‘s typically reserved for boys. Here are the best ideas that feel fresh and modern:^{[7]
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- Abel: Hebrew name meaning “breath” or “vapor.”
- Ace: Latin name meaning “one.”
- Axel: Icelandic name meaning “father of peace.”
- Cal: Hebrew name meaning “devotion.”^{[8]
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- Cam: Scottish name meaning “crooked nose.”
- Colt: British name meaning “young horse.”
- Dev: Sanskrit name meaning “divine” or “god.”
- Dex: Latin name meaning “right-handed,” “skilled,” “clever,” or “favorable.”
- Drew: Welsh name meaning “wise.”
- Duke: Latin name meaning “leader.”
- Finn: Irish name meaning “fair” or “blessed.”^{[9]
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- Gage: French name meaning “pledge” or “measure.”
- Hunt: British name meaning “hunter” or “pursuer.”
- Jax: British name meaning “son of Jack.”
- Jet: British name meaning “black stone.”
- Jett: English name meaning “black stone.”
- Jude: Hebrew name meaning “praised.”^{[10]
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- Kane: Irish name meaning “little battler” or “warrior.”
- Kian: Irish name meaning “ancient” or “enduring one.”
- Knox: British name meaning “round-top hill.”
- Kylo: American name meaning “sky” or “heaven,” popularized by Kylo Ren in Star Wars.
- Milo: German name meaning “soldier” or “merciful.”
- Nash: British name meaning “at the ash tree.”
- Neo: Greek name meaning “new” or “young.”
- Nico: Italian name meaning “victory of the people.”
- Rhys: Welsh name meaning “ardent” or “enthusiasm.”
- Rich: German name meaning “old or powerful leader.”
- Seth: Hebrew name meaning “appointed” or “placed.”
- Troy: Irish name meaning “foot soldier.”
- Wade: British name meaning “to go” or “ford.”
- Zeke: British name meaning “God strengthens” or “pure.”
- Zico: Bengali and Portuguese name meaning “a talented and strong person.”

Section 5 of 10:

Exotic Short Boy Names

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Honor another culture (or celebrate your own) with an international name. Every culture has popular 3-5 letter names for boys, and using one is a beautiful way to celebrate your family’s heritage or pay respect to a culture you admire. Below, you’ll find direct translations of boy names from various cultures:^{[11]
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- Abi: Hebrew name meaning “joy of a father.”
- Ale: German name meaning “defender of the people.”
- Aman: Arabic name meaning “believer,” “hope,” or “wishes.”
- Aris: Greek name meaning “best” or “excellent.”
- Asa: Hebrew name meaning “healer” or “doctor.”
- Avi: Hebrew name meaning “father.”
- Ayan: Arabic name meaning “gift from God.”
- Benji: Hebrew name meaning “son of the right hand” or “son of the south.”
- Dijon: Latin name meaning “godly” or “divine.”
- Kael: Irish name meaning “slender” or “mighty warrior.”
- Koa: Hawaiian name meaning “warrior” or “brave one.”
- Odin: Norse name meaning “frenzy,” “rage,” or “inspiration.”
- Rafi: Arabic name meaning “noble” or “exalted.”
- Rio: Spanish name meaning “river.”
- Tai: Chinese name meaning “great” or “supreme.”
- Taj: Arabic name meaning “crown.”
- Tan: Chinese name meaning “magnificent.”
- Teo: Spanish name meaning “gift of god” or “divine gift.”
- Vex: Latin word meaning “to agitate or trouble.”
- Vin: Latin name meaning “prevailing.”
- Yuri: Russian name meaning “farmer.”
- Zayn: Arabic name meaning “beauty” or “grace.”

Section 6 of 10:

Simple 2-Letter Short Boy Names

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Turn to a 2-letter name if you want something simple and punchy. Two-letter names are definitely rare, but just as endearing as longer ones. Here are some ultra-short and snappy ideas that are perfect to pair with longer middle or last names:^{[12]
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- Ai: Japanese name meaning “love” or “affection.”
- An: Vietnamese name meaning “peaceful” or “quiet.”
- Bo: Norse name meaning “to live” or “dwell.”
- Di: Latin name meaning “divine.”
- Ed: British name meaning “rich guardian.”
- El: Hebrew name meaning “deity” or “god.”
- Gi: Korean name meaning “rise” or “stand up.”
- Io: Greek name meaning “moon.”
- Ja: African name meaning “magnetic” or “attractive.”
- Jo: American name meaning “God is gracious.”
- KC: Irish name meaning “of Casey.”
- Ki: Korean name meaning “strong” or “vigorous.”
- Ku: Hawaiian name meaning “to stand” or “standing upright.”
- Lo: Swedish name meaning “glorious in battle” or “famous warrior.”
- Lu: German name meaning “famous in battle” or “glorious warrior.”
- MJ: A shortened form of the name “Michael.”
- Mo: Latin name meaning “dark-skinned” or “beloved.”
- Ro: Chinese name meaning “to collect” or “to gather.”
- Ry: British name meaning “horseman.”
- Su: Chinese name meaning “revival” or “reviving.”
- Vi: A shortened form of the name “Victor.”
- Vy: Vietnamese name meaning “grand” or “excellent.”
- Xi: Chinese name meaning “to practice,” “to study,” “joy,” “hope,” “rare,” “precious,” or “dawn.”
- Yo: Japanese name meaning “positive” or “ocean.”
- Zo: African name meaning “spiritual leader.”

Section 7 of 10:

Unusual 4-Letter Short Boy Names

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Consider an unusual name inspired by colors, characters, or ancient terms. This is one of the best ways to come up with a baby’s name, with certain options more unusual than others. Here are some uncommon 4-letter options mentioned throughout history:^{[13]
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- Ajax: Greek name meaning “mourner” or “of the earth.”
- Arch: German name meaning “truly brave.”
- Ares: Greek name meaning “throng of battle” or “war.”
- Argo: Greek name meaning “swift” or “quick.”
- Bran: Scottish name meaning “bramble” or “a thicket of wild gorse.”
- Cyan: A light blue-green color.
- Elio: Italian name meaning “sun.”
- Eros: Greek name meaning “love” or “desire.”
- Ford: British name meaning “a shallow body of water to cross.”
- Hart: British name meaning “bear” or “hero.”
- Huck: British name meaning “river bend.”
- Jedi: A skilled warrior monk who uses the Force for good in Star Wars.
- Lore: American name meaning “crowned with laurel.”
- Nair: Old English name meaning “heir.”
- Navy: British name meaning “fleet of ships” or “dark blue.”
- Noir: French name meaning “black.”
- Otis: German name meaning “wealth.”
- Pike: British name meaning “sharp point.”
- Rome: Latin name meaning “citizen of Rome.”
- Shaw: British name meaning “wood” or “thicket.”
- Thel: English name meaning “story above.”
- Zeus: Greek name meaning “sky” or “shining one.”

Section 8 of 10:

Strong 5-Letter Short Boy Names

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Opt for a slightly longer name that’s rich and meaningful. Do you want your baby to be bold, brave, and courageous when he grows up? Then, you’ll want to choose a name that echoes those characteristics! Here are some strong and powerful ideas to encourage him to take on the world:^{[14]
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- Atlas: Greek name meaning “enduring” or “to endure.”
- Bohdi: Sanskrit name meaning “awakening” or “enlightenment.”
- Brian: Irish name meaning “high” or “noble.”
- Bronx: American name meaning “Bronck’s land.”
- Casey: Irish name meaning “watchful,” “vigilant,” or “brave.”
- Chase: French name meaning “huntsman.”
- Chris: Greek name meaning “bearing Christ” or “follower of Christ.”
- Colin: Gaelic, Scottish, and French name meaning “whelp,” “cub,” or “young hound.”
- David: Hebrew name meaning “beloved.”
- Derek: German name meaning “power of the tribe.”
- Diego: Spanish name meaning “Saint Jacob.”
- Dylan: Welsh name meaning “great tide” or “son of the sea.”
- Elias: Hebrew and Greek name meaning “the Lord is my God.”
- Flynn: Irish name meaning “red” or “ruddy.”
- Frank: German, French, and British name meaning “free” or “Frenchman.”
- Harry: German name meaning “home ruler.”
- Idris: Arabic name meaning “smart” or “studious.”
- James: Hebrew name meaning “supplanter” or “one who replaces.”
- Jaxon: English name meaning “son of Jack.”
- Jesse: Hebrew name meaning “God exists.”
- Kelly: Irish name meaning “descendent of Ceallach.”
- Kevin: Irish name meaning “handsome” or “beloved birth.”
- Klaus: German and Greek name meaning “victory of the people.”
- Kyrie: Greek name meaning “Lord.”
- Micah: Hebrew name meaning “who is like the Lord?”^{[15]
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- Myles: Latin, British, and Slavic name meaning “soldier.”
- Peter: Greek name meaning “rock” or “stone.”
- Reese: Welsh name meaning “fire,” “ardor,” or “enthusiasm.”
- Rhett: Latin name meaning “to speak” or “advisor.”
- Riley: British and Irish name meaning “rye clearing,” “courageous,” or “valiant.”
- Rocco: Italian, British, and German name meaning “rock,” “crow,” or “rest.”
- Rohan: Sanskrit, Irish, and Arabic name meaning “ascending,” “red,” or “spiritual.”
- Rowan: Irish name meaning “little redhead.”^{[16]
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- Shane: Irish and Hebrew name meaning “God is gracious.”
- Simon: Hebrew and Greek name meaning “to hear” or “listening.”
- Sonny: British name meaning “son.”
- Teddy: French name meaning “wealthy protector” or “God’s gift.”
- Timmy: Greek name meaning “honoring God” or “honored by God.”
- Trace: British and Irish name meaning “brave,” “fierce,” or “warlike.”
- Tryce: French name meaning “blessed” or “fortunate.”

Section 9 of 10:

Best Short Boy Middle Names

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Balance longer first names with a short middle name. If you’ve decided on a longer first name for your baby boy, a shorter middle name can improve the flow when you say his full name aloud. Here are some short middle names that pair beautifully with almost any first name:^{[17]
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- Aaron: Hebrew name meaning “exalted” or “high mountain.”
- Aiden: Gaelic name meaning “little fire.”
- Allen: Gaelic name meaning “little rock” or “handsome.”
- Asher: Hebrew name meaning “happy” or “blessed.”^{[18]
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- Brody: Irish and Scottish name meaning “ditch” or “muddy place.”
- Caleb: Hebrew name meaning “wholehearted” or “devotion.”
- Calix: Greek name meaning “wonderful” or “very beautiful.”
- Cyrus: Persian name meaning “sun” or “lord.”
- Ellis: Welsh, Greek, and Hebrew name meaning “kind,” “benevolent,” or “the Lord is my God.”
- Ethan: Hebrew name meaning “strong,” “enduring,” or “firm.”
- Felix: Latin name meaning “happy” or “fortunate.”
- Henry: German name meaning “house ruler.”
- Isaac: Hebrew name meaning “one who laughs or rejoices.”
- Jacob: Hebrew name meaning “supplanter.”
- Jules: French, Latin, and Greek name meaning “youthful.”
- Lewis: British and German name meaning “renowned warrior.”
- Logan: Scottish name meaning “hollow.”
- Lucas: Latin name meaning “bringer of light” or “man from Lucania.”
- Mason: British name meaning “stone worker.”
- Miles: Latin, German, and British name meaning “soldier.”^{[19]
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- Nolan: Irish name meaning “famous” or “noble.”
- Oscar: Irish name meaning “God spear,” “deer lover,” or “champion warrior.”
- River: British name meaning “flowing body of water.”
- Roman: Latin name meaning “from Rome.”
- Romeo: Italian name meaning “Roman.”
- Ryder: British name meaning “rider” or “horseman.”
- Scott: Scottish name meaning “from Scotland.”
- Silas: Latin name meaning “of the forest.”
- Tyler: British name meaning “tile maker” or “roof worker.”
- Wyatt: British and German name meaning “strong fighter.”

Section 10 of 10:

How to Choose the Perfect Short Boy Name

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Choose a name that flows well with his middle and last name. When naming your baby boy, consider factors like underlying meanings, popularity, preferred style, how easy it is to say and spell, and how it sounds when you say his full name aloud. Most parents want something unique yet 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, and try to pick something that will age beautifully so your child loves it forever.^{[20]
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- If you need help, ask your loved ones for suggestions or check out our three-letter 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).