A cute nickname is a present that your child will have with them forever.
Boys often like short names more than long ones. Even if they have long names, their friends often use nicknames. Here are some cool short boy names with meanings for a unique and trendy feel. Our list includes modern and popular short boy names that you might like for your child. These short boy names are easy to remember, spell, and make an impact. Keep reading this post to find out more and pick the perfect name for your child.
Popular Short Boy Names With Meanings
1. Aaron
Aaron was the older brother of Moses in the Bible. This short boy name is popular and has a classic meaning of ‘elevated’.
2. Abe
This short boy name is very charming and modern compared to the traditional name Abraham. It is associated with the past US president Abraham Lincoln. The name Abe means ‘father of multitudes’.
3. Abel
Abel is a short and adorable name found in the Bible. He was the son of Adam and Eve, who was murdered by his brother out of jealousy. This short boy name Abel means ‘son of breath’.
4. Acer
Aser is a different way of spelling the name Aser, which has its origins in the Arabic name Aasir. This short boy name Aser means ‘captivator’ and represents someone with strength or authority.
5. Adam
This short boy Adam comes from the Hebrew word ‘adama’, which means ‘birth’, but primarily it is translated as ‘man’. It is a classic and always appropriate choice.
6. Aiden
Aiden has been a very popular name for baby boys for more than ten years. This name has inspired various versions and even surpassed the traditional Irish spelling of Aidan.
7. Alex
If you want a tough and energetic name for your son, choose Alex. It is a nickname for Alexander and means ‘man warrior’.
8. Alfie
Alfie is a popular nickname for the name Alfred, and it could be a good choice for your son. This short boy name means ‘sage’ or ‘wise’, and is a great option for parents wanting a unique name.
9. Avis
Avis is not just a spell in Harry Potter, but it is actually a real Latin name that means ‘bird’. This name was very popular during the middle ages when the Normans brought it to England. This short boy name means ‘desired’.
10. Axel
Axel is special and cool name. It’s not a very common name, which makes it appealing to parents. The short boy name Axel means ‘father of peace.’
11. Basil
A regal name for your young son. Saint Basil the Great was a bishop in the 4th century and an important figure in the early Christian church. This short boy name means ‘royal’.
12. Beck
This name has never been popular enough to be in the top 1000 list, which is why we think it would be a distinctive choice for your son.
13. Ben
The practice of using shortened names became popular in the 1980s and is now very common. For example, Ben is a shortened form of the name Benjamin. This short boy name means ‘son of’.
14. Bern
Bern is an example of a name that you always find interesting, even if you hear it multiple times. This German name means ‘bear’.
15. Blair
In Scottish, the name Blair means ‘field’ and brings to mind green fields with wildflowers. Blair is not commonly used anymore, so grab it before it becomes popular.
16. Blake
This short boy name was first used as a nickname for someone with either a very dark or very light skin tone. It is a strong and sweet name, everything a mother could want for her son.
17. Blane
This name, which originates from Ireland and Scotland, has a natural charm about it. In the popular high school movie Pretty in Pink, the character Blane is portrayed as a wealthy and suave womanizer.
18. Bodhi
More and more people are starting to use this very rare name because celebrities have chosen it. The name comes from a Sanskrit word that means ‘enlightenment.’
19. Brice
If you’re looking for a lively name for your son, Brice might be a good choice. However, there’s a drawback. Because it’s very similar to Bruce, your child might have to deal with frequent spelling mistakes.
20. Carl
This name can come from two different sources. It might have come from the English name Charles, which means ‘free man’. Or it could have roots in Scandinavian or German name Karl.
21. Cian
Cian is a short boy name that has a playful and noble feel to it. The name means ‘ancient and enduring’, giving it a sense of seriousness along with a touch of joy.
22. Clark
This short boy name became popular in 1881 and has been increasingly popular in recent years, likely due to the Australian cricketer Michael Clark being associated with it.
23. Claude
People who are into art would know this name because it was used by the famous artist Claude Monet. The short boy name is currently ranked at #889 on the list from the US Social Security Administration.
24. Clyde
Clyde is a common Scottish name that comes from the River Clyde in Scotland.
25. Cole
Cole’s wanderlust reminds us of our ancestors. Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Cole Trickle in Days of Thunder also captured this essence. The short boy name ‘Cole’ actually means dark skin or coal-black.
26. Craig
The short boy name Craig comes from a Scottish last name that means ‘rock’. It’s a great choice for parents who prefer solid and reliable names.
27. Dante
In Italian, the short boy name Dante means ‘strong and determined’, characteristics that we think you may want your son to have. Dante is not very common, but it still has a unique sound.
28. Dash
Dashiell is seen as more stylish and charming when shortened to Dash. This was confirmed when Dash became popular enough to enter the list of top 1000 baby names in the US in 2014.
29. David
The short boy name David comes from the Hebrew word Dawid, which means ‘beloved’. It is a Biblical name that would be a good option for parents who are religious.
30. Dean
This short boy name is popular among parents who prefer traditional names. It comes from the Old English word ‘denu’, which means ‘church official’. A well-known person with this name is the American actor Dean Cain.
31. Dion
This Greek name, Dion, is derived from Dionysius, the Greek god known for fertility, wine, and theater. Many people think Dion sounds more stylish and modern than the original.
32. Eli
Eli is a short boy name from the Bible that is full of enthusiasm and vitality. Right now, it is the 53rd most popular name on the list from the Social Security Administration in the United States.
33. Enzo
This charming Italian name is a shorter version of the names Lorenzo and Vincenzo. However, the Germans see it as a variation of the name Henry.
34. Eryk
This short boy name symbolizes a perfect blend of strength and charm. In Polish, Eryk stands for ‘lovable’, a quality we believe your son will possess. Additionally, in Norse language, Eryk signifies ‘eternal ruler’.
35. Ethan
Ethan has consistently ranked in the top 10 names for more than ten years. It is a great choice for parents looking for a friendly and modern name.
36. Ezra
The short boy name Ezra is a name of Hebrew origin that means ‘help.’ It is a unisex baby name, but we believe it is more suited for boys.
37. Finn
Lately, we have been hearing the name Finn in different versions, such as Finley and Finnegan which are popular. However, Finn is considered the most adorable. The name Finn is becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
38. Fox
One of the most popular animal-inspired names is Fox. In the past, Fox was a term used for people who hunted or trapped foxes.
39. Gary
The German name Gary is poised for a comeback in popularity because it is short, simple to spell and say. This short boy name means ‘spear.’
40. Gavin
The name ‘Gavin’ means ‘white hawk’ and is associated with a strong characteristic that parents often desire for their sons. Celebrities like Gavin Rossdale and Gavin DeGraw also have this name.
41. George
The popularity of this name increased when Prince George of the UK was born.
42. Grant
Did you know that this nickname was actually used for tall people? That’s news to us as well. The name is linked to the artist Grant Wood, who is famous for the painting ‘American Gothic’. The short boy name Grant means ‘big’.
43. Gunn
Gunn is a shortened version of the German name Gunther, which means ‘warrior.’ It is commonly used as a surname, like Anna Gunn, the American actress, and Tim Gunn, the American fashion consultant.
44. Gus
Gus is a short form of the names August or Augustus and it means ‘great and magnificent’. The name Gus was popular back in 1978.
45. Hale
The nickname gives the impression of being healthy and strong. It is named after Nathan Hale, a hero of the Revolutionary War.
46. Hank
This name is best known as the nickname for Henry, but it has been used as a standalone name since 2006.
47. Hans
The short boy name Hans originally came from the names Johannes or John, but it is best known for Hansel from the fairy tale. Names like composer Hans Zimmer and Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen make this name perfect for inspiring creativity in your child.
48. Ian
Ian is the Scottish equivalent of the name John which means ‘God is kind’. Despite not seeming like it, Ian is actually more widely used than you might realize.
49. Ike
Ike is a short and simple name. Isaac is becoming more popular, so the nickname Ike might soon be among the top 1000 names.
50. Jack
Our list needed to include Jack. This name is strong, courageous, attractive, and timeless. The short boy name ‘Jack’ signifies someone who replaces or takes over.
51. James
This short name is becoming more popular, just like its predecessor Jacob. We also believe it would be a great choice for a middle name. This short boy name means ‘supplanter.’
52. Jan
Jan is the European version of the name Jon and is said as ‘Yan’. Some individuals might think it sounds like Han, but we believe it is unique and interesting.
53. Jay
If you are a fan of names with a mythology background, you may like the name Jay. It is a nickname for Jason, a famous character from Greek mythology.
54. John
Many famous individuals have been called John, such as John Wayne, John Kennedy, John Cena, and John Barrymore, among others.
55. Kent
The short name Kent is a Celtic name that means ‘high or coastal land’. This name’s history goes back to Berkshire in the UK. People who are into geeky stuff might think of Clark Kent, Superman’s alter ego, when they hear this name.
56. Knox
Knox is a trendy one-syllable name for boys that means ‘from the hills’.
57. Kurt
Kurt is a German name that means ‘advisor’. It is the name of NASCAR driver Kurt Busch and Canadian skater Kurt Browning. It’s important to note that Kurt and Curt are not the same.
58. Lars
This lovely short name comes from Scandinavia and is the translation of the Latin word ‘Laurentius’, which refers to someone from the place of Laurel. In a symbolic sense, this name means ‘success’. This short yet powerful name would be an excellent choice for a young man destined for a successful life.
59. Lee
Lee is a popular boy’s name that is often used as a last name or middle name. This short boy name became popular in 1951 when it reached the 226th spot on the popularity charts. The name Lee means ‘meadow.’
60. Leif
Leif is a beautiful short name from Norse mythology. According to Norse legend, the Viking Leif Ericson arrived on the shores of America about 500 years before Columbus reached the Caribbean.
61. Leon
The short boy name Leon means ‘lion’ in French. Lions are seen as powerful and regal in many societies. They represent bravery, magnificence, and royalty.
62. Levi
Levi was the third son born to Leah and Jacob, his actual name being Matthew. The name Matthew is likely to become more popular, especially since actor Matthew McConaughey gave it to his son.
63. Liam
Liam started as a nickname for William, but is now a popular name by itself. It gained fame thanks to actor Liam Neeson. Many young people know this name from actor Liam Hemsworth in the movie Hunger Games.
64. Loic
Loic is a unique short name that stands out because of its distinctive sound and appearance. It is the French version of the name Louise, which means ‘famous warrior’.
65. Luca
Luca is a common name that can be used for both boys and girls in Italy. Many notable people have chosen this name for their children, including Colin Firth and Hillary Duff for their sons, and Jennie Garth for her daughter.
66. Luigi
Luigi, Mario’s brother, used to be known by this name for a long time. However, now it is gaining recognition on its own. Parents who appreciate classic and traditional names might be drawn to Luigi. This short boy name ‘famous warrior.’
67. Luis
This short name is a good alternative to the popular name Louis. This name means ‘famous warrior’ and is also associated with Luis Bunuel, who is known as the father of cinematic surrealism.
68. Luke
Luke is a short boy name that parents really like, and it’s easy to see why. Even though it comes from the Bible, it still sounds modern and strong. Plus, it’s linked to Star Wars character, Luke Skywalker.
69. Lyle
Lyle is a simple, one-syllable, trendy short name that means ‘someone who lives on an island.’ It is commonly used as a last name in Europe, but it can also be a great first name option.
70. Lynx
If you enjoy animals and technology, Lynx is a great choice for you. Lynx is not only a type of wild cat, but also a software company that offers internet, phone services, and medical devices to many people.
71. Mack
Mack has consistently been ranked among the top 100 names since 1900. The short boy name ‘Mack’ actually means ‘son’.
72. Mark
Some people believe that Mark is the English version of Marcus, while others think it has a connection to Mars. The short boy name Mark was extremely popular in 1974 and is now making a comeback.
73. Mason
This short boy name is easy to spell and say. This name means ‘stone worker’, which gives it a strong and rugged vibe. Many famous people, like Ne-Yo and Kourtney Kardashian, have chosen this popular name for their sons.
74. Max
Even though Max is a popular short name, it’s unfortunate that it has never been popular enough to make it to the top 100 list.
75. Mika
The short name Mika is a sweet name that means ‘beautiful smell’ in Japanese. In Native American language, Mika means ‘wise little raccoon’ while in Finnish which means ‘who is like God’.
76. Miles
People who love fashion will probably know that this name became popular because of a famous supermodel named Miles McMillan, who is currently one of the top 50 models. Its connection to musician Miles Davis also helps make it a great choice for a baby name.
77. Neil
If you are looking for a unique short name for your son, you may like the name Neil. This special short boy name comes from an Irish Gaelic name that means ‘cloud’ or ‘champion.’
78. Noah
The Biblical name became more popular after being featured in the romantic movie The Notebook. It is considered classic, strong, and still sounds modern despite being used for a long time.
79. Orion
The short name Orion comes from Greek mythology and is one of the most well-known constellations. It is a unique and unusual short boy name that means ‘ascending in the sky.’
80. Oscar
Choosing to name your son Oscar would ensure that he is seen as respectable and successful throughout his life. This short boy name has been popular among European royals and has been used in various forms.
81. Paul
This short boy name originated from the Latin term ‘paul’, which means ‘humble’.
82. Peter
The short name Peter comes from the Greek word ‘petros’ and it means ‘rock’ or ‘stone’. An example in pop culture is Peter Parker, who is Spiderman’s real name.
83. Reid
This name is commonly used for boys in the United States. This short boy name means ‘red-haired’ and is currently ranked #259 on the list of most popular baby boy names. The letter ‘i’ in this name adds a distinctive appearance to it.
84. Rhys
Rhys is a lovely short name with origins in Wales, it is a variation of Reece. The name became popular and made it to the top 100 list in 2004, likely due to actor Jonathan Rhys. This short boy name means ‘ardor’.
85. River
It appears that this name will always be popular. One of the most well-known Rivers is the heartthrob from the 1970s, River Phoenix.
86. Rollo
The short name Rollo, which means ‘famous in the land’, is a suitable name for either a Viking chief or an energetic young boy. Other versions of the name are Rolla and Rolf.
87. Ryan
This nickname immediately makes you think of Ryan Reynolds. Ryan is a short boy name that has remained popular for many years. This short name means ‘king’.
88. Sam
Sam, short for Samuel, seems more current compared to the full name. Approximately 11,000 babies are given the name Sam annually.
89. Scott
If you love reading books, consider naming your son Scott after the famous author of ‘The Great Gatsby,’ F. Scott Fitzgerald. The short boy name Scott means ‘Scottish’.
90. Sean
This popular Irish short name used to be very common in the US for babies. While its popularity has decreased, it is still a well-liked choice. The short boy name has a meaning of ‘God is gracious’.
91. Taft
Taft is a unique and short name of Old French origin that means ‘homestead’. It is most commonly associated with William Howard Taft, who served as the 26th president of the United States.
92. Tom
Tom is a common nickname for the name Thomas, which means ‘twin.’
93. Valor
According to the Oxford dictionary, Valor is defined as having ‘great courage in the face of danger’, which is a quality that will be important for the boys of the future. Plus, it also sounds impressive!
94. Van
Van is a trendy, ancient Dutch name that is becoming popular again, just like its relatives Walt and Ray. While it is typically used as part of a last name, it could also work well as a first name.
95. Vidor
If you’re looking for a special, short name for your son, Vidor is a good choice. This short name may sound strong, but it actually means ‘happy’ in Hungarian.
96. Wolfe
Names that contain earthy elements are very trendy. Wolves are strong creatures who work well in groups and show qualities of teamwork. The ending ‘e’ adds a nice touch to the overall look.
97. Wynn
This Welsh short name is currently a trendy option in the United States. It reminds people of the past when last names like Winfred, Winston, and Winfield were very common. This short boy name means ‘handsome’.
98. Zach
Disney character Zac Efron made the name popular. The name is actually a nickname for Zachary which means ‘God has remembered’.
99. Zane
If you want your son to have a unique short name that makes him noticeable, you can consider the name Zane. Zane is a name that gives off positive feelings.
100. Zed
This Hebrew name is another version of Zedekiah which means ‘the Lord is just’. It’s a more trendy and less formal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you are picking a name for your son, you probably want something that is special but also easy to remember. It can be overwhelming to sift through all the options available online or in books. That’s where this list of adorable short boy names comes in handy. You can go for popular names like Adam, Cole, Gary, or opt for more unique ones like Knox, Mika, Valor, etc.
