3 letter boy names are short, simple, and often pack a powerful meaning despite their brevity. These names are widely appreciated for their versatility and ease of pronunciation, making them popular choices for parents looking for something concise yet impactful. Across different cultures, these names carry unique origins and meanings, ranging from virtues and natural elements to attributes of strength, wisdom, or divinity.
In this list, you’ll find a diverse selection of three-letter boy names from around the world, each accompanied by its origin and meaning. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, modern, or unique name, this guide will provide inspiration and insight into these compact yet meaningful names.
3 Letter Boy Names
Three Letter Boy Names and Their Meanings
- Aba – Father; origin in Hebrew.
- Abb – Short form of Abbot; leader.
- Abe – Father of a multitude; Hebrew origin.
- Abi – My father; Hebrew origin.
- Abt – Not widely used; potentially a surname or diminutive.
- Abu – Father; Arabic origin.
- Ace – One; unity; excellence.
- Acy – A name of uncertain origin, sometimes used as a diminutive.
- Add – To be in the form of addition; a common abbreviation.
- Ade – Noble; derived from various names like Adetokunbo.
- Adi – My servant; a short form in Hebrew or Sanskrit.
- Aed – Fire; a name of Irish origin.
- Åge – Age; a name of Scandinavian origin.
- Agu – Brave; strong; often used in Igbo culture.
- Ain – Eye; spring; source in Hebrew.
- Aio – Unknown; can signify “life” in some cultures.
- Aja – Goat; a name of Indian origin.
- Åke – Ancestor; a name of Scandinavian origin.
- Aki – Autumn; a name of Japanese origin.
- Áki – A variant of Aki; also means autumn in Japanese.
- Ale – Defender; protector; short form of Alexander.
- Alf – Elf; supernatural being in Old Norse.
- Ali – Exalted; noble; a name of Arabic origin.
- Alp – Mountain; a name of Turkish origin.
- Alv – Elf; a name of Scandinavian origin.
- Ami – Friend; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Amr – Long-lived; a name of Arabic origin.
- Anh – Intelligent; a name of Vietnamese origin.
- Aoi – Blue; a name of Japanese origin.
- Ara – Brings together; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Arc – A short form of Archer; one who shoots arrows.
- Ari – Lion; bravery in Hebrew and also means “eagle” in some cultures.
- Ark – A vessel; often associated with Noah’s Ark.
- Aro – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “to rise” in some languages.
- Art – Noble; derived from Arthur.
- Arv – Inheritance; a name of Scandinavian origin.
- Ary – Noble; a variant of Ari.
- Asa – Physician; healer in Hebrew.
- Ase – A name of uncertain origin; can signify “god” in Old Norse.
- Ash – Ash tree; associated with strength and protection.
- Ata – Gift; a name of Turkish origin.
- Atu – Unknown; not widely used.
- Avi – My father; a common name in Hebrew.
- Avu – Unknown; not widely used.
- Aws – Strong; a name of Arabic origin.
- Axe – A tool for chopping; associated with strength.
- Axl – Father of peace; variant of Axel.
- Ayo – Joy; happiness in Yoruba.
- Ayu – Long-lived; a name of Indonesian origin.
- Aza – Powerful; strong; a name of Arabic origin.
- Bao – Precious; a name of Chinese origin.
- Bar – Son; in Hebrew, it signifies “son of.”
- Bas – Short form of Sebastian; means venerable or revered.
- Bat – A flying mammal; also an acronym for “Basic Airborne Transport.”
- Bax – Baker; a name of English origin.
- Bay – A body of water; also refers to the bay tree.
- Baz – Short form of Basil; meaning kingly or royal.
- Bec – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “stream.”
- Ben – Son; Hebrew origin, meaning “son of.”
- Ber – Short for Bernard; meaning brave as a bear.
- Bil – Short for William; meaning resolute protector.
- Bir – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to “bird” in some languages.
- Bix – Unknown; often used as a nickname.
- Blu – A variant of Blue; symbolizing depth and stability.
- Bly – Cheerful; a name of English origin.
- Boa – A type of snake; also refers to a warm scarf.
- Bob – Short form of Robert; meaning bright fame.
- Boe – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a nickname.
- Boi – Boy; informal term for a young man.
- Boo – A term of endearment; often associated with affection.
- Bor – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of tree.
- Bow – To bend forward; also refers to a weapon for shooting arrows.
- Boy – Male child; a general term for a young male.
- Bud – A young plant; also refers to a friend or mate.
- Buz – Short for Buzz; can mean to hum or make a buzzing sound.
- Cab – Short for cabin or cab driver; also a nickname.
- Cai – Bravery; a name of Chinese origin.
- Cal – Short for Calvin, meaning bald; also a form of Charles.
- Cam – A short form of Cameron; meaning crooked nose.
- Can – Able; capable; a name of English origin.
- Cap – Short for Captain; a leader or head.
- Cas – Short for Cassidy; meaning clever or curly.
- Cay – A small island; often used in Caribbean contexts.
- Ced – Short for Cedric; meaning kind and loved.
- Cem – Grave; a name of Turkish origin.
- Che – A friendly expression; can also refer to a person’s name.
- Ché – An informal term used in Spanish-speaking countries; can mean “friend.”
- Chi – Energy; life force in Chinese philosophy.
- Cob – A male swan; a name of English origin.
- Con – Short for Connor; meaning lover of hounds.
- Cor – Heart; a name of Latin origin.
- Cos – Short for Cosmo; meaning the universe.
- Cox – A name of English origin; can refer to a surname.
- Coy – Quiet; shy; can also refer to someone who is playful.
- Coz – Short for cousin; often used as a term of endearment.
- Črt – A name of Slovenian origin; meaning a line or a stroke.
- Cru – Short for Cruz; meaning cross in Spanish.
- Cub – A young animal; often refers to bear cubs.
- Dag – A name of Scandinavian origin; can also mean “day.”
- Dai – Great; a name of Welsh origin.
- Dak – Unknown; not widely used.
- Dal – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of lentil.
- Dan – Judge; a Hebrew name from the Bible.
- Daw – A name of English origin; refers to a jackdaw (bird).
- Dax – Leader; a name of French origin.
- Day – Daytime; also a term for a period of 24 hours.
- Dei – Of God; derived from Latin.
- Del – Short for Delaney; meaning from the alder grove.
- Den – A shelter or home; often used for wild animals.
- Des – Short for Desmond; meaning from the fortress.
- Dev – Divine; also a name of Hindi origin meaning godlike.
- Dex – Short for Dexter; meaning right-handed.
- Dez – Short for Desmond; meaning from the fortress.
- Dic – A name of uncertain origin; could be a short form of a longer name.
- Din – Loud noise; a name of Hebrew origin meaning judgment.
- Dio – God; a name of Italian origin.
- Dix – A name of Latin origin; often used as a surname.
- Dob – Short for Dobson; meaning son of Dob.
- Doc – Short for doctor; someone who heals or cures.
- Dod – Unknown; can also refer to a diminutive form of a name.
- Dom – Short for Dominic; meaning lord.
- Don – Lord; a title of respect.
- Dor – A name of Hebrew origin; meaning generation.
- Dov – Bear; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Dow – Unknown; not widely used.
- Dox – Unknown; not widely used.
- Dre – Short for Dreyfus; meaning brave.
- Dro – Unknown; can refer to a nickname.
- Dru – A name of uncertain origin; can mean wise or skilled.
- Dun – Hill; a name of Scottish origin.
- Duv – Unknown; not widely used.
- Ean – God is gracious; a variant of Ian.
- Ebb – To recede; a name of English origin.
- Ebo – A name of African origin; can mean “born on Tuesday.”
- Edd – Wealthy guardian; short form of Edward.
- Ede – A name of Dutch origin; meaning wealth.
- Edi – Short for Edward or Edith; meaning prosperous.
- Edo – The name of a Japanese city; can also mean “to be.”
- Edw – Short for Edward; meaning wealthy guardian.
- Efe – A name of African origin; often means “firstborn.”
- Efi – A name of African origin; can mean “gift.”
- Ege – The Aegean; a name of Turkish origin.
- Eja – Unknown; not widely used.
- Eko – A name of African origin; meaning “firstborn.”
- Eli – Ascended; uplifted; my God in Hebrew.
- Elm – A type of tree; symbolizes strength and protection.
- Ely – High; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Emo – To love; a name of uncertain origin.
- Enn – Unknown; can refer to a nickname.
- Eno – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “to be.”
- Enu – Unknown; not widely used.
- Eon – An indefinite period of time; often used in a philosophical context.
- Erl – Nobleman; a name of Scandinavian origin.
- Ern – Strong; a name of German origin.
- Erv – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “sea.”
- Esa – God is salvation; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Evo – Unknown; can refer to evolution.
- Əli – Exalted; a name of Arabic origin.
- Fed – Peaceful ruler; a short form of Federico.
- Fee – Short for Felix; meaning happy or fortunate.
- Fei – Fly; a name of Chinese origin.
- Fen – Marshland; a name of English origin.
- Fin – Derived from the Irish name Fionn, meaning fair or white.
- Fio – Short for Fiora; meaning flower.
- Fox – A cunning animal; also a surname.
- Foy – Joy; a name of French origin.
- Gab – Short for Gabriel, meaning God is my strength.
- Gad – Fortune; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Gal – A boy; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Gan – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a garden.
- Gar – Spear; a name of German origin.
- Gay – Happy; a name of English origin.
- Ged – Short for Gideon; meaning hewer or one who cuts trees.
- Gee – A name of uncertain origin; can be a nickname.
- Geo – Earth; derived from Greek.
- Gib – Short for Gilbert; meaning bright pledge.
- Gig – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a small job or performance.
- Gil – Joy; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Gio – Short for Giovanni; meaning God is gracious.
- God – Deity; supreme being in many religions.
- Gor – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a mountain or hill.
- Gru – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a tall, large figure.
- Gui – Short for Guillermo; meaning resolute protector.
- Gun – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “battle” in some contexts.
- Gus – Short for Augustus; meaning great or magnificent.
- Guy – Guide; a name of French origin.
- Gye – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a body of water.
- Hal – An old name meaning “home ruler.”
- Ham – Home; a name of English origin.
- Han – A name of Chinese origin; means “cold.”
- Hew – To cut; a name of Old English origin.
- Hil – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “hill.”
- Hob – Short for Robert; meaning bright fame.
- Howl – A sound made by wolves; can also refer to a type of call.
- Hoy – A small ship; also means exclamation in Dutch.
- Hud – Short for Hudson; meaning son of Hudd.
- Hug – To embrace; can also be a nickname.
- Huw – Bright in heart and mind; a Welsh name.
- Hux – Short for Huxley; meaning Hugh’s meadow.
- Huy – A name of Vietnamese origin; meaning “bright.”
- Iam – To exist; a name of uncertain origin.
- Ian – God is gracious; a Scottish variant of John.
- Ibn – Son of; often used in Arabic names.
- Ibo – A member of a Nigerian ethnic group; also means “to go.”
- Ice – Frozen water; can also mean cool or calm.
- Ici – Here; a name of uncertain origin.
- Ico – Unknown; not widely used.
- Idi – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of expression.
- Ido – A name of Hebrew origin; means “my witness.”
- Iga – Unknown; not widely used.
- Ike – He will laugh; short for Isaac.
- Iku – To go; a name of Japanese origin.
- Ing – A name of Scandinavian origin; meaning the god Ing.
- Ion – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “going” in Greek.
- Ira – Watchful; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Irl – Unknown; not widely used.
- Irv – Short for Irving; meaning green river.
- Isa – God is salvation; a name of Arabic origin.
- İsa – Jesus; a name of Arabic origin.
- Isi – Short for Isidore; meaning gift of Isis.
- Ive – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of plant.
- Ivo – Yew; a name of German origin.
- Ivy – An evergreen climbing plant; symbolizes fidelity.
- Iwo – Unknown; not widely used.
- Jac – Short for Jacob; meaning supplanter.
- Jad – Great; a name of Arabic origin.
- Jae – A name of Korean origin; meaning “wealthy.”
- Jah – Short form of Yahweh; associated with God.
- Jai – Victory; a name of Indian origin.
- Jak – A variant of Jack; meaning God is gracious.
- Jam – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to preserve or sweet.
- Jan – God is gracious; a form of John.
- Jaq – A variant of Jack; meaning God is gracious.
- Jas – Short for Jasper; meaning treasurer.
- Jax – A modern short form of Jackson, meaning son of Jack.
- Jay – Victory; also a type of bird.
- Jaz – Short for Jasmine; meaning gift from God.
- Jeb – Short for Jedidiah; meaning beloved of the Lord.
- Jed – Short for Jedediah; meaning beloved of the Lord.
- Jef – Short for Jeffrey; meaning divine peace.
- Jeh – Unknown; not widely used.
- Jem – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a precious stone.
- Jep – Short for Jeptha; meaning he will be exalted.
- Jer – Short for Jeremy; meaning appointed by God.
- Jet – A name of English origin; also refers to a type of gemstone.
- Jex – Unknown; not widely used.
- Jim – Short for James; meaning supplanter.
- Jin – Gold; a name of Chinese origin.
- Jip – Unknown; not widely used.
- Joa – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a river.
- Job – Persecuted; a name from the Bible.
- Joe – God will add; short for Joseph.
- Jon – God is gracious; a short form of Jonathan.
- Jón – God is gracious; Icelandic form of John.
- Jos – Short for Joseph; meaning God will add.
- Jov – Joy; a name of uncertain origin.
- Jru – Unknown; not widely used.
- Jud – Short for Judah; meaning praised.
- Jun – Spring; a name of Japanese origin.
- Kai – Sea in Hawaiian; also means “forgiveness” in Japanese.
- Kaj – A name of Scandinavian origin; meaning “earth.”
- Kal – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to “black” in Hindi.
- Kam – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “one who is strong.”
- Kan – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “the one.”
- Kay – Rejoice; a name of Welsh origin.
- Kei – Blessing; a name of Japanese origin.
- Ken – Brave; a name of English origin.
- Kia – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “to arise.”
- Kie – Short for Kieran; meaning little dark one.
- Kid – A young goat; also refers to a young person.
- Kim – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to gold or a short form of Kimball.
- Kip – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “pointed hill.”
- Kit – Short for Christopher or Katherine; can also refer to a young animal.
- Koi – A type of fish; symbolizing perseverance in Japanese culture.
- Kye – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of channel or waterway.
- Lad – A young man; often used in British English.
- Lee – Meadow or clearing; a name of English origin.
- Leo – Lion; a name of Latin origin.
- Lev – Heart; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Lex – Short for Alexander; meaning defender of men.
- Lio – A variant of Leo; meaning lion.
- Luz – Light; a name of Spanish origin.
- Mac – Son; a prefix in Scottish surnames meaning “son of.”
- Mal – Short for Malcolm; meaning disciple of St. Columba.
- Man – A male human; a general term for an adult male.
- Mat – Short for Matthew; meaning gift of God.
- Max – Greatest; a short form of Maximilian.
- Moe – Short for Maurice or Moses; meaning saved from the water.
- Mou – Unknown; not widely used.
- Mud – Soft, wet earth; can also refer to a state of being.
- Mug – A cup; can also refer to making faces.
- Ned – Short for Edward; meaning wealthy guardian.
- Nek – Unknown; not widely used.
- Nim – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “to play.”
- Nio – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a “young man.”
- Nis – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a mythical being.
- Nob – Short for noble; often used in British English.
- Nod – To incline the head; also refers to a brief sleep.
- Noe – Rest; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Nor – North; a name of uncertain origin.
- Nye – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of river.
- Oat – A type of grain; also a name of uncertain origin.
- Obe – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of spirit.
- Oca – A type of root vegetable; a name of uncertain origin.
- Oda – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of song.
- Oli – Short for Oliver; meaning olive tree.
- Oma – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “home.”
- Omi – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to “beauty.”
- One – A single unit; often used in various contexts.
- Oni – A name of Japanese origin; meaning “demon.”
- Ory – Unknown; can refer to a nickname.
- Osa – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to “bear.”
- Ovi – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “egg.”
- Ozi – Short for Ozias; meaning strength.
- Pax – Peace; a name of Latin origin.
- Pay – To compensate; can also refer to a name.
- Pen – An enclosure for animals; also a type of writing instrument.
- Pey – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of flower.
- Pip – A seed; can also refer to a small child.
- Poe – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a literary reference.
- Pre – Before; can refer to various contexts.
- Pro – In favor of; can also refer to a professional.
- Pry – To inquire too closely; can refer to curiosity.
- Pry – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a type of exploration.
- Pun – A form of wordplay; can refer to a nickname.
- Rai – Trust; a name of Japanese origin.
- Raj – Rule; a name of Indian origin.
- Ram – Strong; a name of Hebrew origin meaning “exalted.”
- Ray – A beam of light; also a name of English origin.
- Ree – Short for Reed; meaning red-haired.
- Ren – Lotus; a name of Japanese origin.
- Rex – King; a name of Latin origin.
- Rid – To clear; a name of uncertain origin.
- Rio – River; a name of Spanish origin.
- Rob – Short for Robert; meaning bright fame.
- Rod – A staff; can also refer to a name of German origin.
- Roy – King; a name of French origin.
- Ruf – Short for Rufus; meaning red-haired.
- Sam – God has heard; short for Samuel.
- Sao – A name of uncertain origin; can mean “a small bird.”
- Sal – Short for Salvador or Salvatore; meaning savior.
- Sas – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a nickname.
- Sco – Unknown; can refer to a type of scoffing.
- Seb – Short for Sebastian; meaning venerable.
- Sen – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to a wise person.
- Set – To put in place; can also refer to a name.
- Sid – Short for Sidney; meaning wide island.
- Ske – Unknown; not widely used.
- Sky – The expanse of air; can refer to a name.
- Sol – Sun; a name of Latin origin.
- Son – A male offspring; a term used in various contexts.
- Syd – Short for Sydney; meaning wide island.
- Tan – To tan leather; also means “to be in the sun.”
- Ted – Short for Theodore; meaning gift of God.
- Teg – A young sheep; can refer to a name of uncertain origin.
- Tep – Unknown; not widely used.
- Tob – Short for Tobias; meaning God is good.
- Tom – Short for Thomas; meaning twin.
- Trey – The number three; can refer to a nickname.
- Ugo – Heart; a name of Italian origin.
- Uri – My light; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Van – From; a name of Dutch origin.
- Vay – Unknown; not widely used.
- Vig – Strong; a name of Scandinavian origin.
- Vin – Short for Vincent; meaning conqueror.
- Wes – Short for Wesley; meaning western meadow.
- Wig – A hairpiece; can also refer to a name.
- Wil – Short for William; meaning resolute protector.
- Wit – Intellect; can also refer to a name.
- Zan – A name of uncertain origin; can refer to “gift from God.”
- Zed – The letter Z; can also refer to a name.
- Zev – Wolf; a name of Hebrew origin.
- Zia – Light; a name of Arabic origin.
- Ziv – Bright; a name of Hebrew origin.