Looking for 3 letter boy names for your baby boy?
I’ve rounded up my favorite boy names that are short, sweet and perfect for your little guy.
This 3 letter boy names list includes meanings as well!
Short names have been rising in popularity over recent years. Especially boy names with 3 letters and 4 letter boy names. There’s lots of benefits of choosing a short name.
Short names are great because they’re simple, straightforward and usually easy to spell and pronounce. There’s been a trend of parents choosing short classic male nicknames for first names like Sam and Joe.
This list has over 200 three letter names for boys so I’m sure you’l find at least 1 to fall in love with! There’s lots of classic 3 letter boy names as well as a bunch of much more uncommon boy names with three letters that you’ve probably never heard of.
Let’s jump in!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which you can learn more about here.

Before we hop start exploring our unique 3 letter boy names, I wanted to mention little hack for new and expecting moms to save $$$$.
I know baby essentials expenses can add up quick so I created a post where I rounded up tons of freebies and discount codes to get baby stuff free or cheap.
It’s over $500 in savings!
Bonus: there’s also some goodies in there for preggo mamas too!
If you’re interested click the link below to check out that post ⬇
THREE LETTER BOY NAMES LIST WITH MEANINGS
A
Abe
Abe – this 3 letter boy name is short for Abraham which means ‘father of multitude’
Abu
Abu – this Arabic boy name means ‘father’
Ace
Ace – meaning ‘one’ or ‘unity’ often refers to someone who excels at something
Adi
Adi – this unisex Hebrew baby name means ‘jewel’ or ‘ornament’
Ale
Ale – meaning ‘noble’ has Dutch origins
Alf
Alf – this Norse boy name means ‘elf’
Aja
Aja – this name varies by origin but the Korean meaning I really liked – it means ‘never give up’ or ‘never stop fighting’
Ali
Ali – meaning ‘high’ ‘elevated’ or ‘champion’ in Arabic
Anu
Anu – meaning ‘the heavenly one’ and refers to a Sumerian god
Apu
Apu – this 3 letter Indian boy name means ‘pure, virtuous and divine’
Ara
Ara – the name meaning varies by origin so I chose the Armenian meaning which is ‘king’
Ari
Ari – Hebrew boy name meaning ‘lion of God’ and often a short form of Ariel
Ark
Ark – meaning ‘essence’ or ‘ray of light’ and comes from Sanskrit
Aro
Aro – this 3 letter boy name is derived from the Hebrew Aron and means ‘mountain of strength’
Art
Art – this short and cute Celtic boy name means ‘bear’ ‘champion’ or ‘noble one’
Asa
Asa – this Hebrew boy name means ‘doctor’ or ‘healer’
Ash
Ash – this cute boy name with 3 letters means ‘happy’ and has Hebrew origins
Ata
Ata – meaning ‘gift’ and has Arabic origins
Avi
Avi – Hebrew boy name meaning ‘my God’ or “father’
Axl
Axl – Hebrew boy name meaning ‘father is peace’
Aza
Aza – this name’s meaning varies by origin so I picked my favorite ‘strong’ and ‘powerful’ in Swahili
♡ Want a free prenatal course + FREE Week-by-Week pregnancy Ebook? ♡
B
Bam
Bam – meaning ‘full of life’ or ‘constant’ and ‘steadfast’
Bas
Bas – this Greek name means ‘royal’ or ‘kingly’ – also often a common nickname for Sebastian
Bay
Bay – this French baby name means ‘auburn haired’
Baz
Baz – this Greek boy name means ‘kingly’ or ‘royal’
Ben
Ben – this three letter boy name comes from Latin and means ‘blessed’
Bil
Bil – a nickname for English boy name William which means ‘resolute protection’
Bix
Bix – often a nickname for Bismark which means ‘bold’ or ‘good news’ and has African origins
Bob
Bob – this classic 3 letter boy name means ‘famed’ ‘bright or shining’ and has German roots
Boe
Boe – this cute and short boy name means ‘handsome’ and has both Scandinavian and French roots
Bry
Bry – the meaning varies by origin – the Gaelic meaning is ‘noble’ or ‘strong’
Buz
Buz – this bible name means ‘contempt’
Bud
Bud – this Englis baby name means ‘friend’
C
Cai
Cai – has Welsh origins and means ‘rejoice’ or ‘colorful in Chinese
Cal
Cal – meaning ‘devotion’ has Hebrew origins
Cam
Cam – this cute Scottish boy name means ‘crooked nose’
Cas
Cas – this short but strong Dutch name means ‘imperial’
Caz
Caz – this 3 letter boy name means ‘famous destroyer’ and has Slavic origins
Chi
Chi – means ‘younger energy’ and has Chinese origins
Col
Col – this English baby name means ‘charcoal or dark featured’
Coy
Coy – English baby name meaning ‘quiet’ or ‘still’
Cru
Cru – this Spanish name is a variation of Cruze and means ‘to cross over’
RELATED POST:
Unique Boy Names With Cute Nicknames You’ll Love
Classic Southern Baby Girl Names That Are Timeless
Baby Names By Themes For Girls and Boys
Strong Irish Baby Boy Names and Meanings
D
Dan
Dan – English baby name meaning ‘God is my judge’ and often a nickname for Daniel
Dax
Dax – this unique 3 letter boy name means ‘leader’ and has French origins
Del
Del – this is another French baby name and it means ‘of the’ or ‘small valley’ in English
Den
Den – this Russian baby name means ‘God is my judge’
Dev
Dev – this Sanskrit name means ‘God’ and is often short for Devin
Dex
Dex – this Englis boy name means ‘dyer’ or ‘right handed’ – often a nickname for Dexter
Doc
Doc – English name meaning ‘doctor’
Dom
Dom – English boy name meaning ‘Lord’
Don
Don – Irish boy name meaning ‘brown’ chief’ or ‘noble’ – often a nickname of Donny or Donald
Dre
Dre – meaning ‘man warrior’ and has French and Greek origins
Dru
Dru – means ‘brave, manly or male’ and has Greek, Welsh and French origins
RELATED POST:
Short and Cute 4 Letter Boy Names
ADORABLE 3 LETTER BABY GIRL NAMES + MEANINGS
Water Inspired Names For Baby Girls and Boys
+115 Names Meaning Complete, Last and, Final
E
Ean
Ean – Scottish boy name meaning ‘God is gracious’
Ebb
Ebb – Hebrew baby name meaning ‘foundation stone’
Edd
Edd – English baby name meaning ‘wealth protector’
Edi
Edi – Hebrew boy name meaning ‘my witness’
Eli
Eli – another Hebrew baby name – this one means ‘high, uplifted or asended’
Eon
Eon – has Scottish and Hebrew origins and means ‘God is gracious’
Era
Era – meaning ‘wind’ or ‘air’ in Albanian
Esa
Esa – boy name meaning ‘god is my salvation’ – has Finnish roots
Eza
Eza – boy name meaning ‘one who is always eager to help’
RELATED POST:
Beautiful First and Middle Name Combos For Girls
Beautiful Middle Names That Go With Noah (with Meanings)
F
Fen
Fen – this Dutch and Frisian boy name means ‘peace’
Fil
Fil – this Turkish boy name means ‘elephant’
Fin
Fin – this boy name with 3 letters means ‘fair’ or ‘from Finland’ and has Irish origins
Fox
Fox – English baby name referring to a ‘fox catcher’ or ‘fox den’
RELATED POSTS
Unisex Baby Names That Are Totally Badass
Good Middle Names for Theodore with Meanings
G
Gar
Gar – this boy name means ‘spear’ and has Anglo-Saxon origins
Gee
Gee – shortened form of Irish name ‘Mcgee’ meaning ‘son of Aodh’
Geo
Geo – meaning ‘earth’ ‘ground’ or ‘land’ – has Greek origins
Gil
Gil – cute 3 letter Hebrew boy name meaning ‘happiness’
Gin
Gin – this Japanese boy name means ‘silver’
Gio
Gio – meaning ‘God is gracious’ – has Italian origins
Gus
Gus – three letter name meaning ‘great’ – has English origins
Guy
Guy – Hebrew boy name meaning ‘gentile’ or ‘guide or leader’ in French
H
Hal
Hal – short and cute English boy name meaning ‘army ruler’
Han
Han – Scandinavian boy name meaning ‘God is gracious’
Hux
Hux – a nickname for English boy name Huxley meaning ‘inhospitable place’
RELATED POST: Hippie Bohemian Baby Names For Your Flower Child
I
Ian
Ian – vintage boy name meaning ‘the Lord is gracious’ – has Hebrew origins
Ike
Ike – English boy name meaning ‘he will laugh’ – often a nickname for Isaac
Ion
Ion – Russian boy name meaning ‘God is good’
Ira
Ira – this classic three letter boy name means ‘watchful’ and has Hebrew origins
Isa
Isa – German baby name meaning ‘strong willed’ – also Arabic for of Jesus and Hebrew for ‘salvation of God’
RELATED POST:Classic Baby Girl Names with Cute Nicknames
J
Jad
Jad – Arabic boy name meaning ‘generous, merciful and benevolent’
Jai
Jai – 3 letter Indian boy name meaning ‘victory’ or ‘champion’
Jak
Jak- a variation of Jack – this Hebrew baby name means ‘gracious is the Lord’
Jay
Jay – this English baby name means ‘to rejoice’
Jax
Jax – this English boy name means ‘God has been gracious’
Jaz
Jaz – this unisex English name means ‘fragrant flower’
Jeb
Jeb – Hebrew boy name meaning ‘beloved friend’ – how cute is that!
Jed
Jed – this cool and unusual American boy name means ‘friend of God’
Jef
Jef – this Dutch boy name is an alternative of Jeffery meaning ‘pledge of peace’
Jet
Jet – this unique unisex name means ‘black gemstone’
Jim
Jim – Hebrew boy name meaning ‘supplanter’
Job
Job – this bible boy name means ‘persecuted’
Joe
Joe – Classic English boy name meaning ‘God will increase’
Jon
Jon – vintage boy name meaning ‘gift from god’ – Hebrew origins
Jud
Jud – Hebrew baby name meaning ‘praised’
RELATED POST: Strong Hawaiian Names for Boys
K
Kai
Kai – the meaning varies by origin but this beautiful name can mean ‘warrior’ in Frisian or ‘sea’ ‘ocean’ in Hawaiian and Japanese
Kal
Kal – this Finnish boy name means ‘strong’
Kam
Kam – the Scottish meaning is ‘crooked nose’ or it can mean ‘comb’ in Dutch
Ken
Ken – this classic 3 letter Irish boy name means ‘handsome’
Kev
Kev – usually a nickname for Irish name Kevin which means ‘of noble birth’
Kim
Kim – meaning ‘noble or brave’ if you look at English origins but ‘kingly or leader’ in Chinese
Kip
Kip – this Old English boy name means ‘pointed hill’
Kit
Kit – this Greek baby name means ‘carrier of Christ’ and is often a nickname for Christopher
Koa
Koa – this Hawaiian boy name means ‘warrior’ or ‘brave one’
Kyl
Kyl – this is a variation on Kyle – a Gaelic baby name meaning ‘narrow strait or channel’
Kye
Kye – is of Welsh, Scandinavian, Greek, and Gaelic origin, and the meaning is ‘keeper of the keys’
Kyo
Kyo – this Japanese baby name means ‘cooperation’ or ‘capital’
RELATED POST:
Cute Japanese Names For Boys
Whimsical Magical Girl Names That Are TOTALLY Enchanting
INTERGALACTIC CELESTIAL SPACE BABY NAMES
Country Baby Girl Names With Rustic Charm
L
Lee
Lee – this English baby name means ‘clearing’ or ‘meadow’
Len
Len – this cute German baby name means ‘hardy lion’ or ‘lion-bold’
Leo
Leo – this classic 3 letter boy name means ‘lion’ and has Greek and Latin roots
Les
Les – this Old English boy name means ‘holly garden’
Lew
Lew – this strong boy name means ‘famous warrior’ and is of English origin
Lev
Lev – this name has Russian and Hebrew roots that mean ‘lion’ or ‘heart’
Lex
Lex – Greek boy name meaning ‘defender of man’ or ‘warrior’
Lou
Lou – this cute French baby name means ‘renowned warrior’
Luc
Luc – this French baby boy name means ‘light’ or ‘illumination’
Lux
Lux – this Greek baby name means ‘light’
RELATED POST: STRONG POWERFUL AND BRAVE NAMES FOR BOYS
M
Mac
Mac – this Scottish boy name means ‘son of’
Mak
Mak – this boy name’s meaning varies by origin so I went with the Slavic meaning ‘blessed’
Mat
Mat – this Hebrew baby name means ‘gift of the Lord’
Max
Max – often short for Maximilian or Maxwell – this cute and modern boy name means ‘ greatest’
Mel
Mel – meaning ‘friend of justice’ or ‘dark’
Mic
Mic – Hebrew baby name meaning ‘who is like God?’
Mio
Mio – Japanese name meaning ‘gracious’ or ‘pleasant’
Moe
Moe – this name has Hebrew and Latin origins and means ‘to love; God’s helmet; dark-skinned, Moorish; savior’
RELATED POST:
OLD SCHOOL BABY NAMES WITH VINTAGE VIBES
Classic Vintage Boy Names You Don’t Hear Anymore
Rare Japanese Baby Names For Twin Boys
N
Nas
Nas -this cute Spanish boy name means ‘fiery’
Nat
Nat – this Hebrew boy name means ‘gift of god’
Ned
Ned – this English baby name for boys means ‘wealthy guardian’
Neo
Neo – this unisex baby name means ‘gift’ Tswana or ‘new’ in Greek
Nic/Nik
Nic/Nik – this Greek baby name means ‘victory of the people’
Nim
Nim – this Swedish baby name means ‘wisdom’
Noe
Noe – is a variation of the Hebrew name Noah meaning ‘peaceful’
Nol
Nol – Old English name meaning ‘one who lives at the top of the hill’
Nox
Nox – this unique Latin boy name means ‘night’
Nym
Nym – this is a Shakespearean baby name – a soldier in King Henry V’s army
O
Obi
Obi – this cute African boy name means ‘heart’ – also a fan favorite from the Star Wars franchise Jedi master Obi Wan
Ody
Ody – this English baby boy name means ‘wealthy defender’
Oli
Oli – the German meaning is ‘elf warrior’ while the Greek is ‘olive tree’ (nickname form for Oliver)
Ori
Ori – this unique unisex Hebrew baby name means ‘my light’ – love it!
P
Pan
Pan – this Greek name means ‘ god of shepherds’ or the Hindi meaning is ‘leaf’ or ‘feather’
Pat
Pat – this 3 letter English boy name means ‘noble’
Pax
Pax – this Latin baby name means ‘peace’
Pip
Pip – this super cute English boy name means ‘lover of horses’
Poe
Poe – originally a French surname meaning ‘peacock’ – perfect for literary fans as a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe
R
Raf
Raf – this short and cute English boy name means ‘angel of God’
Raj
Raj – this popular 3 letter Hindi boy name means ‘king’ ‘ruler’ or ’emperor’
Ram
Ram – this Sanskrit boy name means ‘pleasing’ or ‘charming’
Ray
Ray – this classic English boy name means ‘wise protector’
Raz
Raz – this cute Hebrew boy name means ‘secret’
Reg
Reg – this English boy name means ‘Mighty counselor-ruler’
Ren
Ren – this cool rare boy name means ‘water lily’ or ‘lotus’ in Japanese
Rex
Rex – this badass boy name is of Latin origin and means ‘king’
Rey
Rey – this cute Spanish boy name means ‘king’
Ric
Ric – this unique Italian boy name means ‘powerful’ or ‘strong ruler’
Rio
Rio – this cute Spanish boy name means ‘river’
Rob
Rob – this English baby name is often a nickname for Robert meaning ‘famed, bright, shining’
Roc
Roc – this strong sounding Irish boy name actually means ‘person with frizzy hair’
Ron
Ron – of Hebrew, Scottish, Gaelic, and Old Norse origin meaning “mountain of strength or ruler’s counselor”
Roy
Roy – this Gaelic baby name means ‘king’ or ‘red’
Rye
Rye – this cute English boy name means ‘island meadow’
S
Sal
Sal – this Italian name is often a nickname for Salvatore meaning ‘savior’
Sai
Sai – this Persian name means ‘saint’ ‘master’ or ‘lord’
Sam
Sam – this vintage Hebrew boy name means ‘God has heard’
Sef
Sef – this German boy name is often a nickname for Joseph and means ‘God will increase’
Shy
Shy – English name meaning ‘bashful’ or ‘modest’
Sid
Sid – this cute English boy name means ‘wide island’
Sim
Sim – this Gaelic 3 letter boy name means ‘heard’
Sky
Sky – this unisex name means ‘the sky’ or ‘the heavens’
Sly
Sly – this Latin boy name means ‘wooded’ although it’s also often a common nickname for Sylvester which means ‘wild’ or ‘woodland’
Sol
Sol – this adorable unisex Spanish name means ‘sun’
Syd
Syd – this boy name means ‘wide meadow’ and is often a nickname for Sydney
T
Tad
Tad – this cute English baby name means ‘praise’ and is often a nickname for Thaddaeus
Tag
Tag – this adorable Irish boy name means ‘handsome’ – (remember Rachel’s boyfriend Tag from Friends , I think that’s the only time I’ve ever heard it) – super unique and cute!
Tai
Tai – this Vietnamese name means ‘talented one’ or ‘big’ in Chinese
Taj
Taj – this uncommon boy name means ‘crown’ in Sanskrit
Tam
Tam – this rare Hebrew boy name means ‘naive, honest and innocent’
Tan
Tan – this is another Vietnamese name and it means ‘new’
Tav
Tav- this unusual boy name is of Hebrew origin and means ‘truth’
Tay
Tay – this super cute English boy name means ‘tailor’
Taz
Taz – this cute and unusual boy name means ‘king’ and is of Eritrea origin (although it is sometimes used as a nickname for Theodore as well)
Ted
Ted – this is probably the most common nickname for Theodore which means ‘wealthy guard’ and is of English origin
Teo
Teo – this cute and unique boy name means ‘divine gift’ and has Greek origins
Tim
Tim – this is often a nickname for Timothy meaning ‘honoring god’ and is of Greek origin
Tio
Tio – this name has Portuguese and Spanish origins and means ‘uncle’
Tip
Tip – this American unisex name means ‘nickname’
Tod
Tod – this classic Scottish boy name means ‘fox’
Tom
Tom – this vintage boy name means ‘innocence or naive’ and is of Hebrew origin
Tre
Tre – this English baby name means ‘three’ and is a variation of Trey
Tru
Tru – this German boy name means ‘strength of the spear’
Tye
Tye – this unique English boy name means ‘from the enclosure’
U
Ugo
Ugo – this strong Italian boy name means ‘mind and spirit’
Uly
Uly – this Indonesian boy name means ‘beauty’
Ura
Ura – this cute Indian 3 letter boy name means ‘the heart’
Uri
Uri – this unique Hebrew boy name means ‘flame, fire or my light’
V
Val
Val – this rare boy name means ‘strong’ and is of English origin
Van
Van – this unusual boy name has English and French origins and means ‘of or from’
Vee
Vee – this short and cute English boy name means ‘gift of God’
Vic
Vic – this strong Latin boy name means ‘conqueror’
Vio
Vio – this Latin boy name means ‘life’
Vin
Vin – this is another unique Latin boy name which means ‘conquering’
Von
Von – this is a German name meaning ‘son of’
W
Web
Web – this is an English occupational boy name with three letters meaning ‘weaver’
Wes
Wes – this vintage Old English boy name means ‘western meadow’
Wil
Wil – this is a German variation of William meaning ‘resolute protection’
Wim
Wim – this Old German boy name means ‘determined protector’
Wyn
Wyn – this Welsh boy name means ‘white, fair, blessed or holy’
X, Y, Z
Xan
Xan – is often a nickname for Xander meaning ‘defending man’ and has Greek origins
Xen
Xen – this is another Greek name and it means ‘guest, stranger or foreigner’
Yan
Yan – this Chinese name means ‘rock’ or ‘cliff’
Yvo
Yvo – this is a popular name in Dutch speaking countries (has German and French origins) which means ‘yew’
Zac
Zac – this cute classic Hebrew boy name means ‘remembrance of God’
Zay
Zay – this unique African boy name means ‘son of a king’ or ‘love’
Zed
Zed – this cute English boy name means ‘God is righteous’
Zhi
Zhi – this Chinese name means ‘wisdom and healing’
Zev
Zev – this cool and unusual Hebrew name means ‘wolf’
TIPS FOR CHOOSING THREE LETTER NAMES
Picking a baby name is a lot of pressure. You want it to be perfect. It has to speak to your child and tell the world who he is.
We had such a tough time coming up with one that we both agreed on and loved.
There was only 1 that we both agreed on (very early on) and decided it would be our backup plan while we added more names to the list.
When all was said and done, we ended up going with that very first name.
When it’s the right one, you’ll know it.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you narrow things down.
Consider The Full Name – when choosing your baby’s first name, also take into consideration their middle and last name. Say them out loud to get a feel for the flow of things.
When you choose a short and sweet 3 letter boy name, you may want to opt for a longer middle name so it doesn’t sound too choppy. Something like Max Dean Smith doesn’t have quite as nice a balance.
Think about how many syllables you need to round it out.
Don’t Forget Initials -When you’re choosing a baby name, don’t forget to think about the initials. You can get some pretty ‘interesting’ combinations if you aren’t paying attention like Ashton Sam Smith.
Consider Name Meanings – If you find yourself stuck on a few names you love, consider their meanings. Sometimes that can help you choose a clear winner. Or is there a certain meaning or trait you love? You can even look up names that way. I was looking for boy names that mean strength and bravery so that’s what I typed in to search.

3 LETTER BOY NAME LIST
I hope you found some inspiration for your own baby from this list of three letter boy names.
Which ones were your favorite?
If you’re choosing a short and sweet boy name with 3 letters (or any name you love), I would suggest holding off on sharing them with people until baby is born.
Everybody’s got an opinion and it isn’t always a good one. If you love a name, it’s most likely the perfect one. You’ll just know it.
You don’t need people putting doubts in your head and upsetting you during such a special process as naming your little love.
If you do need a second opinion, I suggest asking strangers instead. There’s tons of baby forums where you can post name ideas or even ask for name suggestions and get feedback from other moms.
Just know, whatever you pick will be just right.
Flossie McCowald
Tuesday 30th of June 2020
So many cute ideas here! I cannot believe how much work you put into researching this great resource for parents to be!
Amy Gougler
Monday 15th of June 2020
I didn't realize there were so many 3 letter boy names out there! Such a great list of names for parents to be. I'm definitely browsing all of your lists for my baby number 3!
Nicole
Friday 12th of June 2020
These are so sweer, you always have the best name lists! Thanks for the wonderful ideas.
Floby
Thursday 11th of June 2020
Awww thanks for this post! Made it easy for anyone who's in the middle of thinking what name? :)
Huda
Wednesday 10th of June 2020
Oh wow this is such a complete and extensive list! Moms to be will definitely find this guide super convenient and helpful. I love shorter names and kind of wish I had this to reference for my son when I was pregnant!