100 Short Names for Boys and Girls with Meanings

Explore the simplicity and charm of short baby names with our curated list of 100 options for boys and girls. Short names carry a unique appeal, often packing a punch of character and style in just a few letters. Whether you’re drawn to names with a modern flair or those that exude timeless elegance, our collection offers a diverse range of choices.

For boys, discover brief yet impactful names that convey strength, resilience, and individuality. These names are designed to make a statement without the need for length.

Girls’ names in our collection embrace brevity while maintaining a sense of grace and femininity. From modern, trendy options to classic, enduring choices, each name is thoughtfully selected for its concise and charming nature.

Short names are not only easy to remember but also often have a distinct and memorable quality. Whether you prefer names inspired by nature, mythology, or simply those that sound pleasing to the ear, our list provides a variety of options to suit different tastes. Explore the world of concise and delightful baby names that capture the essence of personality with just a handful of letters.

Classic Short Girl Names:

These charming names are perfect for baby girls, complementing both long and short last names with timeless elegance.

Ann:

Meaning “grace” or “favor,” it is of Hebrew origin.

Bea:

Short form of Beatrice, meaning “she who brings happiness” in Latin.

Beth:

Diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God” in Hebrew.

Blaire:

Origin uncertain, possibly derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “blàr” meaning “plain” or “field.”

Claire:

Meaning “clear” or “bright,” it is of Latin origin.

Dawn:

Referring to the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise, it is of English origin.

Dee:

Originally a nickname for names beginning with “D,” it has become a name in its own right.

Elle:

Meaning “she” or “her,” it is of French origin.

Eve:

From the Hebrew name (Chawwah), which was derived from the Hebrew word (chawah) meaning “to breathe” or the related word (chayah) meaning “to live.”

Faye:

Derived from Middle English “faie,” meaning “fairy” or “elf,” it has French origins.

Gail:

Short form of Abigail, meaning “my father is joy” in Hebrew.

Grace:

Meaning “favor,” “grace,” or “blessing,” it is of Latin origin.

Gwen:

Meaning “blessed” or “fair,” it is of Welsh origin.

Jane:

Derived from the Old French name Jehanne, which is from the Latin name Iohanna, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”

Jean:

Derived from the Old French Jehan, which is from the Latin Iohannes, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”

Unique Short Names for Girls:

Short and sweet, these unique girl names bring a touch of charm and a hint of boldness. Perfect for those looking for cute names with a bit of an edge!

Aja:

Meaning “goat” or “deer” in Sanskrit, of Indian origin.

Bray:

Possibly derived from the Old English word meaning “hill” or “border,” or a variation of the Irish surname O’Braonáin.

Drew:

Short form of Andrew, meaning “manly” or “courageous” in Greek.

Gem:

Referring to a precious stone or jewel, it is of English origin.

Gia:

Short form of Gianna or Giovanna, meaning “God is gracious” in Italian.

Jade:

Referring to the green gemstone or the ornamental stone, it is of Spanish origin.

Kya:

Possibly derived from the Aboriginal Australian word meaning “sand,” or a variation of the name Kaia, meaning “earth” in Scandinavian.

Lou:

Short form of Louise or Louisa, meaning “renowned warrior” in Germanic.

Luna:

Meaning “moon” in Latin, it is associated with the Roman goddess of the moon.

Minka:

Of Polish origin, possibly derived from the name Wilhelmina, meaning “will, desire” and “helmet, protection.”

Quinn:

Of Irish origin, meaning “counsel” or “intelligence.”

Rain:

Referring to precipitation from the sky, it is of English origin.

Skye:

Referring to the Isle of Skye in Scotland, or simply to the sky, it is of English origin.

Sloane:

Of Irish origin, meaning “raider” or “warrior.”

Star:

Referring to the celestial body, it is of English origin.

Classic Short Boy Names:

These timeless names exude charm and simplicity, perfect for parents seeking traditional yet stylish options for their baby boys amidst the current trend of old-fashioned baby names.

Beau:

Meaning “handsome” or “beautiful” in French, it is of French origin.

Blake:

Derived from Old English blæc, meaning “black” or blac, meaning “pale,” it is of Old English origin.

Brock:

Derived from Old English brocc, meaning “badger,” it is of Old English origin.

Cade:

Possibly derived from a medieval Scottish nickname for someone with a “round” or “rotund” physique, it is of English origin.

Cale:

Variant of Caleb, meaning “dog” or “faithful” in Hebrew.

Chad:

Possibly derived from the Old English word ceadda, meaning “warrior” or “warlike,” it is of English origin.

Chase:

Meaning “to hunt” or “to pursue,” it is of English origin.

Clark:

Meaning “cleric” or “scribe,” it is of English origin.

Cole:

Derived from the Old English word col, meaning “charcoal” or “coal,” it is of Old English origin.

Drake:

Derived from the Old Norse draki or Middle English drake, meaning “dragon” or “male duck,” it is of English origin.

Grant:

Meaning “large” or “great” in Old French, it is of English and French origin.

Heath:

Referring to uncultivated land covered with grass and shrubs, it is of English origin.

Jack:

Originally a medieval diminutive of John, meaning “Yahweh is gracious” in Hebrew.

Jake:

Short form of Jacob, meaning “holder of the heel” or “supplanter” in Hebrew.

Kent:

Derived from the Old English word cant, meaning “coastal region” or “border,” it is of English origin.

Modern Short Boy Names:

For those seeking a trendy twist, explore these sleek one-syllable baby boy names, each boasting a cool and contemporary vibe.

Ace:

Meaning “one” or “unity,” it is of English origin.

Ash:

Referring to the ash tree or ashes, it is of Old English origin.

Beck:

Derived from the Old Norse word “bekkr,” meaning “stream” or “brook,” it is of Scandinavian origin.

Chet:

Short form of Chester, meaning “fortress” or “camp” in Latin, it is of English origin.

Dane:

Meaning “from Denmark” or “Dane,” it is of English origin.

Dax:

Possibly derived from a French place name meaning “water” or “pond,” it is of French origin.

Finn:

Meaning “fair” or “white,” it is of Irish origin.

Gage:

Meaning “pledge” or “oath,” it is of Old French origin.

Grey:

Referring to the color gray, it is of English origin.

Guy:

Meaning “guide” or “leader,” it is of French origin.

Hud:

Short form of Hudson, meaning “son of Hudde” or “son of Hugh,” it is of English origin.

Jayce:

Modern variation of the name Jason, meaning “healer” in Greek.

Jax:

Short form of Jackson or Jaxon, derived from the surname Jack, it is of English origin.

Jude:

Derived from the Hebrew name Judah, meaning “praised,” it is of English origin.

Kai:

Meaning “sea” in Hawaiian, “forgiveness” in Japanese, and “willow tree” in Navajo, it has various origins.

Pax:

Meaning “peace” in Latin, it is of Latin origin.

Saul:

Meaning “asked for” or “prayed for” in Hebrew, it is of Hebrew origin.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, short baby names for boys and girls offer a blend of simplicity and elegance, providing parents with timeless options that resonate with modern trends. Whether opting for classic monikers or contemporary choices, these names carry a sense of charm and versatility, ensuring a lasting impression while reflecting the uniqueness of each child. So, whether it’s Ace or Ann, Kai or Skye, the beauty of short names lies in their ability to leave a lasting impact with minimal fuss.