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Short Names

Short, simple, and easy-to-pronounce names that pack a powerful punch in just a few letters.

The Power of Short Names

Short names combine simplicity with impact, offering practical advantages and stylistic elegance. Discover the surprising depth and versatility of compact names through these key aspects.

Discover More Related Short Names

Find additional unique and creative name options with our expanded collection

Short Names

Lúa
(100)
Feminine

Galician form of Luna.

Ahu
(100)
Feminine

The name 'Ahu' originates from the Persian word آهو (āhū), which means 'deer' or 'gazelle'. It is a name that evokes imagery of grace and beauty, often associated with the natural elegance of these animals. The name has been used in various cultures and contexts, reflecting its linguistic and cultural adaptability.

Ege
(100)
Masculine

The name Ege originates from the Turkish word for the Aegean Sea, symbolizing a connection to the sea and its cultural significance in the region.

Mía
(100)
Feminine

Spanish form of Mia, also coinciding with the Spanish word mía meaning "mine".

Rie
(100)
Feminine

The name Rie is of Japanese origin, derived from the kanji 理 (ri) meaning 'reason, logic' or 里 (ri) meaning 'village', combined with 恵 (e) meaning 'favour, benefit'. It is a feminine given name in Japanese and Dutch cultures, and also serves as an uncommon masculine short form of Henri. The name embodies qualities of wisdom, community, and benevolence.

Mak
(100)
Masculine

The name 'Mak' originates from the Bosnian word for 'poppy (flower)'. It is often given in honor of the Bosnian poet Mehmedalija Dizdar (1917-1971), who used 'Mak' as his pseudonym. The name carries cultural significance in Bosnia, symbolizing beauty and remembrance, much like the poppy flower itself.

Yue
(100)
Feminine
Masculine

The name Yue originates from Chinese characters, primarily 越 (yuè) meaning 'cross, surpass', which also refers to the Yue people, an ancient ethnic group in China. Alternatively, it can derive from 月 (yuè) meaning 'moon'. The name carries connotations of transcendence, cultural identity, and natural beauty. It is a unisex name and has been used historically and in modern times across various Chinese-speaking regions.

Kei
(96)
Masculine
Feminine

The name Kei originates from Japanese and can mean 'intelligent', 'gemstone', or 'celebration', depending on the kanji used. It is a versatile name that can be formed from various kanji or combinations, reflecting different positive attributes.

Yao
(94)
Masculine

Ewe form of Yaw.

Tao
(92)
Masculine

The name 'Tao' originates from the Chinese character 涛 (tāo), which means 'large waves'. It symbolizes strength, power, and the dynamic nature of water. In a broader sense, 'Tao' also represents the natural way of the universe, as conceived in East Asian philosophy and religion, particularly in Taoism. The concept of Tao is central to understanding the flow and harmony of life, emphasizing living in accordance with the natural order.

Nox
(92)
Feminine

Nox means 'night' in Latin. It is derived from the Roman goddess of the night, Nox, who is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Nyx. The name symbolizes darkness, mystery, and the celestial realm associated with nighttime.

Chō
(92)
Feminine

The name Chō (蝶) originates from Japanese, meaning 'butterfly'. It symbolizes transformation, beauty, and freedom, often associated with nature and artistic expression in Japanese culture.

Shō
(91)
Masculine

The name 'Sho' originates from Japanese kanji characters, each carrying distinct meanings. It can be derived from 翔 (shō), meaning 'soar' or 'glide', symbolizing freedom and ambition; 奨 (shō), meaning 'prize' or 'reward', representing achievement and recognition; or 祥 (shō), meaning 'good luck' or 'good omen', signifying positivity and fortune. Other kanji with identical pronunciations can also form this name, making it versatile in its interpretation and cultural significance.

Ota
(90)
Masculine

Czech and Sorbian form of Otto.

Uli
(90)
Masculine
Feminine

Uli is a diminutive form of the names Ulrich or Ulrike. It is commonly used as a given name in German-speaking countries and has a friendly, informal connotation. The name Uli can refer to various individuals, places, and cultural references, as indicated by its disambiguation page.

(89)
Masculine
Feminine

The name Yū (ゆう, ユウ) is a common Japanese given name used by either sex. It can be derived from various kanji, each carrying distinct meanings: 優 (yū) meaning 'excellence, superiority, gentleness', 悠 (yū) meaning 'permanence', or 勇 (yū) meaning 'brave'. The name embodies qualities of excellence, endurance, and courage, reflecting the cultural values of Japanese society.

Nao
(89)
Feminine
Masculine

The name 'Nao' originates from Japanese, where it can mean 'straight' or 'direct' when derived from the kanji 直. Alternatively, it can be a combination of 奈 (na), a phonetic character, and 央 (o), meaning 'center'. This name can also be formed by other kanji or kanji combinations, reflecting its versatility and depth in meaning.

Siw
(88)
Feminine

SIW is a variant of the name Siv, which is of Old Norse origin, meaning 'bride' or 'wife'. It is a name that has been used in various cultures and languages, often associated with strong, independent women. The name has evolved over time, with different variations and spellings appearing in different regions and periods.

Lio
(88)
Masculine

Lio is a variant of the name Leo, which originates from the Latin word 'leo' meaning 'lion'. It is often used as a given name and can be found in various cultures and languages. The name Lio may also refer to different entities, including people, places, and organizations, as indicated by the disambiguation page.

Elo
(88)
Feminine

Short form of names beginning with El, such as Eliisabet. It could also be from Estonian elu meaning "life".

Rán
(88)
Feminine

The name Rán originates from Old Norse, meaning 'robbery' or 'theft'. In Norse mythology, Rán is a sea goddess known for capturing and drowning sailors. She is the wife of Ægir and the mother of nine daughters, who personify waves. Rán is often depicted with a net, which she uses to ensnare those at sea. Her mythological significance is deeply tied to the sea's perilous nature.

Anh
(87)
Masculine
Feminine

The name Anh, often derived from the Sino-Vietnamese character 英, carries meanings such as 'flower', 'petal', 'brave', and 'hero'. It is commonly used in compound names, where its meaning can vary based on the combination of characters used. This name reflects qualities of beauty, courage, and heroism, making it a popular choice in Vietnamese culture.

Awa
(87)
Feminine

Awa is a name of West African origin, derived from the name Hawa, which is commonly associated with the Arabic name Hawa, meaning 'Eve' in Islamic tradition. In West Africa, Awa is a popular variant of Hawa, often used among Muslim communities. The name carries cultural and religious significance, symbolizing the first woman in Islamic belief.

Kyō
(86)
Masculine
Feminine

The name Kyō originates from Japanese and can have multiple meanings depending on the kanji used. It may mean 'unite, cooperate' (協), 'capital city' (京), 'village' (郷), or 'apricot' (杏). The name is versatile and carries cultural significance in Japan, often reflecting themes of unity, community, and natural beauty.

Cua
(86)
Feminine

The name 'Cua' originates from the Hmong language, where it means 'wind'. This name carries a natural element, symbolizing freedom, movement, and the unseen forces of nature. In Hmong culture, names often reflect elements of nature, embodying characteristics or aspirations parents have for their children.

Kou
(86)
Masculine

The name 'Kou' originates from the Hmong language, where it means 'gold'. This name is used in various cultures and contexts, often symbolizing value, wealth, or preciousness due to its meaning. It is a unisex name and can be found in different forms and spellings across various regions and languages.

Iya
(85)
Feminine

The name 'Iya' has an unknown origin but is historically significant due to its association with Saint Ia of Persia, a 4th-century martyr venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The name's meaning remains a mystery, but its historical and religious significance has contributed to its enduring legacy.

Mie
(85)
Feminine

Mie is a Danish and Norwegian diminutive of Marie, often used as a given name. It carries the same connotations as Marie, which is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, meaning 'beloved' or 'wished-for child.'

Oda
(85)
Feminine

Feminine form of Otto. This was the name of a semi-legendary 8th-century saint who lived as a hermit in Brabant in the Netherlands.

Jos
(84)
Masculine

Dutch short form of Jozef.

Emi
(81)
Feminine

The name Emi (えみ, エミ, 絵美, 恵美) is a feminine Japanese given name, occasionally used as a surname. It is derived from Japanese kanji, where 恵 (e) means 'favour, benefit' or 絵 (e) means 'picture, painting', combined with 美 (mi) meaning 'beautiful'. Other kanji combinations are also possible, reflecting the name's versatility and cultural richness.

Aoi
(80)
Feminine
Masculine

From Japanese 葵 (aoi) meaning "hollyhock, althea" or an adjectival form of 碧 (ao) meaning "green, blue". Other kanji with the same reading can form this name as well.

Zoë
(80)
Feminine

Zoe, also spelled Zoë, is a name of Greek origin meaning 'life'. It is used in various cultures and languages, including Dutch and English, where it serves as a variant of the original Greek name. The name has been popular in different periods and regions, symbolizing vitality and the essence of life.

Hào
(80)
Masculine

The name 'hào' originates from the Sino-Vietnamese character 豪 (hào), which means 'brave, heroic'. It is commonly used as an art name (pseudonym or pen name) in the Sinosphere, including Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. The concept of an art name was initially used as nicknames for the educated in China and later spread to other East Asian countries. It signifies a professional identity adopted by artists, poets, and writers, often reflecting significant changes in their lives or careers.

Ido
(80)
Masculine

Modern Hebrew form of Iddo.

Ara
(80)
Masculine

The name 'Ara' has an uncertain origin, possibly deriving from Sumerian roots. In Armenian legend, Ara was a king renowned for his extraordinary handsomeness, which led the Assyrian queen Semiramis to wage war in an attempt to capture him. Tragically, Ara was killed during this conflict. The name carries connotations of beauty and tragic heroism.

Hải
(80)
Masculine

The name Hải originates from the Sino-Vietnamese word 海 (hải), which means 'sea' or 'ocean'. It symbolizes vastness, depth, and the natural beauty of the sea, often associated with strength and tranquility in Vietnamese culture.

Ifa
(80)
Masculine

The name 'Ifá' originates from the Oromo language, meaning 'light'. In the context of Yoruba culture, Ifá refers to a complex divination system that is deeply embedded in the spiritual and religious practices of the Yoruba people. This system is not only a method of divination but also a comprehensive framework for understanding the universe, human existence, and the interplay between the spiritual and physical worlds.

Isi
(80)
Masculine
Feminine

The name 'Isi' originates from the Choctaw language, where it means 'deer'. This name is deeply rooted in the cultural and natural heritage of the Choctaw people, symbolizing grace and agility.

Jia
(80)
Masculine
Feminine

The name 'Jia' originates from Chinese characters such as 佳 (jiā), meaning 'good, auspicious, beautiful', and 家 (jiā), meaning 'home, family'. It is a unisex name that carries positive connotations and is often chosen for its auspicious meanings. The name is widely used in Chinese-speaking communities and has gained popularity in other cultures due to its simplicity and profound meaning.

Zoe
(79)
Feminine

The name Zoe means 'life' in Greek. It was adopted by Hellenized Jews as a translation of Eve and has been used by early Christian saints. The name was common in the Byzantine Empire and has been used in English since the 19th century, particularly among Eastern Christians.

Luz
(79)
Feminine

The name 'Luz' originates from the Spanish word for 'light'. It is notably derived from the title of the Virgin Mary, 'Nuestra Señora de la Luz', which translates to 'Our Lady of Light'. This name symbolizes brightness, guidance, and purity, often associated with spiritual enlightenment and hope.

Eva
(79)
Feminine

Eva is a form of Eve used in various languages. It appears in the Latin translation of the New Testament, while Hava is used in the Latin Old Testament. The name has been borne by notable figures such as the Argentine first lady Eva Perón (1919-1952), who inspired the musical Evita. It also appears in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) as the character Little Eva, whose real name is Evangeline. Additionally, Eva is an alternate transcription of the Russian name Ева (Yeva).

Mar
(79)
Feminine

The name 'Mar' means 'sea' in Spanish and Catalan. It originates from a devotional title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Mar (Our Lady of the Sea), who is the patron saint of the Spanish province of Almería. The name carries a strong maritime and religious connotation, symbolizing protection and guidance over the seas.

Win
(79)
Masculine
Feminine

The name 'Win' originates from Burmese, where it means 'bright, radiant, brilliant.' It is often used as a given name or surname in Burmese culture, symbolizing qualities of light and brilliance. In a broader context, 'Win' can also signify victory or success, making it a popular choice in various cultures beyond its Burmese roots.

Fae
(78)
Feminine

Fae is a variant of the name Fay, which is derived from the Middle English word 'faie', meaning 'fairy'. The name is often associated with mythical and magical connotations, reflecting its roots in folklore and legend. It is commonly used as a given name and has seen various adaptations and spellings over time.

Asa
(78)
Masculine

The name Asa possibly means 'healer' in Hebrew. It is a name of significant historical and cultural importance, particularly in the context of the Old Testament, where it was borne by the third king of Judah.

Noé
(78)
Masculine

French, Spanish, Portuguese and Hungarian form of Noah 1.

Zoé
(78)
Feminine

French and Hungarian form of Zoe.

Ana
(78)
Feminine

Ana is a form of the name Anna, used in various languages. It is a name with deep historical roots and cultural significance, often associated with grace and favor. The name has evolved over time and is used in many cultures around the world.

Xiu
(78)
Feminine

The name Xiu originates from the Chinese character 秀 (xiù), which conveys meanings such as 'luxuriant', 'beautiful', 'elegant', and 'outstanding'. It is often used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally refined or distinguished. In modern contexts, Xiu is also associated with the e-commerce company Xiu.com, which specializes in luxury fashion products, further emphasizing the name's connection to elegance and sophistication.

Lux
(78)
Feminine
Masculine

The name 'Lux' is derived from the Latin word 'lux', meaning 'light'. It symbolizes brightness, clarity, and illumination. In the context of the International System of Units (SI), 'lux' is the unit of illuminance, representing luminous flux per unit area, specifically one lumen per square metre. This unit is used in photometry to measure the perceived intensity of light as it hits or passes through a surface, weighted according to the human eye's sensitivity to different wavelengths of light.

Sky
(78)
Feminine
Masculine

The name 'Sky' is derived from the English word 'sky', which originates from the Old Norse word 'ský', meaning 'cloud'. It symbolizes the vast, unobstructed view upward from the Earth's surface, encompassing the atmosphere and outer space. The sky is often associated with freedom, limitlessness, and the celestial sphere in astronomy, where celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars appear to drift. The term is also used informally to describe the perspective from the Earth's surface, resembling a dome or 'sky bowl', and is a central element in discussions about weather, natural phenomena, and human activities like aviation.

Fox
(78)
Masculine

The name 'Fox' originates from the English word 'fox', which refers to the small-to-medium-sized omnivorous mammal known for its cunning and adaptability. It is also derived from the surname Fox, which was originally given as a nickname. The name is associated with the animal's characteristics, such as intelligence and resourcefulness, and has been used both as a given name and a surname. The surname Fox was notably borne by George Fox (1624-1691), the founder of the Quakers, which adds a historical and religious significance to the name.

Eve
(78)
Feminine

The name Eve originates from the Hebrew name חַוָּה (Ḥawwa), derived from the Hebrew word חָוָה (ḥawa) meaning 'to breathe' or the related word חָיָה (ḥaya) meaning 'to live'. According to the Old Testament Book of Genesis, Eve was the first woman created by God, formed from one of Adam's ribs to be his companion. She is famously known for eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge, which led to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Despite this, the name has been used by Christians since the Middle Ages and saw a revival in the 19th century in the English-speaking world.

Ann
(78)
Feminine

English and Manx form of Anne 1. In the English-speaking world, both this spelling and Anne have been used since the late Middle Ages. Currently Ann is less popular than Anne (and both are less popular than their relatives Anna and Hannah).

Nes
(78)
Feminine

Dutch short form of Agnes.

Lys
(78)
Feminine

Lys is a diminutive form of the name Élisabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath.' In French, 'lys' also means 'lily,' a flower symbolizing purity and refined beauty. The name has been used in various cultures, often associated with elegance and grace.

Rue
(78)
Feminine

From the name of the bitter medicinal herb, ultimately deriving from Greek ῥυτή (rhyte). This is also sometimes used as a short form of Ruth 1.

Joy
(78)
Feminine

Joy is derived from the English word 'joy', which originates from the Norman French 'joie' and Latin 'gaudium'. It signifies a state of intense, long-lasting happiness and contentment, often associated with well-being, success, or good fortune. The name has been used as a given name since the late 19th century.

Benefits of Short Names

Easy to Spell

Short names are typically easier to spell, reducing spelling errors and the need for constant corrections.

Cross-Language Friendly

Brief names are often easier to pronounce in different languages, making them ideal choices for multilingual or international environments.

Powerful Impact

Short, powerful names are often more memorable, quickly establishing an impression in professional and social environments.

Practical Convenience

When filling out forms, signing documents, and in daily use, short names are more convenient, saving time and space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Short Names

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