Top 100 Short Baby Names
Choosing a short baby name can be a great way to give your child a name that’s simple, memorable, and versatile. Short names are easy to pronounce, spell, and pair with surnames, making them a popular choice for parents. Below is a curated list of the top 100 short baby names (four letters or fewer), suitable for boys, girls, or both, along with their meanings and origins. These names are drawn from various cultural backgrounds, ensuring diversity and inspiration for every family.
Why Choose a Short Name?
Short names have timeless appeal. They’re often strong, punchy, and adaptable, fitting both children and adults. Many carry deep meanings or cultural significance, like Arne (Scandinavian, meaning "eagle") or Nora (Latin, meaning "honor"). Short names also tend to be less prone to nicknames, reducing unwanted variations. Whether you’re honoring family traditions or seeking a modern, standalone name, this list offers plenty of options.
The List: Top 100 Short Baby Names
Name | Gender | Origin | Meaning |
Ace | Boy/Unisex | Latin | One, unity |
Ada | Girl | Germanic | Noble |
Aja | Girl/Unisex | Sanskrit | Goat, strength |
Ali | Boy/Unisex | Arabic | Exalted, noble |
Amy | Girl | Latin | Beloved |
Ana | Girl | Hebrew | Grace |
Ari | Boy/Unisex | Hebrew | Lion |
Art | Boy | Celtic | Bear, noble |
Ash | Boy/Unisex | English | Ash tree |
Ava | Girl | Latin | Life, bird |
Axl | Boy | Scandinavian | Father of peace |
Bea | Girl | Latin | Blessed |
Ben | Boy | Hebrew | Son |
Bo | Boy/Unisex | Scandinavian | To live |
Cal | Boy | Latin | Bald, devoted |
Cam | Boy/Unisex | Scottish | Crooked nose |
Cat | Girl | Greek | Pure |
Dax | Boy | French | Leader |
Dee | Girl/Unisex | Welsh | Dark, divine |
Dot | Girl | Greek | Gift of God |
Ed | Boy | English | Wealthy guardian |
Eli | Boy | Hebrew | Ascended |
Em | Girl/Unisex | Germanic | Universal |
Ema | Girl | Latin | Universal |
Eva | Girl | Hebrew | Life |
Eve | Girl | Hebrew | Living |
Fay | Girl | English | Fairy |
Finn | Boy | Irish | Fair |
Flo | Girl | Latin | Flower |
Fox | Boy/Unisex | English | Fox |
Gai | Girl | Hebrew | Valley |
Gem | Girl | Latin | Jewel |
Gil | Boy | Hebrew | Joy |
Gus | Boy | Latin | Majestic |
Hal | Boy | English | Army ruler |
Ian | Boy | Scottish | God is gracious |
Ida | Girl | Germanic | Hardworking |
Ike | Boy | Hebrew | Laughter |
Ila | Girl | Sanskrit | Earth |
Ira | Boy/Unisex | Hebrew | Watchful |
Ivy | Girl | English | Ivy plant |
Jai | Boy | Sanskrit | Victory |
Jan | Boy/Girl | Hebrew | God is gracious |
Jax | Boy | English | God is gracious |
Jay | Boy/Unisex | Latin | Bird |
Jem | Boy/Girl | English | Supplanter |
Jen | Girl | Welsh | Fair one |
Jet | Boy/Unisex | English | Black gemstone |
Jo | Girl/Unisex | Hebrew | God is gracious |
Joe | Boy | Hebrew | God will add |
Jon | Boy | Hebrew | God is gracious |
Joy | Girl | Latin | Happiness |
Jude | Boy/Unisex | Latin | Praised |
Kai | Boy/Unisex | Hawaiian | Sea |
Kat | Girl | Greek | Pure |
Kay | Girl | Greek | Pure |
Ken | Boy | Scottish | Handsome |
Kim | Girl/Unisex | English | Ruler |
Kit | Boy/Unisex | Greek | Pure |
Kya | Girl | African | Diamond in the sky |
Lea | Girl | Hebrew | Weary, meadow |
Lee | Boy/Unisex | English | Meadow |
Len | Boy | Germanic | Lion strength |
Leo | Boy | Latin | Lion |
Les | Boy | Scottish | Holly garden |
Lia | Girl | Latin | Bearer of good news |
Lil | Girl | Latin | Lily flower |
Liz | Girl | Hebrew | God is my oath |
Lou | Girl/Unisex | Germanic | Famous warrior |
Luc | Boy | Latin | Light |
Luz | Girl | Spanish | Light |
Mae | Girl | English | Pearl |
Max | Boy | Latin | Greatest |
May | Girl | English | Pearl |
Meg | Girl | Greek | Pearl |
Mia | Girl | Latin | Mine |
Moe | Boy | Latin | Saved |
Nan | Girl | Hebrew | Grace |
Ned | Boy | English | Wealthy guardian |
Nia | Girl | Swahili | Purpose |
Noa | Girl/Unisex | Hebrew | Love, motion |
Noah | Boy | Hebrew | Rest, peace |
Nora | Girl | Latin | Honor |
Ola | Girl | Scandinavian | Ancestor’s relic |
Pam | Girl | Greek | All honey |
Pat | Boy/Unisex | Latin | Noble |
Pax | Boy/Unisex | Latin | Peace |
Rae | Girl | Hebrew | Ewe |
Ray | Boy | English | Wise protector |
Rex | Boy | Latin | King |
Rob | Boy | Germanic | Bright fame |
Ron | Boy | Hebrew | Joyful song |
Roy | Boy | French | King |
Rue | Girl | English | Regret, herb |
Sal | Boy/Unisex | Latin | Savior |
Sam | Boy/Unisex | Hebrew | Heard by God |
Sky | Girl/Unisex | English | Sky |
Sue | Girl | Hebrew | Lily |
Tad | Boy | English | Gift of God |
Tia | Girl | Spanish | Aunt, princess |
Tim | Boy | Greek | Honoring God |
Tom | Boy | Aramaic | Twin |
Val | Girl/Unisex | Latin | Strong, healthy |
Van | Boy | Dutch | From the family of |
Vic | Boy | Latin | Conqueror |
Zoe | Girl | Greek | Life |
Tips for Choosing from This List
Check Pronunciation and Spelling: Ensure the name is easy to say and spell in your community. For example, “Ila” might be pronounced differently in various regions.
Consider Cultural Significance: Names like “Arne” (eagle, Scandinavian) or “Nia” (purpose, Swahili) carry cultural weight that might resonate with your heritage.
Test with Surname: Say the full name aloud to check flow. “Leo Ray” sounds smooth, while “Max Rex” might feel abrupt.
Think About Meaning: Choose a name with a meaning that inspires you, like “Pax” (peace) or “Joy” (happiness).
Future-Proof the Name: Ensure it suits all ages. “Kit” is cute for a child and professional for an adult.
This list blends classic names like “Ben” and “Mae” with modern picks like “Jax” and “Sky,” offering something for every taste. Whether you’re drawn to nature-inspired names (e.g., “Ivy”), virtue names (e.g., “Joy”), or names with historical depth (e.g., “Arne”), you’ll find a short, impactful name that feels just right for your baby.