Three-Letter Baby Names That are Short and Sweet
Little name. Big impact.Fact checked by Elizabeth BrownfieldFact checked by Elizabeth BrownfieldYour baby name journey should be easy as one, two; three—literally! Choosing a three-letter baby name proves that sometimes, the simplest things can be the most impactful. They allow you to get creative with your baby’s name, whether that’s shortening a classic moniker or resurrecting an old-fashioned pick for today.Some of these three-letter options work well as both first or middle names. Some offer a variety of spelling options. Some are timeless go-tos, while others are trendier picks. But what they all have in common is how short and sweet they are! As you’ll see below, you don’t need a ton of letters to give your baby a unique, thoughtful first name that will grow with them from the newborn days to adulthood.Ahead, check out a variety of three-letter baby names, from vintage favorites to up-and-coming picks.
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Related: 40 Baby Names From the '80s That Just Might Make a Comeback
Although many baby names are often separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in selecting names. It's important to choose a name you feel fits your child best.
Popular 3-Letter-Names for Baby GirlsRaeRae is often used for middle names, but it’s a great first name too — especially for your little “Rae” of sunshine.Origin: HebrewMeaning: EweAlternative Spellings & Variations: Rai, Ray, RachelFamous Namesakes: Carly Rae Jepsen, Rae Dawn ChongPeak Popularity: 1903LivYou can definitely use this name as a nickname for Olivia, but we think it stands just as well on its own. Just ask Liv Tyler! Origin: Scandinavian Meaning: Live, life Alternative Spellings & Variations: OliviaFamous Namesakes: Liv TylerPeak Popularity: 2020MaeMae has a pleasantly retro feeling, doesn’t it? It’s commonly used as a middle name, but would be just as sweet for a first name. Origin: British Meaning: PearlAlternative Spellings & Variations: May, MaiFamous Namesakes: Mae WestPeak Popularity: 1902NoaNoa is a gender-neutral choice and a cool alternative spelling for the ever-popular Noah.Origin: HebrewMeaning: MovementAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoahFamous Namesakes: Noah CyrusPeak Popularity: 2023IdaIf you love old-fashioned names, Ida would be a sweet choice for a baby girl.Origin: Greek, German Meaning: Industrious Peak Popularity: 1900Fun Fact: In Greek mythology, Ida was a nymph who cared for the baby Zeus.AdaAda is another cute choice with German and Scandinavian roots.Origin: GermanMeaning: NobleFamous Namesake: Ada Twist, the cartoon scientist! Peak Popularity: 1901AvaThere’s a reason the name Ava has been a reigning champ for nearly 20 years. It’s timelessly pretty.Origin: Latin, Persian, HebrewMeaning: Birdlike, livelyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aeva, Eva Famous Namesakes: Ava Gardner Peak Popularity: 2020Fun Fact: Ava has ranked in the top 10 names since 2005.Mia Chances are you probably have a Mia or two in your life, though some Mias may pronounce their name “Myah” and others choose “Mee-ya.” Either way, it’s a great choice! Origin: Egyptian, ItalianMeaning: Beloved, mine Alternative Spellings & Variations: Mya, Miah, Miya Famous Namesakes: Mia Hamm, Mia FarrowPeak Popularity: 2023IvyFor a botanical-inspired choice, try Ivy, which has resurfaced as a popular choice for baby girls over the past few years.Origin: BritishMeaning: Vine Famous Namesakes: Blue Ivy CarterPeak Popularity: 2023Fun Fact: Ivy has recently had a boost in popularity, going from #68 in 2019 to #38 in 2023.BeaOften used as a diminutive of Beatrice, Bea is one of the cutest three-letter-names you could choose for a little girl.Origin: LatinMeaning: Happy, bringer of happinessAlternative Spellings & Variations: Beatrice, Bee Famous Namesakes: Bea ArthurPeak Popularity: 1908More 3-Letter-Names for Baby GirlsLou: Lou is a popular choice for a middle name or a nickname for Louise, but how adorable is it as a first name?Lia: This name has options! Spell it Lia or Lea and choose between “Leah” and “Ly-ah” pronunciation. Ana: Whether it’s pronounced “Anna” or “Ah-na,” this is a name that will grow beautifully with your baby.Eva: If you like Ava but it’s a little too popular for you, try Eva! Zoe: Zoe has been holding steady in the top 100 names since 2000 and hasn’t left the top 50 since 2009.Rio: Rio is a cool gender-neutral name that means “river”—a great idea if you like the name River but think it’s getting too popular.Joy: Nothing gives you more joy than welcoming your new baby, so don’t underestimate this adorable three-letter name.Nia: Though Nia has varied origins, it means “purpose” in Swahili, which is a meaningful message for your newborn.Rue: Whether you’re paying homage to Golden Girls star Rue McClanahan, got inspired by the heroic character in The Hunger Games, or liked the sound of Zendaya’s character’s name in Euphoria, Rue is a cool, unique pick for your baby.Kya: Though the name Kya has varied different origins, in Swahili it translates to “diamond in the sky,” which couldn’t be more beautiful.
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Popular 3-Letter-Names for Baby BoysMaxMax is one of those names that just sounds strong, even though it’s only three letters! Origin: LatinMeaning: GreatnessAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maximilian, MaxwellPeak Popularity: 2011Ari Ari is a popular gender-neutral name all over the globe. Meaning: LionPeak Popularity: 2022Famous Namesakes: Ari Gold from EntourageJayLove birdwatching? Jay is a fun nod to your feathered friends, as it translates to “bird” in reference to the bluejay. Or maybe it’s a nod to your favorite rapper, Jay-Z. (Yes, we know his name is actually Shawn.) Origin: Latin, HebrewMeaning: Bird, Cheerful Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jae, Jai Famous Namesakes: Jay Leno, Jay-Z, Jay PharaohPeak Popularity: 1960JaxJax is a more modern name that has become super popular over the past decade. Origin: EnglishMeaning: Son of Jack, God is gracious Famous Namesakes: Jax Taylor Peak Popularity: 2014Fun Fact: Jax didn’t make an appearance in the top 1000 baby names until 2005.GusGus was popular as a first name in the 1900s, but today it’s typically used as a nickname for August or Augustus.Origin: LatinMeaning: ExaltedAlternative Spellings & Variations: August, Augustus, AngusPeak Popularity: 1900EliThough Eli sounds like a name straight out of the ‘50s, it actually peaked in 2013 and remains popular today.Origin: HebrewMeaning: AscendedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Elijah Famous Namesakes: Eli Manning, Eli Wallach, Eli RothPeak Popularity: 2013KaiKai is another gender-neutral name that appears across a variety of cultures and countries, including Hawaii, Germany, and Japan. In Hawaiian, it translates to “sea,” while in Japan, it means “shell.”Origin: VariesMeaning: VariesPeak Popularity: 2022Fun Fact: The name Kai first appeared in the top 1000 list in 1979.LeeTake Lee out of hiding as a middle name and let it shine as a first name! Origin: EnglishMeaning: MeadowAlternative Spellings & Variations: LeighPeak Popularity: 1900IraBig This American Life fan? Take a cue from its host, Ira Glass, with this timeless three-letter first name.Origin: HebrewMeaning: WatchfulFamous Namesakes: Ira Glass, Ira GershwinPeak Popularity: 1900AcePlay your ace with this impactful three-letter first name.Origin: LatinMeaning: UnityFamous Namesakes: Ace Frehley, Jessica Simpson named her son Ace.Peak Popularity: 2022CalCalvin is currently having a moment, but the shortened version is just as special.Origin: HebrewMeaning: DevotedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Calvin, Callum, CalebFamous Namesakes: Cal Ripkin Jr. Peak Popularity: 2023Fun Fact: The name Cal didn’t appear on the top 1000 baby names list between 1907 and 1947, then disappeared again from 1964 to 2019! More 3-Letter Names for Baby BoysRoy: An old-school name that feels fresh today, Roy conjures up visions of ‘50s cowboys like Roy Rogers but sticks out in a sea of Liams and Henrys.Zac: One of the most popular boys’ names of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Zac is truly a name that never goes out of style.Ash: Pay homage to the Evil Dead hero Ash with this cool, super-short name.Ian: If you’re looking for a name in the same vein as Ira, try Ian.Axl: As in, Axl Rose? Josh Duhamel and Fergie chose this three-letter first name for their son in 2013.Jet: Another rocker-inspired name, Jet hasn’t yet cracked the top 1000 baby names list. All the more reason to choose it for your little one! Sam: For a classic choice, opt for the enduring, gender-neutral, goes-with-everything Sam.Ben: Its sibling names, Benjamin and Bennett, are popular picks, but Ben as a standalone name hasn’t cracked the top 500 names list since 1989.Leo: This celebrity-inspired name currently ranks at #18 on the top 1000 list — a pretty big honor, considering it was at #97 a decade ago.Rex: Rex is an English name that translates to “king,” which is pretty noble for a teeny baby! Kit: Kit could be a nickname for either Katherine or Christopher, but we think it’s cute on its own.
Related: 45 Gender-Neutral Baby Names
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