The ultimate short name list for your soon-to-be baby

As many of you know, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been recording and maintaining baby name data for more than 140 years, dating back to 1880.

With that data, the SSA releases an annual list of the most commonly used baby names for that year.

And four-letter names seem to be among the most popular names in the US today.

Liam, Noah, Levi, Jack, Ezra, and Owen were all ranked inside the top 20 for boy names, while Emma, Luna, and Lilly ranked inside the top 20 for girl names.

If that’s the type of name you’re looking for, then you’ll appreciate our extensive short name list below!

Most popular three-letter baby names for girls

Looking at the past 100 years of SSA data, only two three-letter girl names rank inside the top 100 most common baby names since 1924.

Those names are Amy, which ranked No. 31, and Ann, coming in at No. 78.

If we were to narrow that data down to just 2023, we’d find a total of 26 girl names inside the top 1,000 most common names last year—representing less than 3% of that list.

And of those 26 girl names on our short name list, only two of them rank inside the top 10 and only four of them rank inside the top 100.

With that said, here’s our ultimate short name list for three-letter girl names in the US.

26. Tru

Meaning: Truth, truthful, trustworthy, loyal one, honest, or faithful

2023 SSA Data: The name Tru was the 966th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 267 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Tru peaked in 2022 when it was given to 287 baby girls, but there’s no data of it inside the top 1,000 prior to 2022.

Longer Variations: Gertrude, Truman, Trudy, Trulyn, Truleigh, Truviana, Truletta, Trulina, Trudella, Truella, Truelina, Truthful, Truth, Trust

25. Kai

Meaning: Sea (Hawaiian); shell or ocean (Japanese); king (Persian); earth (Welsh)

2023 SSA Data: The name Kai was the 940th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 280 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Kai peaked in 2021 when it was given to 371 baby girls, which ranked No. 769 in the US. While there’s no data of it inside the top 1,000 prior to 2010, it has made the list every year since.

Longer Variations: Kaiana, Kailani, Kaida, Kaileen, Kailene, Kaivana, Kaisha, Kaidra, Kaima, Kaimana

24. Sol

Meaning: Spanish word for “sun.”

2023 SSA Data: The name Sol was the 892nd most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 301 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Sol peaked in 2022 when it was given to 335 baby girls, but there’s no record of it being inside the top 1,000 prior to that and it appears to be losing attraction among girls.

Longer Variations: Solana, Solenne, Solara, Soleil, Solinda, Soliana, Solange, Solaraine, Solamar, Solindra

23. Luz

Meaning: Spanish word for “light,” from the phrase “Nossa Senhora Da Luz,” meaning “Our Lady of Light.”

2023 SSA Data: The name Luz was the 843rd most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 321 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Luz first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 1907. It peaked in 1972 when it ranked 454th in the US with 411 births. It fell off the list in 2020 and 2021, but is now gaining steam.

Longer Variations: Luzella, Luziana, Luzella, Luzalina, Luzmaria, Luzinda, Luzandra, Luziane, Luziana, Luzelle

22. Kya

Meaning: Diamond in the sky (African); variant of the names Kaia or Kaya.

2023 SSA Data: The name Kya was the 820th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 336 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Kya first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 2001 and peaked in 2004 when it ranked 706th in the US with 381 births. It fell off the list between 2008 and 2022, but made a return in 2023.

Longer Variations: Kyla, Kyra, Kyanna, Kyara, Kyasha, Kyarah, Kyasira, Kyashira, Kyavira, Kyabelle, Kyarina, Kyadelle

21. Lea

Meaning: Delicate or weary (Hebrew); meadow or pasture (English)

2023 SSA Data: The name Lea was the 801st most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 349 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Lea has cracked the SSA’s top 1,000 list every year since 1900, but peaked in 1970 when it ranked 397th in the US with 593 births. It has grown less popular in recent years.

Longer Variations: Leandra, Leanna, Lealina, Leanne, Leandria, Lealise, Leandrae, Leasia, Leasha, Leamaria

20. Sky

Meaning: Cloud (Old Norse); atmosphere seen from Earth (English)

2023 SSA Data: The name Sky was the 783rd most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 358 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Skyla first appeared on the SSA’s list in 1999 and has cracked the list every year since 2007. It peaked in 2021 when it ranked 712th in the US with 404 births across the country.

Longer Variations: Skye, Skyla, Skylar, Skyanna, Skylina, Skylara, Skyelle, Skylene, Skyvanna, Skyannae, Skylinda, Skylindra

19. Liv

Meaning: Shelter or protection (Old Norse); life (Scandinavian); olive tree (Latin)

2023 SSA Data: The name Liv was the 702nd most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 403 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Liv first appeared on the SSA’s list in 2011 and has been inside the top 1,000 every year since 2013. It peaked in 2020 when it ranked 666th with 431 recorded births in the US.

Longer Variations: Olivia, Livia, Liviana, Livette, Livelle, Livianne, Livyanna, Livanda, Livellea, Livalina, Livindra

18. Aya

Meaning: Colorful, beautiful, design (Japanese), amazing, miracle, verse, sign (Arabic); sword (Old German)

2023 SSA Data: The name Aya was the 697th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 412 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Aya has cracked the top 1,000 every year since 2014, but there’s no record of it on the list prior to that. It’s currently on the rise and reached an all-time high in popularity in 2023.

Longer Variations: Ayah, Ayanna, Ayanira, Ayasha, Ayarielle, Ayamira, Ayadira, Ayathira, Ayavira, Ayelina, Ayabella

17. Nia

Meaning: Purpose, aim, goal (Swahili); bright (Welsh)

2023 SSA Data: The name Nia was the 642nd most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 455 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Nia first appeared on the list in 1974 and has cracked the list every year since 1990. It peaked in 2000 when it was given to 1,033 baby girls in the US, which ranked 307th in the country.

Longer Variations: Niana, Nialene, Niara, Niandra, Niabelle, Nialessa, Nialara, Niavira, Nialora, Niavella

16. Ila

Meaning: Island (Scottish), the earth, speech (Sanskrit), from the island (French)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ila was the 620th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 478 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Ila is one of those names that was popular in the early 1900s, but fell off the SSA’s list in 1954 and didn’t return until 2020. It has been on the list ever since, but peaked back in 1903 when it was the 248th most popular name in the US with 160 births.

Longer Variations: Ilanara, Ilalise, Ilamina, Ilavira, Ilamora, Ilanira, Ilaclara, Ilarose, Ilandria, Ilathia

15. Eve

Meaning: to breathe, to live (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Eve was the 600th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 495 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Eve first cracked the list in 1900 and remained on the list until 1985, when it finally fell off. It returned in 1998 and has made the list every year since, but peaked in 1907 when it ranked 414th in the US with 73 births.

Longer Variations: Evie, Evelina, Evelisse, Evelyn, Everly, Evangeline, Everise, Eveliana, Everose, Evadelle, Evedina

14. Mae

Meaning: May (month), goddess of fertility and growth (Roman)

2023 SSA Data: The name Mae was the 506th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 597 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Mae was an extremely popular name in the early 1900s and peaked in 1902 when it ranked 53rd in the US with 1,261 births. It fell off the list between 1970 and 2009, but returned in 2010 and has made it every year since.

Longer Variations: Maeve, Maelyn, Maelina, Maebelle, Maedria, Maelora, Maevira, Maedeline, Maeleen, Maeviana, Maebrina

13. Ari

Meaning: Eagle (Scandinavian); lion (Hebrew), brave (Armenian), alternate spelling of “air”

2023 SSA Data: The name Ari was the 463rd most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 660 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Ari first appeared on the SSA’s list in 2016 and has made it each year since, peaking in 2022 when it ranked 434th in the US with 721 births.

Longer Variations: Arianna, Aria, Ariah, Ariella, Ariyah, Ariya, Ariadne, Arielle, Ariselle, Aribella, Arilena, Arivira, Arionna, Ariline, Ariandra

12. Joy

Meaning: Happiness, joyful, cheerful, joyous, cheery

2023 SSA Data: The name Joy was the 455th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 676 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Joy has never not been included inside the top 1,000. It peaked in 1974 when it was given to 2,757 baby girls, which ranked 109th in the US that year. Still, it’s not as popular today as it once was.

Longer Variations: Joyanna, Joyous, Joyful, Joylene, Joyelle, Joyana, Joylette, Joybelle, Joyvanna, Joyviana, Joylenee, Joyalena

11. Mya

Meaning: Spring, brook (Hebrew); great (Greek)

2023 SSA Data: The name Mya was the 340th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 911 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Mya first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 1997 and jumped from 995th to 238th in just one year. It cracked the top 100 in 2005 and peaked in 2009 when it was the 97th most popular girl’s name in the US, but is now losing steam.

Longer Variations: Myanna, Myalina, Myabella, Myanara, Myanella, Myavira, Myarose, Myalise, Myandra, Myarene

10. Noa

Meaning: Rest or repose (Hebrew, Bible)

2023 SSA Data: The name Noa was the 298th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,041 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Noa first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 2014 and has already climbed more than 630 spots in just 10 years. It has ranked 298th two years in a row (2022, 2023) and could continue its climb in 2024.

Longer Variations: Noelle, Noayana, Noavira, Noalina, Noabella, Noaraine, Noayana, Noeliana, Noavela, Noelara

9. Gia

Meaning: God is gracious (Italian, Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Gia was the 269th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,155 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Gia first appeared on the list in 1965 and returned in 1966, 1969, and 1970 before falling off for 30 years. It has been inside the top 1,000 every year since 2000 and peaked in 2022 when it ranked 268th in the US with 1,181 births.

Longer Variations: Giavanna, Gialena, Giavira, Gianella, Giadela, Giaraine, Giavonna, Gialinda, Gialira, Giabella

8. Ana

Meaning: Favor, grace (Hebrew, Spanish, Greek)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ana was the 224th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,327 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Ana has been on the SSA’s list every year since 1917, but it hasn’t always been popular. It peaked in 1991 when it was the 119th most popular name in the US, but has been on a decline for the past two decades.

Longer Variations: Anabella, Analeigh, Anastasia, Anaraine, Anavira, Analina, Anabeth, Anadella, Analena, Anarose

7. Lia

Meaning: Relaxed, weary (Hebrew, Italian); feminine form of Leo, meaning “lioness”

2023 SSA Data: The name Lia was the 209th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,425 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Lia first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 1966, but wasn’t a mainstay in the US until 1997. With that said, it has grown increasingly popular among parents today and peaked last year at No. 209 in the country—40 spots higher than in 2022.

Longer Variations: Liana, Liora, Liara, Lianelle, Lialana, Liandria, Liaelina, Lianessa, Liadelle, Lialuna

6. Ada

Meaning: Noble, nobility (German); adornment, ornament (Hebrew); island (Turkish)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ada was the 177th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,647 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Ada was a popular name throughout the 1900s and was even featured inside the top 100 between 1900 and 1912, but it eventually fell off in the late 1980s. It returned in 2004 and has made the list every year since, and is quickly approaching the top 100 again.

Longer Variations: Adalina, Adalene, Adabelle, Adaraine, Adavira, Adalicia, Adalira, Adalyn, Adalia, Adarose

5. Eva

Meaning: Life, living one, full of life (Hebew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Eva was the 112th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 2,405 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Eva has always been a popular name in the US and has always ranked inside the top 375. It was consistently nside the top 100 between 1900 and 1932, and returned in 2009, but has fallen outside the top 100 the past two years.

Longer Variations: Evangeline, Evalena, Evadella, Evaline, Evianne, Eviana, Evadira, Evamora, Evavira, Evalia

4. Ivy

Meaning: Vine (English, Latin); fidelity and eternity (Greek)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ivy was the 38th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 5,036 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Ivy has only fallen outside the top 1,000 once since 1900, but it has never been more popular than it is right now. It first cracked the top 100 in 2018 and is now all the way up to 38th.

Longer Variations: Ivey, Ivana, Ivanna, Ivonelle, Ivadina, Ivelisse, Ivalena, Ivandria, Ivaelle, Ivamara, Ivarella

3. Zoe

Meaning: Life (Greek)

2023 SSA Data: The name Zoe was the 37th most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 5,160 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Zoe was popular throughout most of the 1900s, but it really took off in the late 1990s and first cracked the top 100 in 2000. It peaked in 2012 when it ranked 30th in the US and is now approaching that mark at No. 37 in 2023 after ranking No. 42 in 2021.

Longer Variations: Zoey, Zoelle, Zoella, Zoelina, Zoeline, Zoemara, Zoellaine, Zoerelle, Zoevina, Zoanne, Zoarose

2. Ava

Meaning: Bird, bird-like (Latin); life, lively (Hebrew); voice, sound (Persian); guarantee (German)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ava was the eighth most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 9,682 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Ava has only fallen off the top 1,000 list 10 times since 1900 and almost lost relevance in the 1970s and 1980s, but rebounded in the 1990s and blossomed in the 2000s. It first cracked the top 100 in 2002 and has been inside the top 10 every year since 2005.

Longer Variations: Avani, Avalina, Avelina, Avanna, Avalina, Avariella, Avadelle, Avalora, Avadira, Avalina, Avirae

1. Mia

Meaning: Beloved (Egyptian); mine (Italian); dear, darling (Slavic)

2023 SSA Data: The name Mia was the sixth most popular girl’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 11,359 baby girls last year.

Peak Popularity: Mia first appeared on SSA’s list in 1964 and was mildly popular throughout the rest of the 1900s. It first cracked the top 100 in 2000 and has been inside the top 10 every year since 2009.

Longer Variations: Miana, Mialena, Miabella, Mianelle, Miavira, Mialetta, Miarose, Mialina, Miarine, Mialetta

Most popular three-letter names for boys

Much like the girl names, there are only two three-letter boy names that rank inside the top 100 most common baby boy names since 1924.

Those names are Joe, which ranked No. 84, and Roy, coming in at No. 95.

Furthermore, if we were to only look at data for 2023, we’d find 37 three-letter boy names inside the top 1,000, which represents about 4% of that list.

And of those 37 names, only three were found on both the boy’s and girl’s list.

Those names are Kai (No. 61 for boys and No. 940 for girls), Tru (No. 673 for boys and No. 966 for girls), and Ari (No. 344 for boys and No. 463 for girls).

If those three names didn’t hit the spot, here’s our ultimate short name list for three-letter boy names.

34. Neo

Meaning: New, young, fresh (Greek); gift, talent, grant (Sesotho)

2023 SSA Data: The name Neo was the 971st most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 226 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Neo first appeared on the SSA’s list in 2021 and has been featured every year since, but has never risen higher than No. 950, which it reached in 2022.

Longer Variations: Neomir, Neovian, Neolan, Neomar, Neora, Thaneon, Zeoneo, Moneo, Kaneo, Eoneo

33. Kye

Meaning: Sea (Hawaiian); narrow, slender (Celtic)

2023 SSA Data: The name Kye was the 938th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 240 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Kye has appeared on the SSA’s list every year since 2015. It peaked in 2016 when it ranked 693rd in the US, but could find its way off the list soon.

Longer Variations: Kyeland, Kyelan, Kyemir, Kyeren, Kyevon, Skyen, Lyekye, Kyeran, Jaykye, Kyesto

32. Zen

Meaning: Meditation (Japanese); contemplation, absorption, meditative state (Sanskrit)

2023 SSA Data: The name Zen was the 935th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 241 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Zen first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 2022 when it ranked 911th, but it’s already losing steam and fell back 24 spots in 2023.

Longer Variations: Zenmar, Zendar, Zenric, Zenos, Zenith, Alzen, Renzen, Zenlor, Kaizen, Zenara

31. Van

Meaning: Marsh (British); God is gracious (Slavic); model, pattern, example (Chinese); of or from (Dutch)

2023 SSA Data: The name Van was the 915th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 252 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Van has only not made the list 13 times since 1900. It peaked in 1946 when it ranked 265th in the US, but has ranked outside the top 700 every year since 1984.

Longer Variations: Vance, Vandar, Vanik, Vanora, Sylvan, Evan, Vanric, Vansen, Ivan, Keivan, Vanir

30. Jon

Meaning: God has given, God is gracious (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Jon was the 910th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 253rd baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: There has only been 22 years since 1900 that the name Jon hasn’t made the SSA’s list. It peaked in 1968 when it was the 65th most popular boy’s name in the US, but isn’t as popular today.

Longer Variations: Jonas, Jonin, Jonmar, Jondar, Jonrik, Marjon, Jonavan, Jonal, Jonver, Jonray

29. Joe

Meaning: He will increase, God will add (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Joe was the 908th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 254 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Joe was one of the most popular boy’s names throughout most of the 1900s. It peaked in 1900 when it ranked No. 22 in the country and remained in the top 100 every year until 1971, but it could find its way off the list soon.

Longer Variations: Joseph, Joevan, Joen, Joelle, Jomel, Joedan, Joevian, Joezar, Joelyn, Joeson, Joenik

28. Axl

Meaning: My father is peace, peaceful father (Old Norse)

2023 SSA Data: The name Axl was the 897th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 256 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Axl first appeared on the SSA’s list in 2014 and has been featured every year since. It peaked in 2019 when it ranked 679th in the US with 377 births.

Longer Variations: Axlan, Axler, Axion, Axlian, Axlus, Axleric, Axlin, Axven, Axson, Axelton

27. Zev

Meaning: Wolf (Hebrew); to shine, heaven, sky, god (Greek)

2023 SSA Data: The name Zev was the 881st most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 264 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Zev has appeared on the SSA’s top 1,000 list every year since 2018. It peaked last year with 264 baby boys being given that name—rising 71 spots between 2022 and 2023.

Longer Variations: Zephyr, Zevon, Zevan, Zevik, Zevran, Zevian, Zevric, Zeval, Zevior, Zevros, Zeviel

26. Ira

Meaning: Watchful, vigilant (Hebrew); Earth, wind (Sanskrit); peace, tranquility (Greek); sky goddess (Polynesian)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ira was the 880th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 264 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Ira was extremely popular in the early 1900s, but started to fizzle out in the 1950s and even fell off the list between 1992 and 2015. It returned in 2016, but isn’t as popular as it once was. It peaked in 1900 when it ranked No. 107 in the US.

Longer Variations: Ominira, Iram, Irwin, Iria, Irak, Irad, Irvan, Irell, Irena, Irin, Iras

25. Teo

Meaning: Gift of God (Greek, Spanish, Italian)

2023 SSA Data: The name Teo was the 857th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 279 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Teo has only made the top 1,000 twice since 1900, and it came in 2022 and 2023. It’s a rather new name, but it went from 939rd in 2022 to 857th last year, so it’s currently on the rise.

Longer Variations: Mateo, Matteo, Theodore, Teolan, Teoza, Teovan, Teomar, Teonis, Teon, Teoran, Teovin, Teorio, Teorel

24. Noe

Meaning: Rest, repose, quiet, peaceful (Hebrew, Greek)

2023 SSA Data: The name Noe was the 814th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 300 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Noe first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 1942, but has been a mainstay on that list ever since. It peaked in 2005 when it ranked 431st in the country.

Longer Variations: Noé, Noah, Noémi, Noémius, Noéden, Noéza, Noéli, Noéll, Noell

23. Wes

Meaning: Western meadow (Old English)

2023 SSA Data: The name Wes was the 798th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 310 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Wes first appeared on the SSA’s list in 1957 and was on-and-off the list for the next 15 years. It fell off between 1973 and 2018, but returned in 2019 and hasn’t missed a year since. It peaked in 1963 when it ranked 629th in the US.

Longer Variations: Wesley, Weston, West, Wesly, Wess, Westley, Wesleyan, Wesan, Wessie

22. Ben

Meaning: Son, son of my right hand (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ben was the 796th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 311 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: There has never been a year where Ben hasn’t made it inside the top 1,000 since 1900. It peaked in 1901 when it was the 73rd most popular name in the US and remained inside the top 100 until 1912. It has slowly grown less popular, but is still ranked inside the top 800 today.

Longer Variations: Benjamin, Bennett, Benedict, Benicio, Benjamín, Benno, Benton, Benoit, Benard, Benji

21. Rey

Meaning: King, regal (Spanish, Latin, French)

2023 SSA Data: The name Rey was the 794th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 314 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Rey has been a mainstay on the SSA’s list since 1999 and it peaked in 2018 when it ranked as the 752nd most popular boy’s name in the country.

Longer Variations: Reyes, Reinaldo, Reynard, Reynaldo, Reuben, Reymond, Reynold, Reza, Reye, Ray

20. Ray

Meaning: Counsel, advice (German); king (British); sun (English)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ray was the 769th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 333 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Believe it or not, Ray has been featured inside the top 1,000 every year since 1900. It was inside the top 100 every year between 1900 and 1947, and peaked in 1904 at No. 55 in the US, but isn’t as popular anymore.

Longer Variations: Raymond, Raymondo, Rayden, Rayner, Raye, Raylon, Raylen, Rayford, Rayce, Raymon

19. Avi

Meaning: Father, father of nations (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Avi was the 748th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 347 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Avi debuted inside the top 1,000 in 2015 and hasn’t missed out on the list since. In fact, it has grown more popular in recent years and peaked in 2022 at No. 718 on the list.

Longer Variations: Avraham, Aviv, Avian, Aviel, Avinoam, Avner, Avra, Avishai, Avin, Avraam

18. Rex

Meaning: King (Latin)

2023 SSA Data: The name Rex was the 722nd most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 366 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Rex has always been a popular name. There are only four years where it didn’t rank inside the top 1,000. It peaked in 1951 when it was the 170th most popular name in the US.

Longer Variations: Rexford, Rexall, Rexley, Rexon, Rexley, Rexford, Rexen, Rexfordo, Rexley

17. Cal

Meaning: Devotion, faithful, whole-hearted, brave (Hebrew); cold (Old English); California (English)

2023 SSA Data: The name Cal was the 714th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 371 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Cal was featured on the SSA’s list in 1900, 1902, 1905, and 1906, but fell off for the next 40 years. It returned in 1948 and was on-and-off the list for the next 15 years, but returned again in 2020 and peaked in 2023.

Longer Variations: Calvin, Caleb, Callum, Cale, Calhoun, Calix, Calvert, Calen, Calvyn, Calisto

16. Lee

Meaning: Wood clearing, meadow (Old English); profit, sharp, upright (Chinese); poem song (Irish); plum, plum tree (Korean)

2023 SSA Data: The name Lee was the 706th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 375 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Lee has been inside the top 1,000 every year since 1900. It was a top-100 name between 1900 and 1955. While it remained popular for another four decades, it started to lose popularity in the late 1990s and into the 2000s.

Longer Variations: Leeland, Leif, Leroy, Leandro, Leighton, Lennon, Leena, Leona, Leopold, Leandro

15. Sam

Meaning: Told by God, God hears (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Sam was the 672nd most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 403 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Sam has always been on the SSA’s list, but peaked in 1900 when it was the 34th most popular name in the US. It remained inside the top 100 until 1927, but has grown less popular ever since.

Longer Variations: Samuel, Samson, Sammuel, Sampson, Sammie, Samir, Samm, Samwell, Samual, Samud

14. Mac

Meaning: Son, son of (Gaelic, Scottish, Irish)

2023 SSA Data: The name Mac was the 651st most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 417 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Mac was featured on the SSA’s list every year until 1976. It peaked in 1942 when it ranked No. 308 in the US, but fell off the list every year between 1977 and 2018. It returned in 2019 and has started to recover in recent years.

Longer Variations: Macaulay, Mackenzie, Macon, Macarthur, Mack, Maceo, Maciej, Maclin, Maclean, Macgregor

13. Rio

Meaning: River (Spanish)

2023 SSA Data: The name Rio was the 572nd most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 510 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Rio is a rather new name on the list. It debuted in 2020 when it ranked 774th and peaked in 2022 at No. 560. It fell a few spots last year, but is still a popular choice among parents today.

Longer Variations: Riordan, Rion, Riovanni, Rios, Rione, Rionel, Riomar, Riolo, Riolo, Riov.

12. Dax

Meaning: Badger (German); leader (Latin); commune in southwestern France (French)

2023 SSA Data: The name Dax was the 558th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 519 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Dax first appeared on the list in 1970, but fell off the list between 1979 and 2006. It returned in 2007 and peaked in 2019 when it rached No. 413 on that list, but is now falling back.

Longer Variations: Daxon, Daxton, Daxter, Daxson, Daxwell, Daxson, Daxterius, Daxteron, Daxim

11. Roy

Meaning: King (French); red (Gaelic)

2023 SSA Data: The name Roy was the 553rd most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 526 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Roy has been featured on the list every year since 1900. It peaked in 1901 when it was the 20th most popular boy’s name in the US, and remained inside the top 100 until 1969. It has been falling back ever since, but has stayed inside the top 600.

Longer Variations: Royce, Royal, Royalty, Royden, Royall, Royson, Royo, Royer, Royan, Rayan

10. Asa

Meaning: Doctor, healer, physician (Hebrew); god (Norse); morning, hemp (Japanese)

2023 SSA Data: The name Asa was the 509th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 588 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Asa was a popular name throughout most of the 1900s, but fell off between 1950 and 1973. It has rebounded a bit since making its return in 1974, but hasn’t topped its peak, which came in 1907 at No. 351 on the list.

Longer Variations: Asher, Asaph, Asaiah, Asan, Aslan, Asad, Asim, Asael, Asha, Ashan

9. Jay

Meaning: To rejoice (Late Latin); win, victory (Sanskrit); a bird in the crow family (Latin)

2023 SSA Data: The name Jay was the 382nd most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 831 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Jay has never not been featured on the SSA’s top 1,000. It debuted inside the top 100 in 1953 (No. 99) and remained in the top 100 every year between 1956 and 1970. It peaked in 1960 at No. 78 on the list, but has been losing attraction in recent years.

Longer Variations: Jayden, Jayson, Jayce, Jaylen, Jaydon, Jaye, Jaylon, Jaymes, Jaidyn, Jayro, Jayceon

8. Ali

Meaning: High, elevated, champion, king, emperor (Arabic)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ali was the 309th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,065 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Ali debuted inside the top 1,000 in 1969 (27 years after Muhammad Ali was born), but it has never been more popular than it is right now. It peaked at No. 300 in 2022 and only fell nine spots in 2023.

Longer Variations: Alistair, Alicia, Alina, Alim, Alia, Alina, Alain, Alimah, Aliana, Alif

7. Koa

Meaning: Warrior, brave one, largest native forest tree (Hawaiian)

2023 SSA Data: The name Koa was the 298th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,115 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Koa debuted inside the top 1,000 in 2017 when it ranked 937th. By 2022, it had already risen to No. 349 on the list and it again peaked in 2023 when it cracked the top 300 for the first time.

Longer Variations: Koan, Koanui, Koanaki, Koale, Koaloha, Koani, Koar, Koakea, Koalo, Koalani

6. Jax

Meaning: Son of Jack (English); God is gracious (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Jax was the 287th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 1,155 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Jax first appeared inside the top 1,000 in 2005 and has appeared every year since 2007. It peaked in 2014 at No. 208 on the list and while it has been falling ever since, it’s still ranked inside the top 300.

Longer Variations: Jackson, Jaxon, Jaxson, Jaxen, Jaxley, Jaxter, Jaxsonic, Jaxom, Jaxterson, Jaxwell

5. Max

Meaning: The greatest (Latin)

2023 SSA Data: The name Max was the 163rd most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 2,197 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Max has never not been inside the top 1,000. It started to lose attraction in the late 1940s, but started to recover in the 1980s and even cracked the top 100 for the first time in 2010. It peaked the following year at No. 96, but has fallen back ever since.

Longer Variations: Maximus, Maxwell, Maxson, Maxence, Maximilian, Maximo, Maximus, Maxen, Maxton, Maxim

4. Ace

Meaning: One, expert (Latin); unity, unity of purpose (Old English)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ace was the 157th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 2,314 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Ace ranked No. 968 in 1900 and No. 697 in 1903, but fell off the list until making a comeback in 2006 at No. 841. It cracked the top 300 for the first time in 2017 and peaked in 2022 at No. 152, but fell back five spots in 2023.

Longer Variations: Acevedo, Acen, Acer, Acelin, Aceman, Acey, Acorn, Aciel, Aceon, Acero

3. Eli

Meaning: High, elevated, my God (Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Eli was the 80th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 4,081 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Eli has been featured inside the top 1,000 every year since 1900. It started to grow in popularity in the 1970s and debuted inside the top 100 in 2008 before peaking in 2013 at No. 43 in the country. It’s now falling back, but is still inside the top 100.

Longer Variations: Elijah, Elias, Eliott, Elian, Eliezer, Eliam, Elio, Eliasz, Elian, Elianus

2. Ian

Meaning: God is gracious, the Lord is gracious (Scottish, Gaelic, Hebrew)

2023 SSA Data: The name Ian was the 70th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 4,538 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Ian debuted inside the top 1,000 in 1935, but didn’t start to make waves among parents until the late 1960s. It finally cracked the top 100 in 1982, where it has remained ever since. It peaked in 2003 at No. 65 and is still right around that mark today.

Longer Variations: Ianis, Ianto, Iain, Iván, Ion, Ianuarius, Iannick, Iano, Ianna, Eian

1. Leo

Meaning: Lion (Latin); brave people, lion-hearted (German)

2023 SSA Data: The name Leo was the 18th most popular boy’s name in the US in 2023. It was given to a total of 8,120 baby boys last year.

Peak Popularity: Leo has never not been featured inside the top 1,000 and was a top-100 boy’s name all the way up until 1937. It started losing popularity in the 1940s and didn’t rebound until 2000 (three years after the film “Titanic” was released). It returned to the top 100 in 2014 and cracked the top 20 for the first time last year.

Longer Variations: Leon, Leonard, Leopold, Leonardo, Leandro, Leonidas, Leonel, Leoni, Leocadio, Leontius

Don’t forget about two-letter names for babies!

We’ve already gone short with the three-letter names, so we may as well go one step shorter with our short name list.

But as you’ll come to notice, the shorter the names get, the more rare they become.

In 2023, only two two-letter names cracked the SSA’s list of 1,000 most popular baby names, and they were both found on the boy’s side.

Those names were Bo, which ranked No. 478, and Ty, which came in at No. 772.

Other popular two-letter names for boys or girls include Cy, like the legendary baseball pitcher Cy Young, and Io, like the Argive princess and Naiad-nymph who was loved by the god Zeus in Greek mythology.

Lu, Zy, Ky, Zo, Su, Li, Ry, and Mo are a little more rare, while Al (like Al Roker or Al Pacino) and Oz (like Dr. Oz) are a little more common.

We also love the name Ra, which is the Egyptian god of the sun, light, warmth, and growth. A popular example of that name in action is NFL wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

While two-letter names aren’t that common these days, they make for a unique name when chosen and also make excellent middle names or two-name first names—so make sure you don’t overlook them!

Did our short name list have what you were looking for?

While two-letter and three-letter names aren’t as popular as four-letter-or-longer names, that’s not to say there isn’t a market for them.

In fact, thousands of American babies—and thousands of more around the world—will be given a short name this year. The real question is whether or not your child will be one of them.

All in all, we hope our short name list above gave you some good ideas for your child’s name—or, at the very least, convinced you to stay far away from short names in the future.