Boy and Girl Names with 3 Letters for Babies and Children

Sometimes, the smallest names can have the biggest impact. Three-letter names are perfect for those who love simplicity without sacrificing style or charm. Short and punchy, these names are easy to say, easy to remember, and carry a certain elegance and ease that fits right into today’s busy world. They’re also great for kids learning to spell and write their names—no extra letters to trip over! Plus, with only three letters, these names can leave room for a powerful middle or last name combination if you’re looking for a unique pairing. 

In this list of 60 three-letter names, you’ll find classic choices with timeless appeal alongside modern, trendier options, all suitable for both boys and girls. From strong names like Leo and Max to sweet, gentle picks like Ava and Ivy, this collection offers a little bit of everything for every family’s taste. Perfect for parents seeking names that stand out in their simplicity, these options prove that a lot of meaning and personality can be packed into just three letters. Dive into this curated list to discover the ideal name that fits your child’s unique spirit while keeping things beautifully uncomplicated. 

Girl names with 3 letters

Here are some lovely three-letter names for girls, each one compact yet full of charm and personality. 

1. Ada – Of German origin, meaning "noble" or "nobility," Ada symbolizes strength and dignity. 
2. Amy – Of French origin, meaning "beloved," Amy is a name that conveys warmth, love, and affection. 
3. Ana – A variation of Anna, of Hebrew origin, meaning "grace" or "favor," Ana represents elegance and kindness. 
4. Ann – A variant of Anna, also of Hebrew origin, meaning "grace," Ann symbolizes simplicity and beauty. 
5. Ari – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "lioness," Ari represents strength, courage, and leadership. 
6. Ava – Of Latin origin, meaning "bird" or "life," Ava symbolizes freedom, vitality, and grace. 
7. Bea – A short form of Beatrice, of Latin origin, meaning "bringer of happiness," Bea represents joy and positivity. 
8. Ela – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "tree" or "oak," Ela symbolizes strength, stability, and nature. 
9. Eva – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "life" or "living one," Eva represents vitality, renewal, and grace. 
10. Ida – Of German origin, meaning "industrious" or "hardworking," Ida symbolizes strength, perseverance, and determination. 
11. Ina – Of German origin, meaning "strong" or "warrior," Ina represents resilience and bravery. 
12. Ira – Of Hebrew and Sanskrit origins, meaning "watchful" or "earth," Ira symbolizes wisdom, alertness, and connection to nature. 
13. Isa – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "salvation" or "God is my oath," Isa represents divine favor and spiritual strength. 
14. Ivy – Of English origin, referring to the ivy plant, Ivy symbolizes strength, fidelity, and growth. 
15. Joy – Of English origin, meaning "happiness" or "joyful," Joy represents positivity and a cheerful spirit. 
16. Lea – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "weary" or "delicate," Lea conveys beauty, grace, and serenity. 
17. Lia – A diminutive of Liliana or Amelia, of Latin origin, meaning "weary" or "joyful," Lia symbolizes light and harmony. 
18. Liv – Of Scandinavian origin, meaning "life," Liv represents vitality, strength, and resilience. 
19. May – Of English origin, meaning "flower" or "spring," May symbolizes renewal, growth, and beauty. 
20. Mia – Of Italian and Scandinavian origin, meaning "mine" or "beloved," Mia represents affection and individuality. 
21. Pia – Of Latin origin, meaning "pious" or "devout," Pia symbolizes reverence, humility, and spiritual devotion. 
22. Rae – Of English origin, meaning "ewe" (a female sheep), Rae symbolizes gentleness, peace, and tranquility. 
23. Rue – Of Latin origin, meaning "regret" or "herb," Rue represents resilience, strength, and healing. 
24. Sia – Of Greek origin, meaning "she who is victorious," Sia symbolizes victory, strength, and triumph. 
25. Zoe – Of Greek origin, meaning "life," Zoe symbolizes vitality, energy, and a zest for life. 

Boy names with 3 letters

Here are some fantastic three-letter names for boys, each one short, strong, and full of character. 

1. Ali – Of Arabic origin, meaning "elevated" or "exalted," Ali is a popular name in various cultures, often symbolizing nobility and strength. 
2. Alp – A Turkish name meaning "hero" or "brave," it conveys qualities of courage and resilience. 
3. Ben – A short form of Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand" in Hebrew, Ben symbolizes strength and favor. 
4. Dan – Derived from Hebrew, meaning "God is my judge," Dan carries a sense of divine guidance and justice. 
5. Eli – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "ascended" or "my God," Eli is often associated with spirituality and strength. 
6. Fin – A short form of Finley or Finian, of Irish origin, meaning "fair" or "white," representing purity and goodness. 
7. Gus – Often a diminutive of Augustus, of Latin origin, meaning "great" or "venerable," Gus conveys authority and dignity. 
8. Guy – A name of Old French origin, meaning "guide" or "leader," symbolizing strength and leadership. 
9. Ian – Of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning "God is gracious," Ian is associated with kindness and divine favor. 
10. Jan – A short form of Johannes, of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious," Jan is a name with strong spiritual significance. 
11. Jax – A modern variation of the name Jackson, meaning "son of Jack" or "son of John," Jax carries a sense of strength and vitality. 
12. Jay – Of English origin, derived from the jaybird, Jay symbolizes freedom, playfulness, and a connection to nature. 
13. Jim – A short form of James, of Hebrew origin, meaning "supplanter," Jim represents determination and adaptability. 
14. Kai – Of Hawaiian origin, meaning "sea," Kai symbolizes tranquility, depth, and the natural world. 
15. Kip – Of English origin, meaning "pointed hill" or "noble," Kip is a name associated with nature and strength. 
16. Mio – A name of Japanese origin, meaning "beautiful cherry blossom," Mio symbolizes beauty and grace. 
17. Nik – A short form of Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people" in Greek, Nik is a name that represents success and triumph. 
18. Ole – Of Scandinavian origin, meaning "ancestor" or "relic," Ole carries a sense of tradition and family heritage. 
19. Rei – Of Japanese origin, meaning "grace" or "spirit," Rei symbolizes elegance and strength. 
20. Ron – A short form of Ronald, of Scottish origin, meaning "ruler's counselor," Ron represents wisdom and guidance. 
21. Tim – A short form of Timothy, of Greek origin, meaning "honoring God," Tim symbolizes reverence and devotion. 
22. Tom – A diminutive of Thomas, of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin," Tom is a name that conveys warmth and friendship. 
23. Wes – A short form of Wesley, of Old English origin, meaning "western meadow," Wes evokes a sense of peace and nature. 
24. Zac – A diminutive of Zachary, of Hebrew origin, meaning "God remembers," Zac is a name associated with faith and divine protection. 
25. Joe – A diminutive of Joseph, of Hebrew origin, meaning "God will increase," Joe symbolizes blessings, growth, and divine favor. 

Gender-neutral names

Explore these charming three-letter unisex names, each one offering simplicity, versatility, and a unique style that suits any personality. 

1. Kim – Of Old English origin, meaning "royal" or "noble," Kim is a short and versatile name that can be used for both boys and girls. 
2. Kit – Of English origin, meaning "pure" or "clear," Kit is often a short form of Christopher or Katherine but stands strong as a gender-neutral name on its own. 
3. Lee – Of Old English origin, meaning "meadow" or "clearing," Lee evokes a sense of nature and tranquility and is commonly used for both boys and girls. 
4. Leo – Of Latin origin, meaning "lion," Leo symbolizes strength, bravery, and leadership, and can be used as a gender-neutral name, though often seen for boys. 
5. Lou – A short form of names like Louis or Louise, of French origin, meaning "famous warrior," Lou is a friendly and flexible name for both genders. 
6. Max – Of Latin origin, meaning "the greatest," Max is a strong and simple name, often used for both boys and girls. 
7. Noa – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "motion" or "movement," Noa is a name used for both boys and girls, symbolizing energy and flow. 
8. Sam – A short form of Samuel or Samantha, of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard," Sam is a widely used gender-neutral name representing warmth and approachability. 
9. Sky – Of English origin, meaning "sky" or "heavens," Sky symbolizes freedom, openness, and limitless possibilities, making it a perfect name for any child. 
10. Teo – Of Greek origin, meaning "God" or "divine," Teo is a modern and sleek name, representing spiritual strength, and is used for both boys and girls. 

Choosing a short and sweet three-letter name for your little one is a great way to keep things simple yet meaningful. Whether you're drawn to classic boy names, timeless girl names, or versatile gender-neutral options, there’s a perfect choice for every family. These names are not only easy to spell and pronounce but also carry deep significance and charm.

We hope this list has inspired you as you embark on the exciting journey of naming your baby, and remember, the best name is the one that resonates most with you and your family. 

For those interested in exploring even more options that transcend traditional gender boundaries, consider looking at our article with a broader selection of gender-neutral baby names. Gender-neutral names offer a versatile and inclusive approach to naming, providing a meaningful way to honor individuality and adaptability in today’s world.