This blog post will show you a list of four-letter names for baby boys.
Choosing the perfect name for your little bundle of joy is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as a parent.
Whether you’re looking for a classic name with deep roots or a modern twist with a unique flair, four-letter baby boy names are a popular choice.
Four-letter baby names are short and snappy, making them an excellent option for first names, middle names, or even as a cute nickname.
JUMP TO: List of four letter baby names
Why Choose a Four-Letter Baby Boy Name?
Four-letter names are popular for several reasons. They’re short and sweet, making them easy to spell and pronounce.
They also pair well with both long and short last names, ensuring that your little one’s full name will flow beautifully.
Short names are not only easy to remember but also have a timeless appeal, from a strong, classic name like Jack to a unique name like Arlo.
READ MORE: 180 Strong Masculine Baby Boy Names with Meanings
Many four-letter names are traditional, while others are modern creations that have quickly become popular baby boy names.
What’s more, they are only one or two syllable names, which often pack a bigger punch than long names which can be a bit of a mouthful.
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, four letter boy names are still as popular as ever. In 2023, Liam and Noah were the most popular baby boy names in the US.
Celebrities with four-letter names include Ryan Gosling, Matt Damon, John Travolta, Jude Law, Owen Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Ryan Elon Musk, Nick Jonas.
We’ve curated a comprehensive list of four-letter boy names to help you find that perfect name for your little guy.
Whether you prefer names of English origin, Irish origin, or something inspired by Greek mythology or Latin roots, read on to discover a wide array of options, from classic to modern, and everything in between.
Below is a list of four-letter baby boy names, including their meanings and origins.
Four Letter Baby Boy Names
Arlo – Fortified hill, Old English origin
Liam – Strong-willed warrior, Irish origin
Ezra – Help, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Theo – Divine gift, diminutive of Theodore, Greek origin
Cian – Ancient, Irish origin
Reid – Red-haired, Old English origin
Jack – God is gracious, English origin
Aron – Exalted, high mountain, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Luke – Light-giving, Greek origin
Andy – Diminutive of Andrew Scottish origin
Evan – God is gracious, Welsh origin
Knox – Round hill, Scottish origin
Axel – Father of peace, Scandinavian origin
Ralph – This Scandinavian name comes from the ancient Norse Ráðúlfr, which means “wolf counsel”
Noah – Rest, comfort, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Owen – A name of Irish origin that comes from the Gaelic word eghan or eoghan, which means “the yew tree” or “youth”
Finn – Fair, white, Irish origin
Adam – The name Adam is a well-known Hebrew name and biblical name that means “son of the red Earth”
Alex – Diminutive of Alexander, a name of Greek origin
Ryan – Little king, Irish origin
John – God is gracious, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Ewan – Born of the yew tree, Scottish origin
Paul – Small, humble, Latin origin
Mark – Warlike, Latin origin
Colt – Young horse, English origin
Dean – Valley, Old English origin
Troy – Foot soldier, Irish origin
Reed – Red-haired, Old English origin
Hugo – Mind, intellect, German origin
Ivan – God is gracious, Slavic origin
Nick – Victory of the people, diminutive of Nicholas, Greek origin
Jace – Diminutive of Jason Greek and Hebrew origins and means “healer” and “the Lord is salvation”
Drew – Manly, brave, Welsh origin A diminutive of Andrew
Ivor – A boy’s name with origins in English, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, and Norse that means “yew,” “archer,” or “bow warrior”. It comes from the Old Norse elements of ýr, which refers to the yew tree, and herr, which means “warrior”
Zane – God is gracious, Hebrew origin
Kyle – Narrow strait, Scottish origin
Dash – From d’ash, French origin
Joel – Jehovah is God, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Alec – Diminutive of Alexander, Greek origin
Glen – Name meaning narrow valley, Scottish origin
Seth – Appointed, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Levi – Joined in harmony, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Milo – Soldier, Latin origin
Otto – Wealth, German origin
Rory – Red king, Irish origin
Tate – Cheerful, happy, Old English origin
Abel – Breath, son, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Jude – Praised, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Cody – Helpful, pillow, Irish origin
Iver – A masculine name of Scandinavian origin that means “yew tree” or “yew bow” It comes from the Old Norse name Ívarr
Gabe – Diminutive of Gabriel, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Cole – Victory of the people, Old English origin
Leon – Lion, Greek origin
Eric – Ever ruler, Norse origin
Nico – Victory of the people, Greek origin
Sean – God is gracious, Irish origin
Earl – Nobleman, Old English origin
Bram – Father of multitudes, diminutive of Abraham, Hebrew origin
Raul – Wolf counselor, Spanish origin
Dane – From Denmark, English origin
Gino – Well-born, Italian origin
Cruz – Cross, Spanish origin
Toby – God is good, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Eoin – A name of Irish origin that means “born of the yew tree”
Brad – Broad, Old English origin
Cade – Round, cask, Old English origin
Dale – Valley, Old English origin
Vern – Alder tree, Old French origin
Beau – Handsome, French origin
Davi – Beloved, Portuguese origin, biblical name
Ross – Headland, Scottish origin
Ralf – Counsel wolf, Old English origin
Odin – Inspiration, Norse mythology
Jace – Healer, Greek origin
Rafe – Wolf counsel, English origin
Kirk – Church, Scottish origin
Vito – Life, Latin origin
Paco – Free, diminutive of Francisco, Spanish origin
Otis – Wealthy, German origin
Saul – Asked for, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Mack – Son of, Irish origin
Clay – Mortal, Old English origin
Cory – Hollow, Irish origin The prefix “Cor-” is often used to refer to a small, round hill
Zeke – God strengthens, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Rudy – A German name, meaning Famous wolf
Duke – Leader, Latin origin
Kane – Warrior, Irish origin
Jett – Black stone, English origin
Wade – River crossing, Old English origin
Hans – God is gracious, German origin
Will – Will, desire, Old English origin
Nash – By the ash tree, Old English origin
Kris – Follower of Christ, diminutive of Christopher, Greek origin
Buck – Deer, English origin
Hugh – Mind, intellect, German origin
Zack – Diminutive of Zachary, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Eddy – Wealthy guardian, diminutive of Edward, Old English origin
Greg – Watchful, Greek origin
Reid – Red-haired, Old English origin
Judd – Praised, diminutive of Judah, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Trey – Three, English origin
Moss – From Moses, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Neal – Champion, Irish origin
Thor – Thunder, Norse mythology
Burt – Bright, Old English origin
Fynn – Fair, white, Irish origin
Todd – Fox, English origin
Lars – Laurel, Latin origin
Gage – Measure, English origin
Ward – Guardian, Old English origin
Nile – From the Nile, Greek origin
Bray – Marsh, Old English origin
Bart – Son of the earth, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Dion – Child of heaven and earth, Greek mythology
Tony – Diminutive of Anthony, Latin origin
Boyd – Blonde, Irish origin
Kian/Cian – Ancient, Irish origin
Gene – Well-born, Greek origin
Wynn – Friend, Welsh origin
Fitz – Son of, Old English origin
Clint – Settlement on a hill, Old English origin
Gary – Spear, German origin
Doug – Dark river, Scottish origin
Walt – Ruler of the army, German origin
Rick – Ruler, diminutive of Richard, German origin
Lyle – Island, Scottish origin
Cain – Spear, Irish origin
Bryn – Hill, Welsh origin
Gale – Lively, English origin
Nate – Diminutive of Nathaniel, Hebrew origin, biblical name
Leif – Heir, Scandinavian origin
Chad – Battle, warrior, Old English origin
Phil – Lover of horses, diminutive of Philip, Greek origin
Alon – Oak tree, Hebrew origin
Carl – Free man, German origin
Hank – Home ruler, diminutive of Henry, Old English origin
Zach – God has remembered, diminutive of Zachary, Hebrew origin
Bret – From Britain, English origin
Kade – Round, cask, Old English origin
Enzo – Ruler of the estate, Italian origin
Omar – Flourishing, life, Arabic origin, biblical name
Grey – Gray-haired, English origin
Amir – Prince, ruler, Arabic origin
Zion – Highest point, Hebrew origin, biblical name
When selecting a name for your little guy, consider how it sounds with your last name, especially if you have a long surname.
Shorter names like these four-letter gems can balance out a longer last name, creating a combination that’s not too overwhelming. If your last name is already short, a four-letter first name could create a snappy, memorable combination.
Pairing Four-Letter Names with Middle Names and Surnames
Four-letter names also work wonderfully as middle names. They add a brief yet impactful touch to longer first names.
For example, a name like Alexander pairs perfectly with a middle name like Jude or Finn.
The Popularity of Four-Letter Names
Many of these names have stood the test of time, maintaining popularity across generations.
Names like Jack, John, Paul and Mark have been consistently popular, as seen in the U.S. Social Security Administration’s lists of popular baby boy names for decades.
Meanwhile, names like Liam and Finn have surged in popularity more recently, reflecting contemporary trends.
Unique Four-Letter Names with Strong Meanings
If you’re looking for something less common, this list also includes unique names with meaningful origins. Names like Zane, Milo, and Jett offer a modern twist.
These names are perfect for parents who want a name that stands out but is still easy to pronounce and spell.
Finding the Perfect Four-Letter Name
Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of names like John and Paul, the Irish flair of Finn and Liam, or the modern edge of Jett and Zane, this list offers something for every taste.
Want more inspiration? Check out 220 Boho Baby Boy Names for 2024 that are Earthy and Unique
