4 Letter Girl Names

Anka

Maxa is a distinctive feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from Max or Maxine, which come from the Latin 'maximus' meaning 'greatest.' Alternatively, it could have Slavic roots, possibly as a variant of Masha (diminutive of Maria). In some cultures, Maxa may also relate to the Sanskrit word for 'freedom' or 'liberation.' The name is quite rare globally, giving it an exotic and unique quality. Its brevity and strong sound make it appealing in modern naming trends that favor short, distinctive names. The ending 'a' provides a feminine touch to the otherwise strong-sounding name. Maxa offers multicultural versatility, working well across different languages and traditions while remaining uncommon enough to be distinctive.

Maxa

Maxy is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive form of Maxine or Maxima, though it can also stand alone. The root 'max' comes from the Latin 'maximus,' meaning 'greatest.' With its cheerful ending sound, Maxy projects a playful, friendly character while maintaining connections to more formal names with classical origins. Though uncommon as a legal name, it has seen occasional use as a nickname throughout the 20th century. The spelling with a 'y' ending gives it a modern, casual feel compared to variations like 'Maxie.' Parents might choose Maxy for its upbeat sound and positive connotations of greatness and achievement, combined with its approachable, informal quality.

Maxy

Diminutive of Maxine, Maxima or Maximiliane

Maxi

Tila is a concise feminine name with multicultural origins. In Finnish, it means 'space' or 'room,' while in Hindi it can refer to the sesame seed, symbolizing fertility and auspiciousness. The name also exists as a short form of names like Matilda in some European contexts. Tila gained some recognition in Western countries through model and TV personality Tila Tequila in the early 2000s. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across different languages and cultures. With just two syllables and a melodic sound, Tila offers simplicity while maintaining a distinctive quality. While never reaching widespread popularity, this compact name has a contemporary feel combined with ancient roots, appealing to parents seeking something short, memorable, and internationally versatile.

Tila

Maud, lacy and mauve-tinted, was wildly popular a hundred years ago but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose Maud again, especially as a middle. Maude is another spelling, associated with actress Maude Apatow.
 
As a British royal name, Maud was the daughter of the youngest daughter of King Edward VII and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, who went on to become Queen of Norway. As a lively young girl, she was given the boyish nickname of Harry.

Maud

Moll is one of those names that is used all the time as a nickname for a nickname, but rarely put on the birth certificate. Moll Flanders is an eponymous 18th century novel by Daniel Defoe, the author of Robinson Crusoe,

Moll

Poll is an uncommon feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of Mary, through the nickname pathway Mary → Molly → Polly → Poll. It emerged primarily in medieval and early modern England as an affectionate, informal version of these more formal names. The name has a brief, distinctive quality with its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation. While Poll was more common in historical contexts, particularly the 17th-19th centuries, it has become quite rare in modern usage. The name may also relate to the Greek name 'Apollonia' in some contexts. Poll has a quaint, vintage charm that connects to traditional English naming practices, though its brevity might lead to confusion with the common noun 'poll,' potentially causing some practical challenges.

Poll

Tine is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Dutch origins. In Danish and Norwegian, it originated as a diminutive of names ending in '-tine' such as Christine, Martine, or Albertine. In Dutch contexts, it's often short for Christina or Martine. The name is pronounced 'TEE-neh' in Scandinavian countries and 'TEE-nuh' in English-speaking regions. Tine has a delicate, sweet quality while remaining simple and unpretentious. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway, the name enjoys moderate popularity, though it's less commonly encountered internationally. Some might appreciate its connection to 'tiny' in English, giving it a dainty, petite association.

Tine

Traditionally a diminutive of Martin or Martina, Mart fits within the rising trend of boyish nicknames for girls. Though many minds may go to "mini mart" or "shopping mart" so Martie is preferable.

Mart

Mata is a concise feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'mother' and holds sacred connotations, while in Hebrew it can mean 'gift.' The name appears in various cultures including Spanish, Polish, and Indonesian communities, each with subtle meaning variations. Historically, the name gained some recognition through Mata Hari, the famous Dutch exotic dancer and spy during World War I. Despite this historical association, Mata remains uncommon in Western countries but appears more frequently in South Asian and Eastern European regions. The name's brevity gives it strength and memorability, while its multicultural roots make it adaptable across different languages and traditions.

Mata

Marj is a feminine name primarily used as a diminutive form of Marjorie or Margaret. Both parent names have historical significance: Margaret derives from Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' while Marjorie comes from the medieval French version of Margaret. Marj emerged as a nickname in English-speaking countries, particularly gaining usage in the early-to-mid 20th century. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft consonants and single-syllable structure. While less commonly used as a formal given name compared to its use as a nickname, Marj carries vintage charm that appeals to those seeking brief, unpretentious names. In recent decades, as full names like Marjorie have become less common, Marj has also declined in usage but maintains appeal for those appreciating vintage nickname-names.

Marj

Maie is a delicate feminine name that likely developed as a variant of May or Mae, which themselves originated as nicknames for Mary or Margaret. The name has French influences and carries the fresh, springtime associations of the month of May, symbolizing renewal and vitality. This particular spelling adds a touch of vintage charm and European elegance to the simpler Mae. Historically, Maie has been used sporadically in France and other European countries but remains uncommon in English-speaking regions. Its brevity and melodic quality give it a gentle, graceful feel while maintaining simplicity. For parents seeking a short, sweet name with subtle French flair and connections to nature's renewal, Maie offers a distinctive alternative to more common variations.

Maie

A unique international short form of Margaret, now associated with Facebook and Instagram and with "meta" fiction, books, TV shows, and similar that are self-referential. 

Ecru

Ecko is an uncommon feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the German word 'ecke' meaning 'corner' or could be a creative spelling of 'echo,' referring to the reflection of sound. Some suggest it might have Japanese roots, where 'eko' relates to 'gift' or 'child of.' In contemporary usage, Ecko may also draw associations with the urban clothing brand. As a given name, Ecko remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking modern, short names with a distinctive sound and contemporary feel. The name's brevity and strong 'k' sound give it a bold, memorable quality despite its softness when spoken.

Ecko

So many short forms of Margaret, from Peggy all the way through Maggie and Megan, are outdated now that Mago has value simply by being undiscovered.  But still, not very appealing.

Mago

Affable and creative and perfectly able to stand alone; nothing Scroogish about it.

Eban

Ebbe

One of the many international versions of Mary that could make an unusual alternative. The similar sound to Maya/Maia could be a plus or a minus.
Mair appears in the many Welsh towns and villages called Llanfair, meaning "place of St Mary's church".

Mair

, one of the top names for girls not only in the US but around the world.

, other four letter names for girls in the US Top 100 include 

, the most-used girl name of all time, also contains four letters, as do such classics as 



Unique four letter names for girls we recommend include 



Browse our entire collection of four letter names for girls below, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry. 

Four Letter Girl Names, with origin, meanings, and popularity, including top four letter girl names Emma and Luna and unique four letter girl names Echo and Romy (Page 78)

1798 Four Letter Girl Names