4 Letter Boy Names

Cace is an uncommon masculine name with ambiguous origins. It may function as a variant spelling of Case or Casey, which have Irish origins meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful.' Alternatively, it could be a modern creation inspired by names like Chase, Ace, or Cade. The distinctive spelling with the 'c' ending gives it a contemporary edge while maintaining a short, strong sound. Cace remains extremely rare in usage statistics, making it an option for parents seeking a truly distinctive name that still sounds familiar to the ear. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a certain boldness, while its similarity to more established names prevents it from seeming too unfamiliar. As a modern-sounding name with potential traditional roots, Cace occupies an interesting middle ground in naming trends.

Cace

Kass is a masculine name that likely originated as a short form of names like Kassian, Cassius, or even Kaspar. The name has Greek roots through Cassius, which may relate to "kassis" meaning "hollow." As a standalone name, Kass is quite uncommon for males, though it appears occasionally as a nickname or abbreviated form. The name's brevity gives it a sharp, modern quality with its single syllable and strong consonant ending. For female bearers, Kass can also function as a variant of Cass (short for Cassandra). The masculine use offers a distinctive alternative to more common short names like Cass or Kade, appealing to parents seeking something concise yet uncommon.

Kass

Cayo is a rare and rhythmic Spanish name, all but unknown in the English-speaking world, that would make a lively choice.


Cayo

Chay is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins. In Hebrew contexts, it relates to 'chai' meaning 'life' or 'living.' As an English name, it often functions as a nickname for Charles or a variant spelling of Shea (Irish origin meaning 'hawk-like'). In Latin American usage, particularly Mexico, Chay can be a diminutive of names like Santiago. The name has gained some recognition through figures like Chay Blyth, the Scottish sailor. Phonetically straightforward yet visually distinctive with its 'ch' beginning, Chay offers simplicity with character. Its single-syllable structure aligns with contemporary preferences for concise names. While not among the most common masculine names in English-speaking countries, its cross-cultural versatility and accessible pronunciation make it an appealing option for parents seeking something brief yet meaningful.

Chay

Strongly associated with Cuban revolutionary Guevara. 

Ché

Chen

Crys is an uncommon masculine name that likely originated as a shortened form of names like Crystal, Christopher, or Chrysanthos. The name has Greek roots related to 'chrysos' meaning 'gold' or 'golden,' suggesting brightness and value. As a standalone name, Crys has a distinctive, modern feel while maintaining connections to these longer traditional names. The brevity and crisp sound of Crys gives it a contemporary edge that aligns with the trend toward shorter, punchy names for boys. Despite these positive qualities, Crys remains quite rare in usage, likely due to its stronger association as a nickname or its similarity to the word 'cry.' For parents seeking a truly unique option with subtle connections to more established names, Crys offers an unconventional choice with an intriguing sound and ancient golden associations.

Crys

Krys is a masculine name functioning as a shortened form of names like Krystian, Krzysztof (Polish variations of Christian and Christopher), or Kristopher. With its crisp, modern sound, Krys offers a streamlined alternative to longer traditional names while maintaining their historic roots. The distinctive 'K' spelling gives it a contemporary edge compared to the variant 'Chris.' Popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland, the name has spread globally through diaspora communities. As a standalone name, Krys remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce. The simplicity and strength of this short name appeals to parents seeking a masculine name that's both modern and connected to traditional naming patterns.

Krys

Actor Mark Ruffalo honed this surname down to its basics when he chose it for his son. A more usable expansion might be the Irish surname Keenan/Keenen.

Keen

Now that the Irish Ciaran and Ciara -- aka Kieran and Kiera -- are becoming more popular beyond their native shores, the short and strong Ciar might find some favor. As of now, more than 160 baby girls were named Ciara in the US last year, with half that many boys named Ciaran, but so far no baby boys named Ciar, though 17 were called Keir.

Ciar

Kern is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Germanic usage, it derives from words meaning "warrior" or "kernel" (suggesting the core or essence of something). In Irish contexts, Kern comes from "ceithern," referring to a light-armed foot soldier in Gaelic warfare. This cross-cultural name has remained consistently uncommon but recognized across English-speaking countries. Kern possesses a strong, single-syllable simplicity that conveys ruggedness and directness. The name has geographical connections through the Kern River and Kern County in California. Its brevity and masculine sound appeal to parents seeking a no-nonsense name with historical depth. Kern's rarity makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell, offering a solid yet uncommon choice for boys.

Kern

The whimsical quality of the work of Swiss artist Paul Klee is somehow reflected in his name, although many would mispronounce it to rhyme with key. Say it like clay.

Klee

Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm. 

Clem

Kolm is a masculine name with likely Germanic or Scandinavian origins. It may derive from Old Norse elements or represent a shortened form of names containing 'kolm' or similar sounds. In Estonian, 'kolm' means 'three,' which could influence its meaning in certain cultural contexts. The name also appears as a surname in Northern European countries. Kolm remains very rare as a given name internationally, never appearing on popular naming charts. Its brief, strong phonetic quality gives it a modern minimalist feel despite potential ancient roots. The single-syllable structure with its distinctive final consonant blend creates a name that's succinct yet memorable. For parents seeking an uncommon name with Nordic or Germanic connections, Kolm offers simplicity and strength without elaboration.

Kolm

Singer Perry is long gone, but the beautiful northern Italian lake conjures up a clear and tranquil image. 

Como

Conn is a masculine name with ancient Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic word 'conn' meaning 'wisdom' or 'chief.' In Irish mythology and history, Conn of the Hundred Battles was a legendary High King of Ireland. The name's brevity gives it a strong, direct quality while its history provides substantial cultural depth. Though uncommon in modern usage outside of Ireland, Conn has maintained a presence in Irish families and among those with Irish heritage. The name's simplicity makes it easy to pronounce and remember, while its historical significance gives it gravitas. Conn offers an authentic connection to Irish heritage in a concise, powerful form that contrasts with longer Celtic names.

Conn

Duno is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Italian or Germanic roots, potentially serving as a shortened form of names like Arduíno or functioning as a variant of Dino (short for names such as Bernardino). In some contexts, it could relate to the Latin 'dunus' meaning 'hill' or 'fortress.' The name's simplicity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal despite its potential ancient origins. While not widely used in any major culture, Duno offers the advantage of being brief, distinctive, and easy to pronounce across language boundaries. The name has a strong, masculine sound with its firm consonants and clear vowels. Its rarity makes it appealing for parents seeking truly unique options without complex spelling or pronunciation.

Duno

Short and to the point, muscular and strong. 

Curt

Coop is a masculine name with English origins, traditionally used as a nickname for Cooper, which itself began as an occupational surname for barrel makers or those who made wooden vessels. As a standalone name, Coop has a concise, strong quality with its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation. It conveys a casual, approachable masculinity with subtle rustic undertones. While quite uncommon as a formal given name, Coop has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. The name carries associations with craftsmanship and traditional work through its occupational roots. Its brevity makes it appealing in contemporary naming culture where short, punchy names for boys have gained favor. Coop projects an effortlessly cool, unpretentious character.

Coop

Cork

Four letter boy names have topped the popularity list for several years now, with Liam taking over for longtime favorite Noah.

 boys' names with four letters in the US Top 100

 include Levi, Ryan, Ezra, Owen, Luke, Jack, Evan, Axel, Jace, and Jose.



John and its short form Jack, two of the top male names of all time, both have four letters. Other

 include Abel, Adam, Amos, Carl, Eric, Mark, and Paul.

 on our recommended list include Beau, Cove, Elio, Ford, Hart, Huck, Land, Nico, Otis, Pike, Rafi, and Shaw.



View our entire list of boy names with four letters here, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry. 

Four letter boy names including meaning, origin, and popularity, with top four letter boy names Noah and Jack and unique four letter names for boys (Page 165)

1900+ Four Letter Boy Names