4 Letter Boy Names

Dony is a masculine name with various potential origins. It may be a shortened form of names like Donovan, Dominic, or Donald, or it could be a variation of Danny or Tony. The name has appeared across different cultures, often as a familiar, friendly nickname that evolved into a given name in its own right. Dony has a casual, approachable quality with its short, two-syllable structure and easy pronunciation. While never among the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent, modest presence in various regions. The name strikes a balance between being recognizably familiar yet uncommon enough to be distinctive. Dony carries connotations of friendliness and accessibility, projecting a warm, unpretentious character.

Dony

Dore is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variation of Doré, a French surname meaning "golden" or "gilded," as famously carried by the artist Gustave Doré. Alternatively, it could be a shortened form of names like Theodore or Isidore. In some contexts, it might function as a variant spelling of Dory. The name has never been common in English-speaking countries but carries a sophisticated, European sensibility. Its brevity gives it a modern appeal despite its historical roots. Dore has a strong, clean sound that works well across cultures, offering a distinctive option that avoids overly elaborate syllables while maintaining a touch of creative distinction.

Dore

Doug is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Douglas, a Scottish surname meaning 'dark water' or 'dark stream,' derived from the Gaelic elements 'dubh' (dark) and 'glas' (water). While Douglas has been used as a given name since the late Middle Ages, Doug emerged as a standalone name in the mid-20th century. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, conveying a friendly, approachable quality. Doug has a straightforward, unpretentious character that embodies mid-century American values. Though its usage has declined significantly since its peak, the name retains a certain classic appeal. Doug conveys a sense of reliability and straightforwardness, with many perceiving it as friendly and trustworthy.

Doug

Dubi is a masculine name with several possible origins. In Hebrew, it can be related to 'dov' or 'dub' meaning 'bear,' symbolizing strength and courage. The name might also have African roots in certain cultures. Dubi is characterized by its brevity and simplicity, with just two syllables that are easily pronounced across various languages. As a name, it remains quite rare in Western countries, though it may be more familiar in Jewish communities or regions where Hebrew names are common. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds while still maintaining masculine associations through its meaning. Its uncommon nature makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or remember.

Dubi

Subtle but clear unisex way to signal peace, especially in middle place. 

Dove

Dowe is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of the surname Dow, which has Scottish origins as a shortened form of 'MacDuff' or 'son of David'. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Frisian name Douwe, popular in the Netherlands, which derives from the Germanic element 'dub' meaning 'dove', symbolizing peace. Dowe has remained relatively rare throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. Its brevity and soft sound make it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor short, simple names. The name carries a gentle yet dignified character, with connections to both avian symbolism (the dove) and noble Scottish heritage.

Dowe

Cool, musical modern choice, especially as a middle name. 

Drum

This somewhat boisterous Celtic name would be at home in a noisy pub or out walking on the moors. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion.
 Duff (born Michael) McKagan gained fame as a member of Guns 'N' Roses. Popular actress Hilary Duff is giving the surname a lot of attention.

Duff

Doon is a rare masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Scottish Gaelic 'dùn' meaning 'fort' or 'hill,' or possibly from Irish place names. The name could also be connected to the River Doon in Scotland, made famous in Robert Burns' poem 'The Banks o' Doon.' With its short, strong sound, Doon has a distinctive quality that's easy to pronounce and remember. Despite these appealing characteristics, it remains quite uncommon in most naming records. The name has literary connections through John Gregory Dunne's novel 'True Confessions,' which features a character named Doon. Its rarity gives it a unique appeal for parents seeking an uncommon name with natural or geographical associations.

Doon

Dunn

Aken is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Egyptian tradition, Aken was a ferryman deity who transported souls across the river in the underworld. The name also has Dutch and German connections, possibly derived from place names or representing a variant of Akin. In some African cultures, particularly Ghanaian, Aken may be used as a name for a boy born on Wednesday. This succinct, two-syllable name offers simplicity with depth of meaning. While not common in Western countries, Aken appeals to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with cross-cultural significance and an ancient pedigree. Its rarity makes it an individualistic choice.

Aken

Eyon is a distinctive masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variation of Ian or Eon, the latter coming from Greek roots meaning 'age' or 'era.' Alternatively, it could have Hebrew connections related to names like Elon. In some contexts, it appears as a surname before transitioning to first-name usage. Eyon remains quite rare in most English-speaking countries, giving it a contemporary and unique quality. The name's short, two-syllable structure makes it both memorable and easy to pronounce, while its uncommon status offers individuality. The sound evokes modern sensibilities with an international feel that crosses cultural boundaries. Parents choosing Eyon likely appreciate its distinctiveness, simplicity, and the subtle strength it conveys through its crisp pronunciation.

Eyon

Eann is a masculine name with Celtic, particularly Irish and Scottish Gaelic origins. It's likely a variant of Ian or Eoin, which are forms of John, ultimately meaning 'God is gracious' from Hebrew roots. The double 'n' gives this short name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its simple pronunciation. Eann has remained quite rare in usage, providing a distinctive alternative to more common Celtic names. It carries cultural connections to Gaelic heritage while being compact and straightforward enough for contemporary usage. The name offers parents a blend of traditional roots with an uncommon quality that stands out without being difficult to spell or pronounce.

Eann

Iaen is a masculine name of uncertain origin, possibly representing a rare variant of Ian or a creative modern invention. With its unusual vowel combination, Iaen stands out as distinctive and uncommon. The name Ian derives from Scottish Gaelic, being a form of John meaning 'God is gracious,' and if Iaen shares this etymology, it carries the same spiritual significance. Extremely rare in usage, Iaen offers parents seeking truly unique names an option that remains recognizable in pronunciation while being visually distinctive. The name's brevity and strong vowel sounds give it a contemporary feel despite potential traditional roots.

Iaen

Eaen is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain etymology, possibly derived from Celtic or constructed modern origins. The unusual vowel combination creates a distinctive pronunciation that may vary regionally (likely pronounced as 'EE-an' or 'AY-en'). As a rare name, Eaen has little documented historical usage, making it appealing to parents seeking truly unique options for their sons. The name's brief, two-syllable structure gives it a contemporary feel despite potential ancient roots. Eaen's obscurity means it carries minimal cultural associations or preconceptions, allowing the bearer to define the name's character. In modern naming landscapes that increasingly value uniqueness, Eaen offers distinctiveness while maintaining a relatively straightforward pronunciation compared to other invented or rare names.

Eaen

Erle is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Old English 'eorl' meaning 'nobleman' or 'warrior,' which evolved into the title 'earl.' Alternatively, it could relate to the elm tree, as 'erle' was an Old English term for a type of elm. The name shares pronunciation with the surname 'Earl,' though the spelling gives it a more distinctive appearance. While never widely common as a given name, Erle saw some usage in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. Its most famous bearer was probably Erle Stanley Gardner, the creator of Perry Mason. The name carries connotations of nobility and natural strength, with a vintage charm that might appeal to parents seeking uncommon traditional names.

Erle

Erly is a concise masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a shortened form of the Germanic name Erlewin, meaning 'noble friend,' or could derive from a surname with Old English roots meaning 'eagle wood' or related to 'early.' In some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly the Philippines, it might be used as a phonetic spelling of 'early' or as a variation of Erlie. With just four letters, Erly has a modern, streamlined quality that makes it easy to pronounce and spell across cultures. Though uncommon as a first name globally, its brevity aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, distinctive names. The name has a youthful, energetic quality, possibly evoking ideas of promptness or being ahead of one's time.

Erly

Eton is a masculine name with English origins, most famously associated with the prestigious Eton College in England. This connection gives the name an air of sophistication, education, and traditional values. As a given name, Eton is uncommon, providing a distinctive choice with recognizable resonance. It may be chosen by parents who appreciate its brief, strong phonetics or its connotations of academic excellence. The name has a crisp, refined quality with just two syllables that make it straightforward yet distinguished. While not widely used, Eton has a timeless quality that works well in contemporary contexts while carrying subtle references to established tradition and heritage.

Eton

A Top 30 name in Sweden, derived from Eberhard (brave boar) or Esben (god bear) – either way, a strong meaning.

Ebbe

Eetu is a perennial favorite in Finland, but is rarely if ever used in the States - probably because of the unfamiliar (to most people) spelling and pronunciation.

Eetu

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 168)

1900+ Four Letter Boy Names