4 Letter Boy Names

Lavr is a masculine name of Russian origin, derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel." Laurel wreaths were symbols of victory and honor in ancient Rome, giving the name associations with achievement and triumph. In Russian culture, Lavr has a distinguished history, though it has always been relatively uncommon. The name gained some recognition through historical figures like Lavr Kornilov, a Russian military commander. With its strong, compact structure and unusual sound in English-speaking contexts, Lavr carries a distinctive Slavic character. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient roots. While rarely encountered outside Russian and Eastern European communities, Lavr might appeal to parents seeking a masculine name that is both culturally specific and internationally accessible, with its simple pronunciation and meaningful heritage.

Lavr

The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.

Leaf

Lech (brother of Czech and Rus) was the mythical father of the Poles, and also the name of the Polish worker-president Lech Walesa, but it still isn't a name that travels well. 

Lech

Laif is a masculine name with Scandinavian roots, considered a variant spelling of Leif. The traditional Norse name Leif means 'heir' or 'descendant,' and the variant Laif maintains this heritage while offering a distinctive spelling. The name evokes the adventurous spirit of Norse explorer Leif Erikson, who is believed to have reached North America centuries before Columbus. Laif remains quite rare in modern usage, making it an uncommon choice that stands out while still carrying historical significance. The phonetic spelling gives the name a contemporary feel while preserving its Nordic heritage. Parents might choose this spelling variation to create a unique identity while honoring Scandinavian ancestry.

Laif

Lief is a masculine name with Norse and Germanic origins, typically considered a variant spelling of Leif, which means 'heir' or 'descendant.' The most famous bearer was Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer believed to be the first European to reach North America. This spelling variation maintains the same pronunciation but gives the name a slightly different visual presentation. The name has a strong, concise quality with its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation. Despite its brevity, Lief carries significant historical weight and conveys a sense of adventure and discovery through its association with exploration. The name has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive character while still being recognizable and easy to pronounce.

Lief

Leos is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the Greek word 'leon' meaning 'lion.' It can be seen as a variant of Leo or a Grecian form of the name. In some Eastern European countries, particularly Czech Republic and Slovakia, Leos is used as an independent given name. The name carries powerful symbolism of strength, courage, and nobility—qualities long associated with lions across many cultures. While not common in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady usage in parts of Eastern Europe. The name has a strong, compact sound that conveys masculinity while the final 's' adds a distinctive classical touch.

Leos

Old-school nicknames for boys are back, and Lenn is a great candidate for revival. Single-N Len may not be as cool as this Dutch version, originally a nickname for Lennart.

Lenn

Leva is a masculine name with varied origins. In Slavic languages, particularly Latvian, it can be related to 'lev' meaning 'lion,' symbolizing strength and courage. It may also be used as a diminutive form of names containing this element. In Hebrew contexts, it could be a variant of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, meaning 'joined' or 'attached.' The name has a simple, strong phonetic quality with just two syllables that travel well across language boundaries. While not widely used in most Western countries, Leva maintains cultural significance in Eastern European communities and has a timeless quality. Its rarity makes it distinctive while its straightforward pronunciation keeps it accessible.

Leva

Lewy is a diminutive form of Lewis or Lewys, which ultimately derives from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.' Most commonly used as a nickname, Lewy has gained some independent usage in recent years. The name has seen increased recognition in sporting circles, notably through Polish footballer Robert Lewandowski, often called 'Lewy' by fans. This short, friendly-sounding name carries a casual, approachable quality while maintaining its connection to more traditional forms. While not among the most popular names, Lewy offers a modern, concise alternative to longer traditional names.

Lewy

Lexi is technically unisex though used much more often for girls in the US, where it ranks among the female Top 100.

Lexi

Lind is a masculine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins. It derives from Old Norse and can be related to the word 'lind' meaning 'lime tree' or 'linden tree,' which historically symbolized peace and justice in Germanic cultures. The name may also function as a shortened form of names containing the element 'lind,' such as Lindberg or Lindquist. Lind has been used primarily as a surname in English-speaking countries but has seen limited usage as a given name. In Scandinavian contexts, it maintains stronger connections to its nature-based origins. The name's brevity gives it a strong, clear quality while its meaning connects it to natural elements. Lind conveys simplicity, strength, and a connection to Nordic heritage.

Lind

Historic association with Leopold damns it. 

Loeb

This variation of the surname Loeb works even better than the original as a first name, though any child named Loew will inevitably have to endure a lifetime's worth of "high and...." jokes.  Other leonine options: Leopold or Lionel.

Loew

Logn is a masculine name with Nordic origins, particularly from Old Norse. In Norse languages, 'logn' means 'calm' or 'stillness,' often referring specifically to the calmness of water or weather - a stillness after a storm. This connection gives the name a peaceful, serene quality. Logn is exceedingly rare as a personal name in English-speaking countries but may be found occasionally in Scandinavian communities. Its brevity and strong consonant ending give it a distinct, modern feel despite its ancient origins. The name might appeal to parents with Nordic heritage or those seeking a minimalist name with a meaningful connection to natural tranquility.

Logn

Lonn is a compact masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Scandinavian countries, it may derive from Old Norse 'hlunnr,' meaning 'roller' or 'log,' or potentially from 'lundr,' meaning 'grove.' In English contexts, it often functions as a shortened form of names like Lonnie or London. The name has also been associated with the Germanic element 'lun,' referring to strength or vigor. Lonn's brevity gives it a modern, strong feel while its Norse connections lend a touch of Viking heritage. Though rare in mainstream usage, Lonn appeals to parents seeking a succinct, distinctive name with a masculine energy. Its simplicity makes it unlikely to be mispronounced or misspelled, despite its uncommon status.

Lonn

Loni is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, though traditionally masculine in some cultures. With Hawaiian origins, Loni means 'sky' or 'heaven,' connecting the bearer to celestial elements. In Germanic usage, it's a short form of names containing the element 'lon,' meaning 'ready for battle.' The name gained some recognition in the United States through actress Loni Anderson in the 1970s-80s. As a masculine name, Loni remains uncommon but appealing for its brevity and friendly sound. It works well cross-culturally, with recognizable pronunciations in multiple languages. The name's simplicity and positive meanings make it attractive to parents seeking something short and meaningful without being trendy. Loni's dual-gender usage varies by region, with stronger masculine associations in Scandinavian and Pacific Island cultures.

Loni

Llon is an extremely rare masculine name that may have Welsh origins, possibly related to the Welsh word 'llon' meaning 'happy' or 'cheerful.' The unusual double 'l' beginning is characteristic of Welsh orthography, where the double 'l' represents a specific consonant sound not found in English. As a given name, Llon remains exceptionally uncommon in English-speaking countries, with very few recorded instances. This makes it a truly distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique. The name's brevity and strong consonant sound give it a bold, modern feel despite its potential traditional roots. Its rarity means that a person named Llon would likely rarely encounter others sharing their name.

Llon

Luki is a masculine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Finnish contexts, it can be a diminutive form of Luukas (Lucas/Luke), while in some Slavic languages, it may serve as a nickname for Łukasz (the Polish form of Luke). The name also appears in Indonesian and some Pacific Island cultures with distinct origins. Derived ultimately from the Greek name Loukas, it carries the meaning 'from Lucania' (a region in southern Italy) or connects to the Latin 'lux' meaning 'light.' Luki has a friendly, approachable quality with its short form and ending 'i' that gives it a diminutive, affectionate feel. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name offers a friendly, international alternative to the more formal Lucas or Luke, with an appealing brevity and cheerful sound.

Luki

Lash might look an unexpected English word name, associated with eyelashes or hitting, striking, whipping, or heavily criticizing someone. It is however a Romani name and a form of the regal Louis, meaning "renowned warrior". 
 
It mat also be considered an English surname, originally given to doctors in the Anglo-Saxon period due to their use of leaches in their profession.

Lash

Lude is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain origins. It may be a shortened form of Germanic names containing the element 'lud' or 'liut,' meaning 'people' or 'folk,' such as Ludwig or Ludovic. Alternatively, it could derive from place names or surnames. In some contexts, it might be related to the Latin 'ludus' meaning 'game' or 'play.' The name has a concise, strong sound with just one syllable, giving it a distinctive quality. Lude remains quite rare in contemporary usage, making it an option for parents seeking something truly unusual. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation contrast with more elaborate naming trends, though its uncommonness means it lacks established associations or widespread recognition in many cultures.

Lude

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 178)

1900+ Four Letter Boy Names