4 Letter Boy Names

Extreme cool possibilities in either of these modern categories, like a postmodern Linc. 

Zinc

Authors or Francophiles – or both – could consider this zippy name in honor of renowned French writer Émile Zola, author of Germinal, Thérèse Raquin and the infamous open letter J'Accuse...!.

Zola

A common Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean unisex name, and the name of a culturally rich Chinese Dynastic period.  Yao Ming is the seven and a half foot Shanghai-born basketball star. Trivia tidbit: His parents were the tallest couple in China at the time of his birth.

Ming

The name of the teenaged son on the dear departed television show "Huff."

Byrd

A little heavy on the fiber content; we prefer Bram. But Bran is also the Celtic god of the underworld, whose symbol is the raven. It's probably not a coincidence that George R.R. Martin chose this name for the Stark heir who assumes the mystical title of "Three-Eyed Raven" in his A Song Of Ice And Fire books and HBO's Game of Thrones. The character's full name is Brandon.

Bran

You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn.  Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.

Simm

Jorg is a masculine name with Germanic origins, serving as a variant of George in several European languages, particularly German and Scandinavian. The name derives from the Greek 'Georgios,' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' Pronounced with a soft 'Y' sound at the beginning (like 'York' but with a 'g' ending) in its original languages, Jorg has a strong, concise quality that appeals to those seeking brief but distinctive names. While common in German-speaking regions and parts of Scandinavia, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a somewhat exotic appeal. The name carries associations with strength and practicality, reflecting its earthy origins.

Jorg

Jorn is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. It developed as a variation of names like Jørn, Björn, or George, with potential meanings including "bear" (from Björn) or "farmer" (if derived from George). The name carries a strong Nordic character with its brevity and distinctive sound. While not widely used outside Scandinavia, Jorn has a modern, streamlined quality that travels well across cultural boundaries. The name evokes images of rugged Scandinavian landscapes and Viking heritage, suggesting strength and resilience. Its short, bold sound gives it contemporary appeal while maintaining connections to Northern European naming traditions.

Jorn

Jiri is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Czech and Slovak cultures. It's the Czech equivalent of George, ultimately derived from the Greek name 'Georgios' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' Pronounced approximately as 'YIH-rzhi,' the name has been borne by numerous notable figures in Czech history, including artists, athletes, and political leaders. Jiri carries significant cultural importance in Central European countries while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions, giving it an international yet distinctive quality. The name combines simplicity with a touch of exotic appeal for Western ears. For those with Czech heritage or those seeking a short, distinctive name with European roots, Jiri offers cultural depth while being easy to pronounce once learned.

Jiri

A Croatian form of George, and also a lively Japanese name traditionally given to the tenth son.

Juro

Yoyi is a distinctive masculine name with multicultural resonance. Likely originating from nickname traditions in Spanish-speaking cultures, it may be a diminutive or affectionate form of names like Yoel or Jorge. The repetitive vowel sound creates a melodic, cheerful quality that makes it memorable and friendly. In some cultures, particularly Latin American communities, Yoyi might function as a familiar nickname before evolving into a formal given name. The name's brevity and distinctive sound pattern make it easy to pronounce across language barriers. Though uncommon in official records, Yoyi represents the trend toward shorter, globally accessible names with a playful quality. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a joyful sound.

Yoyi

A surname that could become a first, an alternate to the already-taken REGIS. 

Rego

Soho

Jalu is a distinctive masculine name with origins in various cultures. In Finnish, it means 'noble' or 'footprint,' while in Indonesian cultures, particularly Javanese, it can signify 'firmness' or 'perseverance.' The name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it a unique choice for parents seeking something distinctive. In certain African traditions, similar-sounding names carry meanings related to strength or dignity. Jalu's simplicity, with just two syllables, makes it easily pronounceable across different languages while maintaining its exotic appeal. The name has seen very limited usage in the United States but may appeal to parents looking for a short, meaningful name with international resonance.

Jalu

The lead character of the Oscar-nominated 2016 film "Kubo and the Two Strings" lives in Edo-period Japan, but his name is more often heard as a surname in Japan. Still, fans of the animated movie may want to consider it.

Kubo

Ikov is a rare masculine name with possible Slavic or Russian origins. It may be derived from the suffix "-ikov" which appears in many Russian surnames, or it could be a variant of names like Yakov (the Russian form of Jacob). The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its crisp consonants and straightforward pronunciation. Ikov remains extremely uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a unique quality that stands out. The brevity and simplicity of the name contrast with its exotic feel, making it intriguing and memorable. For parents seeking a name with Eastern European character that's concise and distinctive, Ikov represents an unusual choice that carries cultural connections while maintaining an accessible sound for speakers of various languages.

Ikov

Akib is a masculine name with Arabic origins, derived from the word 'aqib' meaning 'successor' or 'the one who follows'. It holds significance in Islamic tradition as Al-Aqib was one of the names of the Prophet Muhammad, signifying he was the final prophet. The name is popular in Muslim communities across South Asia, the Middle East, and among Muslim diaspora worldwide. Akib is appreciated for its elegant simplicity, meaningful heritage, and international appeal. While not among the most common names in Western countries, it has gained recognition globally for its distinctive sound and spiritual significance.

Akib

Osip is a masculine name of Russian origin, derived from the Hebrew name Joseph (Yosef), meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' It gained prominence in Russian history and literature, notably through the poet Osip Mandelstam. The name has historical significance in Eastern European and Russian Orthodox traditions but has remained relatively uncommon outside these regions. Osip has never ranked high on Western naming charts, maintaining its distinctive cultural identity. The name carries a strong, concise sound with its two syllables, offering a unique alternative to the more common Joseph. Parents drawn to this name often appreciate its literary connections, Russian heritage, or are seeking a distinctive name with historical roots.

Osip

Misi is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Polynesian contexts, particularly Samoan, it often serves as a diminutive or variant of Moses. In Finnish, Misi functions as a nickname for Mikael (Michael). The name features a pleasing simplicity with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. Despite its brevity, Misi carries significant meaning in certain cultural contexts, particularly connecting to the biblical Moses in Polynesian communities. This name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, offering distinctiveness while maintaining an accessible, friendly sound. The name has a gentle, approachable quality that balances uniqueness with ease of use. For families with Polynesian or Finnish heritage, it can serve as a cultural connection while working well internationally.

Misi

Mikk is a masculine name with Estonian and Finnish origins, functioning as a variant of Michael, which derives from the Hebrew question "Who is like God?" This streamlined form maintains the essence of the original while offering distinctive Finno-Ugric cultural flair. In Estonia, Mikk enjoys reasonable popularity as a native alternative to the more international Michael or Mikael. The name's brevity and strong consonant ending give it a modern, crisp quality while still connecting to ancient traditions. Mikk represents the broader trend of adopting shortened forms of traditional names that work effectively in contemporary society. Its simplicity makes it easily recognizable and pronounceable across different language communities.

Mikk

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 195)

1900+ Four Letter Boy Names