4 Letter Boy Names

Bestselling author Amor Towles, who wrote Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow introduced this elegant and meaningful name to the lexicon. Names that mean love -- Amory, Amias, and Amoris are other similar choices -- always have a deep appeal.

Amor

Cato conjures up images of ancient Roman statesmen and southern antebellum retainers; it could have revival potential, with its 'O' ending and the current interest in the names of Greek and Roman antiquity.
 The Roman statesman known as Cato the Elder was born Marcus Portius, the Cato added in tribute to his natural sagacity, practical wisdom and political expertise.
 Cato appears in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and, to go from the sublime to the ridiculous, in the Pink Panther movies--and Kato was The Green Hornet's valet. Cato is also a 21st century Hunger Games name, which could do more to spur its popularity than all its past history.

Cato

Italian heritage name. It's sweet and simple, but has fallen almost out of use since its heyday in the 1960s. 

Dino

Although this is traditionally seen as a female name, via the classical mythological nymph who pined away for Narcissus until all that remained of her was a disembodied voice — it can also be used for boys. Remember that old song, 'Little sir echo, how do you do?'
 
Amanda Knox has a son named Echo and a daughter named Eureka.

Echo

Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as Owen but also translated as Eugene).

 Eoin Colfer is the author of the Artemis Fowl books.

Eoin

Kazi is a masculine name with roots in multiple cultures. In Arabic, it relates to 'Qadi' meaning 'judge' or 'magistrate,' while in African contexts (particularly Swahili), it can mean 'work' or 'labor.' The name also appears in Polish and Eastern European traditions. With its strong consonant sounds and balanced two-syllable structure, Kazi has a powerful yet accessible quality. Though uncommon in Western countries, it appeals to parents seeking a multicultural name with substance and simplicity. The name's cross-cultural presence makes it versatile and meaningful across different traditions, while its brevity gives it a contemporary feel.

Kazi

One of the fierce new animal names new to name lists, helped by its strong x-ending.

Lynx

Asta as a boy's name is inspired by the Wizard King character in the anime series Black Clover. He is a human who triumphs in a world of superheroes --an inspirational figure.

Asta

Distinctive though somewhat abrupt, most prominently borne by country singer Hoyt Axton.

Hoyt

Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth certificates as well.
 Thor Heyerdahl was a famous Norwegian anthropologist/adventurer, author of the book Kon Tiki.
In Norse mythology, Thor was the son of Odin--another crossover name possibility--who was sometimes referred to as Bjorn in Old Norse poetry. Tor is a popular variation (which is also the Hebrew name of a bird that symbolizes the arrival of spring).

Thor

Until recently Ward was, like Wally, a Cleaver name, but today's parents are seeing it as a cooler nickname for Edward than Eddie, and are also beginning to use it on its own. 

Ward

Ahad is one of the 99 names of Allah and is currently in the UK Top 1000. It's alternative Azerbaijani form is Əhəd.

Ahad

This name of an old Hollywood nightclub still retains a spark of glamour. 

Ciro

Emry is an abbreviated form of Emery but might also be considered a relative of the Welsh Emrys. Emry was used for only 35 baby boys in the US last year and about 150 girls, placing it well below the Top 1000.

Emry

Hiro is an apt name for a hero of the show Heroes -- and for our times. Widely used in Japan, sometimes also for girls. Hiroshi is a long form.

Hiro

Famously borne by Vietnamese revolutionary and politician Ho Chi Minh, this is a popular Vietnamese boy name.

Minh

More commonly seen as a girl name, where it has roots in both Arabic and Dutch. The masculine variation of Noor is Arabic and used in Islamic communities.

Noor

A cool, nature-inspired surname for someone who lived near an oak tree or in an oak wood, also spelled Oakes.

Oaks

Qais is a masculine name of Arabic origin with rich cultural significance throughout the Islamic world. The name gained prominence through Qais ibn al-Mulawwah, the legendary poet from Arabian folklore who was the protagonist in the famous love story 'Layla and Majnun' (where Qais became known as Majnun, or 'madman,' due to his overwhelming love). The name is associated with poetry, passion, and devotion in Arabic culture. Qais has traditional roots but maintains a contemporary feel with its distinctive spelling and pronunciation. While common in Middle Eastern and Muslim communities worldwide, it remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, though growing more familiar with increased cultural exchange and globalization.

Qais

Most people will assoicate it with the well-known children's singer. 

Rafi

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 22)

1900+ Four Letter Boy Names