Gender Neutral 3 and 4 Lettered Names

Names that are 3 or 4 letters. Geared towards names that feel more gender neutral, or can be used for any gender. Also names that are usually more uncommon/have heard less of in use.
  1. Arc
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      Refers, in literal terms, to a curved line -- as in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famed "arc of justice." Could also be used as a reference to Joan of Arc -- Arc being, there, derived from her father's name, rather than a place -- or, conceivably, to Noah's Ark.
  2. Arin
    • Description:

      Arin is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, though more commonly masculine in many traditions. It has multiple origins, including Hebrew roots where it means 'enlightened,' Turkish origins where it signifies 'pure,' and possible Celtic connections where it may relate to 'Ireland.' This multicultural name has grown in usage since the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. The name's simplicity and soft sound give it contemporary appeal while its diverse cultural connections provide depth and meaning. Arin works well cross-culturally and offers a more distinctive alternative to popular names like Aaron or Erin. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it practical while its international character gives it a cosmopolitan quality.

  3. Beau
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "handsome"
    • Description:

      Beau suggests someone devilishly handsome, with a large measure of southern charm—a nice image to bestow on your boy. Often solely a nickname in the past, it's now standing firmly on its own. Beau has been on the Social Security list non-stop since 1969.
  4. Bryn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "hill"
    • Description:

      The simple and attractive Bryn is well used for boys in Wales, and does have a history as a male name in the US, although both Bryn and Brynn are currently far more popular for girls.
  5. Cal
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of names including Cal
    • Meaning:

      "dog; the whole of; dove; bald; war-strife; beautiful"
    • Description:

      Cal is a nickname style name that feels as friendly and calm as it does cool and breezy. While its longer forms have proved more popular over the years, Cal as a stand alone has dropped on and off of the US Top 1000 since the 1880s.
  6. Clem
    • Origin:

      , English, diminutive of Clement
    • Description:

      Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.
  7. Ebb
    • Description:

      Ebb is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from a word meaning 'low tide' or 'receding water.' This short, punchy name carries natural imagery related to the rhythmic flow of ocean tides. As a given name, Ebb has historical usage in rural American communities, particularly in the South during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It may have originated as a nickname or shortened form of Ebenezer or similar names beginning with 'Eb.' The name's brevity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality in an era of longer names. While rarely used in contemporary naming, Ebb offers an intriguing option for parents seeking a nature-inspired name with vintage appeal and minimalist charm.

  8. Egen
    • Description:

      Egen is a masculine name with Norse and Celtic origins. In Norse tradition, it may relate to 'egenn' meaning 'own' or 'belonging to oneself,' suggesting personal strength and independence. In Celtic heritage, it could connect to the Irish name Éogan, meaning 'born of the yew tree' or 'youth.' Egen remains extremely rare as a first name in modern usage, making it an uncommon choice with ancient roots. The name's simplicity gives it a clean, strong quality that travels well across cultures. Its shortness and straightforward pronunciation make it practical while still being distinctive. Parents drawn to Norse or Celtic heritage might find Egen an appealing alternative to more common names from these traditions.

  9. Esra
    • Origin:

      Hebew
    • Meaning:

      "help"
    • Description:

      As a name for boys, Esra is usually considered a spelling variation of the Biblical Ezra. Esra has a separate life as a Turkish girls' name.
  10. Fen
    • Origin:

      English, Dutch, Frisian
    • Meaning:

      "marshland; peace"
    • Description:

      In English, a fen is a wetland fed by surface and/or groundwater. In Dutch and Frisian, it's a traditional diminutive of names containing the element frid, meaning "peace". Either way, Fen makes a fresh alternative to fashionable Finn.
  11. Fife
    • Origin:

      Scottish place name, German, French
    • Meaning:

      "path; small shrill flute"
    • Description:

      Also spelled Fyfe, this zippy sounding name would make a great middle name choice for music lovers or those with Scottish roots. The name has a double meaning: it is both a Scottish place name, likely derived from fiamh meaning "path", and also the name of an instrument, which takes its name from the German Pfeife and the French fifre meaning "pipe".
  12. Finn
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "fair or white"
    • Description:

      Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.
  13. Fox
    • Origin:

      Animal name
    • Description:

      Fox is one animal name backed by a longish tradition, and then popularized via the lead character Fox Mulder on X Files. Fox is simple, sleek, and a little bit wild, and could make an interesting middle name.
  14. Fawn
    • Gil
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "happiness"
      • Description:

        Pronounced zheel, it's a dashing conquistador; as gill, it's the nice and slightly boring guy down the street.
    • Iya
      • Kai
        • Origin:

          Hawaiian, Frisian, Chinese
        • Meaning:

          "sea; warrior; triumph"
        • Description:

          Kai is an internationally flexible name with many possible origins and meanings, growing in popularity in the US and a diverse range of European countries.
      • Kit
        • Origin:

          English, diminutive of Christopher
        • Meaning:

          "bearer of Christ"
        • Description:

          Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones, has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son back in the 2000s, while actor Kit Connor of Heartstopper fame may have introduced it to a wider audience.
      • Kye
        • Origin:

          Spelling variation of Kai
        • Description:

          With the rising popularity of Kai, this more phonetic spelling has been gaining traction as well. Kye debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015, and was one of the fastest-rising names of the year in 2016.
      • Lex
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Alexander
        • Meaning:

          "defending men"
        • Description:

          Cool short form of Alexander, fresher than Alex and less trendy than Xander... for now.