Four Syllable Names for Boys

A refreshing variation on the Biblical classic Matthew, this Hawaiian form blends the stylish -o ending with the cool Kai sound. First appearing in the US stats in 1999, it has been climbing steadily upwards ever since.

Variant of Astraeus

Diodorus derives from the Greek elements Dios, meaning "of Zeus," and doron, "gift." Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian from the first century BC, is the most notable bearer.

The most famous bearer of this name was Athenaeus of Naucratis, a Greek rhetorician and grammarian who wrote the Deipnosophistae , which roughly translates to "Dinner Table Philosophers." There was also an early Greek composer by the name, which relates to the goddess Athena and the city of Athens.

A dramatic name which – fittingly – belonged to an Ancient Greek playwright, known as the father of comedy.

Like Maximilian, but with an attractive French twist.

Obadias, with its appealing 's' ending, could be an even fresher way to spin the biblical Obadiah.

The Calla lily is a beautiful trumpet-shaped lily flower, usually white in color, which symbolizes purity and innocence. Its name derives from the Greek kallos, meaning "beauty".

Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.

If January, April and August are useable and fashionable, why not February? February as a word derives from the Latin februa, which was the name of a purification feast coming at the end of winter, to prepare for the coming spring.

Unisex name from the Old Testament, perhaps an underused alternative to Isaiah.

A clear reference to the Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli, known for his adaptations of Shakespearean plays such as The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. Zeffirelli was born out of wedlock, meaning he couldn't have either of his parents' surnames. His mother wanted it to be Zeffiretti, meaning "little breezes," taken from Mozart's opera Idomeneo. It was misspelled as Zeffirelli on his birth certificate.