1900+ Four Letter Boy Names

  1. Reon
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "language"
    • Description:

      Reon is a fairly rare name, getting just a few dozen uses each year in the US, UK and New Zealand. The name Reon has two possible origins. It could be an alternative spelling of the Celtic name Rion, meaning king, or could be a name deriving from the Maori word 'reo' meaning language. Either way, given the popularity of other "eon" names like Leon, Gideon, Simeon and even Napoleon, Reon is a name that deserves some further consideration.
  2. Juan
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Manx variation of John
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is gracious"
    • Description:

      Juan, the Spanish version of John, is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, and is familiar internationally via such references as Don Juan and San Juan.
  3. Bran
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Brandon
    • Meaning:

      "broom-covered hill"
    • Description:

      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.
  4. Iggy
    • Origin:

      Latin, diminutive of Ignatius
    • Meaning:

      "fiery"
    • Description:

      Iggy is the quintessential pop star name, though it's the nickname Cate Blanchett uses for son Ignatius. Iggy does bring any grander-sounding name down to earth.
  5. Zeus
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Description:

      The supreme Olympian god represents a mighty image for a little fella to live up to, but more and more parents are beginning to consider it seriously. The Roman equivalent Jupiter has also come down to earth. And Zeus wasn't just the supreme god, he was also the god of the sky, thunder, lightning, and fate, among other weighty responsibilities.
  6. Trip
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      This began as a nickname, usually for someone who was a "third," as in William III. But in an age where any noun goes, this could be thought of as representing a little voyager -- hopefully not into psychedelic realms.
  7. Jazz
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Jazz as a full name is used slightly more often for boys than girls and has a distinctive, well, jazzy feel. Jazz is also occasionally used as a nickname for Jasper, much more often for Jasmine or Jazlyn. Could work as a middle name.
  8. Vega
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "swooping eagle, meadow"
    • Description:

      This striking name has a lot going for it: it's a self-confident Spanish surname, it identifies one of the most brilliant stars in the sky, and it has a musical reference to singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega.
  9. Whit
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "white"
    • Description:

      Whit is an uplifting short form of any number of surname-y full names, for Whitman to Whitaker to Whitney. But Whit stands perfectly well on its own and makes for a witty spin on modern virtue names.
  10. Mads
    • Origin:

      Danish variation of Matthew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Mads is a perennial favorite in Germany, the Nordic countries, and the Netherlands, where it is usually to be found in the Top 50. Just remember the D is not pronounced. Famous bearers include Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, the villain of the Bond film "Casino Royale".
  11. Yuki
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "snow"
    • Description:

      An appealing Japanese name with a nickname feel.
  12. Andy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Andrew, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"
    • Description:

      Although we prefer Drew to the old Raggedy Andy, Andy has overtaken Drew as a name in its own right. About twice as many baby boys are named Andy, just Andy -- though about eight times as many parents go with the full Andrew.
  13. Koki
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "bright light; hopeful fortune"
    • Description:

      A Japanese name with lovely meanings.
  14. Timo
    • Origin:

      Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of Timothy
    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"
    • Description:

      Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.
  15. Rafa
    • Origin:

      Short form of Rafael
    • Description:

      Rafa is an adorable short form introduced to the world by actors Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale, who used the name for their second son. Rafael is the Latin cognate of the Hebrew boys' name Raphael, but you don't need to be a Rafael to be a Rafa.
  16. Frey
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "lord, exalted one"
    • Description:

      Frey is the handsome Norse fertility god, a worthy namesake. Frey remains rare in the US even as the similar Freya picks up in popularity.
  17. Esau
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "hairy"
    • Description:

      Esau is one of the neglected E-beginning boys' biblical choices--it's been off the popularity lists since 1902! The name of Jacob's twin brother, son of Isaac and Rebecca, Esau could make an ideal twin choice, if you don't mind its meaning and the difficult story in the Bible behind the name, as convoluted and full of drama, tragedy, and reconciliation as any soap opera
  18. Dino
    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of any name ending in -dino
    • Description:

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

      French, Catalan and Spanish from the Latin Eligius
    • Meaning:

      "the chosen"
    • Description:

      From the saintly name Eligius, Eloi is popular in Catalonia but rarely used by English speakers. There's potential for confusion with Eli - and with the Aramaic word eloi, said to mean "my God", which appears in the bible.
  20. Mako
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "sincerity"
    • Description:

      Though this simple, appealing name works for both genders in Japan, it's best known as the name of the princess who chose to leave the Royal Family in order to marry a commoner. As a boys' name, it can be a short form of Makato. Mako also means "shark" in Maori, and is the name of two shark species.