AHEAD: 209 boys’ names with only 4 letters.

If you’re looking for super short boys’ names, you’re in the right place!

Below, I’ve rounded up every single male 4-letter name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.

There are a ton!

I’ve also included each name’s meaning and current popularity—which will hopefully help you narrow down your list of favorites.

Let’s go check them out!

Feel free to use the Table of Contents to jump to a specific category, or keep on scrolling and view all of these adorable 4-letter boy names.

Related: 4-Letter Girl Names

Popular 4-letter boy names

Kicking off our list with some trendy four-letter names that are currently ranking in the top 100.

Axel

• Name meaning: Father of peace.
• Popularity: Axel ranks #76 and Axl is #845.

Beau

• Name meaning: Handsome.
• Popularity: #94

Ezra

• Name meaning: Helper.
• Popularity: This E name ranks #37 for boys and #714 for girls.

Jack

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #11

Levi

• Name meaning: Joined.
• Popularity: #12

Liam

• Name meaning: Will. Resolution. Helmet. Protector.
• Popularity: #1

Related: Middle Names for Liam

Luca or Luka

• Name meaning: Italian version of Luke, meaning man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Luca ranks #42, Luka is #115, and Lucca is #469.

Luke

• Name meaning: Man from Lucania, a historical region of Southern Italy.
• Popularity: #32

Noah

• Name meaning: Motion. Or rest.
• Popularity: For boys, Noah ranks #2. For girls, Noah ranks #692 and Noa is #330.

Owen

• Name meaning: Noble or young warrior.
• Popularity: #22

Theo

• Name meaning: God given. Divine gift.
• Popularity: Theodore ranks #10 and Theo is #142.

Related: Middle Names for Theo

If you like these popular 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of short names for boys.

Cool 4-letter boy names

These four-letter baby names are familiar and cool without being overdone.

Aden

• Name meaning: Little fire.
• Popularity: Aiden ranks #26, Ayden ranks #143, Aidan is #286, Aden is #681, and Aydin is #894.

Related: Middle Names for Aden

Arlo

• Name meaning: Literary name. Might mean ‘between hills’.
• Popularity: Arlo ranks #190 and Arlow isn’t ranking.

Cole or Kole

• Name meaning: Charcoal.
• Popularity: Cole ranks #132 and Kole is #858.

Colt

• Name meaning: Young horse.
• Popularity: #220

Cruz or Kruz

• Name meaning: Cross.
• Popularity: Cruz ranks #297 and Kruz isn’t ranking.

Dean

• Name meaning: Several meanings including monk, valley, law, or justice.
• Popularity: #165

Enzo

• Name meaning: Italian version of Henry, meaning estate ruler.
• Popularity: #139

Gage

• Name meaning: Money lender. Pledge.
• Popularity: #569

Grey

• Name meaning: Either a color or short for Greyson, meaning son of the steward.
• Popularity: #716

Related: Middle Names for Grayson

Jace or Jase

• Name meaning: Lord is salvation.
• Popularity: Jace ranks #102, Jayce is #158, and Jase is #495.

Jude

• Name meaning: Short for Judah, meaning praised.
• Popularity: #150

Knox

• Name meaning: Round-topped hill.
• Popularity: #221

Kobe

• Name meaning: Supplanter. God’s door. God may protect. Tortoise. A large city in Japan.
• Popularity: #298

Leon

• Name meaning: Greek version of Leo, meaning Lion.
• Popularity: #177

Nash

• Name meaning: By the ash tree.
• Popularity: #233

Reid or Reed

• Name meaning: Red-haired. A tall grass.
• Popularity: Reid ranks #299 and Reed is #416.

Rhys

• Name meaning: Fiery, enthusiastic, and passionate.
• Popularity: For boys, Rhys ranks #413, Reece is #579, and Reese is #701. For girls, Reese ranks #147 and the other spellings aren’t ranking.

If you like these cool 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of southern names.

Badass 4-letter boy names

All of these four-letter baby names for boys are a bit edgy!

Bond

• Name meaning: Peasant farmer. (This name brings to mind James Bond!)
• Popularity: This badass boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Cade or Kade

• Name meaning: Barrel.
• Popularity: Cade ranks #340 and Kade is #380.

Cash or Kash

• Name meaning: Money. Short for Cassius, meaning empty or vain.
• Popularity: Cash ranks #253 and Kash is #240.

Crew or Krew

• Name meaning: Group.
• Popularity: Crew ranks #267 and Krew is #625.

Dane

• Name meaning: God is my judge. Person from Denmark.
• Popularity: #846

Dash

• Name meaning: To move quickly.
• Popularity: #792

Duke

• Name meaning: Leader. English nobility.
• Popularity: #651

Jaxx

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: Jax ranks #243 and Jaxx is #918.

Jett

• Name meaning: Black.
• Popularity: #244

Judd

• Name meaning: Flowing down or praised.
• Popularity: This 4-letter J name isn’t ranking.

Kage

• Name meaning: Cake. Shadow.
• Popularity: This boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kane or Cain

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: Kane ranks #329 and Cain ranks #956.

King or Kyng

• Name meaning: Ruler.
• Popularity: King ranks #185 and Kyng is #902 .

Rome

• Name meaning: The capital and largest city in Italy.
• Popularity: #785

Troy

• Name meaning: Foot soldier. An ancient city in modern-day Turkey.
• Popularity: #418

Zane or Zayn or Zain

• Name meaning: God is gracious. Beauty and grace.
• Popularity: Zane ranks #238, Zayn is #281, and Zayne is #378, Zain is #588.

Zylo

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This short baby name isn’t ranking.

If you like these badass 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of edgy names.

Cute 4-letter boy names

These short boys’ names sound friendly and sweet!

Abel

• Name meaning: Breath.
• Popularity: #196

Cody or Kody

• Name meaning: Helpful.
• Popularity: Cody ranks #312 and Kody is #979.

Finn

• Name meaning: White.
• Popularity: #184

Koda

• Name meaning: A common Japanese surname.
• Popularity: #520

Mack

• Name meaning: Son of.
• Popularity: Mack ranks #470 and Mac is #673.

Milo or Mylo

• Name meaning: Dear or beloved. Soldier.
• Popularity: Milo ranks #127 and Mylo is #745.

Novi

• Name meaning: New.
• Popularity: This cute city-inspired boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Otis

• Name meaning: Wealth. Son of Ode.
• Popularity: #647

Otto

• Name meaning: Wealth. Son of Ode.
• Popularity: #336

Tate

• Name meaning: cheerful
• Popularity: #305

Tovi

• Name meaning: Good.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for either gender.

If you like these cute 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of German names.

Earthy 4-letter boy names

All of these four-letter names for boys are inspired by nature—plants, trees, and earth.

Adan

• Name meaning: Spanish version of Adam, meaning son of the red earth.
• Popularity: #461

Clay

• Name meaning: Sticky fine-grained earth. (Short for Clayton meaning town with good clay.)
• Popularity: #614

Holt

• Name meaning: Grove of trees.
• Popularity: This boys’ tree name isn’t ranking.

Huck

• Name meaning: Short for Huckleberry, a berry related to the blueberry.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hyde

• Name meaning: Someone living on a hide of land.
• Popularity: This male baby name isn’t ranking.

Kona

• Name meaning: Toward the side sheltered from the wind.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kylo

• Name meaning: A variation of Kyle, which means narrow land.
• Popularity: #526

Onyx

• Name meaning: A layered black stone.
• Popularity: #406

Oren or Orin

• Name meaning: Ash or pine tree. Little pale green one.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this Hebrew and Irish boys’ name is ranking.

If you like these earthy 4-letter boy names you might also like this huge list of hippie names.

Water-inspired 4-letter boy names

The following 4-letter boy names are inspired by rivers, streams, and islands.

Beck

• Name meaning: Stream.
• Popularity: This B name isn’t ranking.

Blue

• Name meaning: Color.
• Popularity: This fun rainbow baby name isn’t ranking.

Ford

• Name meaning: River crossing.
• Popularity: #439

Lyle

• Name meaning: Island dweller.
• Popularity: This 4-letter name last ranked in 2019.

Nile

• Name meaning: Champion. The longest river in Africa.
• Popularity: This short N name isn’t ranking.

Rivo

• Name meaning: Stream.
• Popularity: This rare R name isn’t ranking.

Wade

• Name meaning: To go. To walk through water.
• Popularity: #325

If you like these water-related 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of French names for boys.

Animal-inspired 4-letter boy names

All of these four-letter baby names for boys have meanings related to animals!

Bear

• Name meaning: Animal.
• Popularity: #826

Buck

• Name meaning: A male deer.
• Popularity: This great winter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Hart

• Name meaning: A male deer.
• Popularity: This H name isn’t ranking.

Hawk

• Name meaning: Bird of prey.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kolt

• Name meaning: Young horse.
• Popularity: Kolt isn’t ranking. Colt ranks #220.

Lynx

• Name meaning: A wild cat with a short tail and tufted ears. A constellation.
• Popularity: This neutral 4-letter baby name isn’t ranking.

Pike

• Name meaning: A type of fish. Also a weapon. A fraternity.
• Popularity: This boys’ P name isn’t ranking.

Raul

• Name meaning: Spanish version of Ralph, meaning counsel wolf or famous wolf.
• Popularity: #606

Todd

• Name meaning: Fox.
• Popularity: This four-letter T name last ranked in 2015.

Wolf

• Name meaning: A large canine.
• Popularity: This W name isn’t ranking.

If you like these animal-related 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of one-syllable names.

Gender-neutral 4-letter names

All of these short baby names would work for a boy or a girl!

Alex

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: Alex ranks #194 for boys and hasn’t ranked for girls since 2004.

Related: Middle Names for Alex

Cove

• Name meaning: A sheltered bay.
• Popularity: This C name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Dale

• Name meaning: Valley.
• Popularity: This D name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Drew

• Name meaning: Strong and manly.
• Popularity: This 4-letter name ranks #509 for boys and #815 for girls.

Eden

• Name meaning: The garden of Eden. Place of pleasure.
• Popularity: Eden ranks #501 for boys and #121 for girls.

Lake

• Name meaning: Body of water.
• Popularity: This neutral L name isn’t ranking for either gender.

Lane

• Name meaning: Path.
• Popularity: For boys, Lane ranks #261 and Layne is #640. For girls, Layne ranks #828.

Navy

• Name meaning: Dark blue. Branch of the military.
• Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #452 for girls.

Nova

• Name meaning: New. A star that suddenly and dramatically increases in brightness and then slowly returns to its original state.
• Popularity: Nova ranks #853 for boys and #32 for girls.

Remy or Remi

• Name meaning: Oarsman. One who drives a boat forward.
• Popularity: For boys, Remy ranks #357 and Remi is #720. For girls, Remy ranks #550 and Remi is #122.

Rory

• Name meaning: Red king.
• Popularity: This 4-letter name ranks #295 for boys and #396 for girls.

Ryan

• Name meaning: Little king.
• Popularity: Ryan ranks #66 for boys and #495 for girls.

Sage

• Name meaning: Grayish green herb. Wise.
• Popularity: This 4-letter S name ranks #427 for boys and #179 for girls.

Vale

• Name meaning: Valley.
• Popularity: This V name isn’t ranking for either gender.

If you like these gender-neutral 4-letter baby names you’ll also like this list of nonbinary names.

Unique 4-letter boy names

Here are a whole bunch of unique four-letter names for boys.

Ayan

• Name meaning: God’s gift.
• Popularity: Ayaan ranks #512 and Ayan is #930.

Coen or Koen

• Name meaning: Priest.
• Popularity: Cohen ranks #287, Coen is #939, Kohen is #589, and Koen last ranked in 2014. .

Gael

• Name meaning: Gaelic (particularly relating to the Celtic language of Scotland).
• Popularity: #109

Igby

• Name meaning: Unknown meaning.
• Popularity: This unique 4-letter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Iggy

• Name meaning: Fiery.
• Popularity: This short boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Iker

• Name meaning: Visitation.
• Popularity: #481

Keon

• Name meaning: Invented name.
• Popularity: This unique four-letter name last ranked in 2011.

Kian

• Name meaning: Ancient or distant.
• Popularity: Kian ranks #453 and Kiaan ranks #752.

Kota

• Name meaning: Happiness. Good luck.
• Popularity: This short boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kyro

• Name meaning: Victorious. Cairo is the capital of Egypt.
• Popularity: Kairo ranks #755 and Kyro is #755. Cairo ranks #323.

Lian

• Name meaning: A Chinese surname. Might also be short for Julian, meaning youthful.
• Popularity: #737

Musa

• Name meaning: Arabic, Turkish, and Persian version of Moses, meaning to pull out of water.
• Popularity: #744

Nero

• Name meaning: One of Rome’s most infamous emperors.
• Popularity: This unique baby name isn’t ranking.

Odin or Oden

• Name meaning: A god in Germanic mythology.
• Popularity: Odin ranks #327 and Oden isn’t ranking.

Zaid or Zayd

• Name meaning: To increase.
• Popularity: Zaid ranks #666 and Zayd is #803.

Zeke

• Name meaning: God’s strength.
• Popularity: #619

Zion or Zyon

• Name meaning: Hill of Jerusalem.
• Popularity: Zion ranks #136 and Zyon is #938.

If you like these unique 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of 2-syllable names for boys.

Rare 4-letter boy names

If you’re looking for an awesome four-letter baby name that no one else has, these unique monikers are fantastic choices!

Aldo

• Name meaning: Wise or noble.
• Popularity: #983

Bode

• Name meaning: Might mean messenger or enlightenment.
• Popularity: #823

Buzz

• Name meaning: A nickname. (This name is famously held by astronaut Buzz Aldrin… and of course Toy Story‘s Buzz Lightyear!)
• Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Ciro

• Name meaning: Italian version of Cyrus, meaning sun.
• Popularity: This Italian boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Cyan

• Name meaning: A greenish-blue color.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Diaz

• Name meaning: Days.
• Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.

Dion

• Name meaning: A king in Greek mythology.
• Popularity: #951

Hale

• Name meaning: Hollow dweller.
• Popularity: This baby name isn’t ranking.

Igor

• Name meaning: Warrior.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boys’ I name isn’t ranking.

Jair

• Name meaning: He shines.
• Popularity: #945

Joah

• Name meaning: God is his brother.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kato

• Name meaning: Wise.
• Popularity: This baby boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Kent

• Name meaning: Edge or border.
• Popularity: This K name last ranked in 2003.

Kiel

• Name meaning: Short for Ezekiel, meaning God will strengthen.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boy name isn’t ranking.

Leif

• Name meaning: Heir or decendant.
• Popularity: #992

Mars

• Name meaning: The fourth planet from the sun. The Roman god of war.
• Popularity: This M name last ranked in 2019.

Penn

• Name meaning: An enclosure.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boy name isn’t ranking.

Reno

• Name meaning: Might mean born again. (A nickname for other longer names). A city in Nevada best known for its casinos and tourism.
• Popularity: This city name hasn’t ranked since 1926.

Thor

• Name meaning: Thunder. God of thunder, strength and rain.
• Popularity: This short boys’ name isn’t ranking.

Vito

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: This male name isn’t ranking.

Zeus

• Name meaning: The sky and thunder god in ancient Greek mythology.
• Popularity: This cool Z name isn’t ranking.

If you like these uncommon 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of outer space baby names.

Timeless 4-letter boy names

All of these four-letter boys’ names have been around for ages and don’t tend to evoke any particular decade.

Adam

• Name meaning: Son of the red earth.
• Popularity: #104

Chris

• Name meaning: Bearer of Christ.
• Popularity: Christopher ranks #52 and Chris is #660.

Cory

• Name meaning: In a hollow. (A hollow is a narrow area of low land between mountains).
• Popularity: #985.

Eric or Erik

• Name meaning: Alone or unique. Everlasting or eternity. King or ruler.
• Popularity: Eric ranks #213, Erick ranks #317, and Erik ranks #442.

Evan

• Name meaning: God is gracious.
• Popularity: #116

Jake

• Name meaning: Short for Jacob, meaning to follow or supplanter.
• Popularity: #335

John

• Name meaning: Graced by God.
• Popularity: John ranks #27, Jon is #843, and Johnny is #436.

Jose

• Name meaning: Spanish and Portuguese version of Joseph, meaning Jehovah increases.
• Popularity: #89

Joey

• Name meaning: Jehovah increases.
• Popularity: Joseph ranks #28, Joe is #799, and Joey is #916.

Juan

• Name meaning: Spanish version of John, meaning graced by God.
• Popularity: #164

Kyle

• Name meaning: Narrow land.
• Popularity: #364

Luis

• Name meaning: Warrior or knight.
• Popularity: Luis ranks #137, Louis is #251, and Lewis ranks #487.

Neil

• Name meaning: Several possible meanings such as cloud, passionate, victory, honor, or champion.
• Popularity: #719

Ross

• Name meaning: A narrow piece of land that projects from a coastline into the sea. Might also mean horse.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boys’ name hasn’t ranked since 2012.

Sean

• Name meaning: Irish version of John, meaning graced by God.
• Popularity: Sean ranks #363 and Shawn is #508.

If you like these timeless 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of 3-letter names.

Familiar 4-letter boy names

These 4-letter names for boys will probably ring a bell!

Alec

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: #682

Amir or Emir

• Name meaning: Prince.
• Popularity: The A name Amir ranks #123, Ameer is #831, Ahmir is #971, and Emir is #689.

Amos

• Name meaning: To carry. Borne by God.
• Popularity: #603

Case or Kace or Kase

• Name meaning: Vigilant or brave.
• Popularity: Casey ranks #446 and Case is #632. Kace ranks #791 and Kase is #825.

Chad

• Name meaning: Warrior or battle leader.
• Popularity: This 4-letter boy name hasn’t ranked since 2018.

Chaz

• Name meaning: Short for Charles, meaning free man.
• Popularity: This mini moniker last ranked in 2009.

Hank

• Name meaning: Short for Henry and Hendrik, meaning estate ruler.
• Popularity: #433

Ivan

• Name meaning: Russian version of John, meaning graced by God.
• Popularity: #168

Kirk

• Name meaning: Church.
• Popularity: This male name last ranked in 2002.

Kurt or Curt

• Name meaning: Courteous.
• Popularity: Kurt last ranked in 2005. Curt isn’t currently ranking either.

Nico or Niko

• Name meaning: People of victory.
• Popularity: Nico ranks #259 and Niko is #291.

Noel

• Name meaning: Christmas.
• Popularity: #397

Omar

• Name meaning: Flourishing or long lived.
• Popularity: #264

Ozzy

• Name meaning: Short for Oswald, Osborn or Osmond.
• Popularity: #712

Trey

• Name meaning: Three.
• Popularity: #653

If you like these familiar 4-letter boy names you might also like this list of names that start with O.

Boys’ names that are past their prime

IMHO, these 4-letter names have seen better days.

That said, clearly plenty of people disagree with me (as you’ll see by the fact that they’re ranking in the top 1000).

Alan

• Name meaning: Many possible meanings including rock, handsome, cheerful, fox, deer, etc.
• Popularity: Alan ranks #197, Allen is #529, and Allan is #836.

Andy

• Name meaning: Short for Andrew, meaning strong and manly.
• Popularity: #468

Carl

• Name meaning: German version of Charles, meaning free person.
• Popularity: #927

Dior

• Name meaning: Golden.
• Popularity: This name ranks #877 for boys and #542 for girls.

Gary

• Name meaning: Spear or spear king.
• Popularity: #904

Hugh

• Name meaning: Mind.
• Popularity: #746

Hugo

• Name meaning: Mind.
• Popularity: #434

Joel

• Name meaning: Jehovah is his God.
• Popularity: #211

Mark

• Name meaning: Warlike.
• Popularity: #252

Paul

• Name meaning: Small or humble.
• Popularity: #257

Rene

• Name meaning: Reborn.
• Popularity: #964

Rudy

• Name meaning: Short for Rudolph, meaning famous wolf.
• Popularity: #819

Saul

• Name meaning: Prayed for.
• Popularity: #554

Seth

• Name meaning: Appointed.
• Popularity: #490

Tony

• Name meaning: Short for Anthony, a Roman family name.
• Popularity: #679

Did you find the perfect 4-letter name on this list? If you’re still searching for the perfect moniker, check out these lists below…

More baby names for boys:

• 63 Perfect 3-Letter Boy Names
• 135 Short Boy Names for Modern Babies
• One Syllable Boy Names for Modern Little Dudes

Final thoughts on four-letter baby names for boys

Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this list, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.

Whether you prefer a name that’s popular, cool, badass, cute, nature-inspired, gender-neutral, unique, rare, timeless, or familiar, all of these 4-letter boy names are great choices.

Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect name for your son!

4 Letter Boy Names