"While long names may hold the affection of many, opting for a shorter title has its benefits as well. Four-letter names tend to be easier to spell and pronounce, meaning fewer mix-ups when reading through the class roster. On top of that, they don’t lose any of the historical significance lots of longer names tend to be known for. In fact, many shorter names are nicknames for longer titles, while still just as charming.
Maybe you’re a parent with a hard-to-pronounce name. Or one that was so long it ran off the page of your homework assignment. No matter what your motivation, deciding to search for a 4-letter baby name leaves plenty of options. Below, I’m sharing over 100 of my favorite boy, girl, and gender-neutral options. If your baby name search has led you here, you’re in for a treat with some of the best 4-letter names out there.
4-Letter Names for Boys
Aden
Shortened from the beloved Aiden, this derivative makes it an even more enticing option. Though the Irish name feels incredibly cool, it means “little fire.”
Amir
A newborn will quickly hit royalty status in your eyes. In that case, what’s more fitting than a name that means “prince” in Arabic?
Beau
Your little boy is sure to be the most “handsome” little guy you’ve ever seen, so why not give him this French name of that meaning?
Cade
You can look to the Welsh, German, French, or Middle English for the roots of this name. Depending on the origins you’re inspired by, it means “battle,” “round,” or “barrel.”
Colt
For a strong, western baby name option, look no further. Raise a little one with a cowboy spirit with this name meaning “young horse.”
Enzo
Just because a name is short, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in strength. This Italian and Spanish baby name is the perfect example, as it means “house ruler.”
Evan
It doesn’t get much sweeter than little Evan—a name that has swoon-worthy appeal. It has Welsh, Scottish, and Hebrew origins and means “God is gracious.”
Ezra
There’s just something about the “z” sound that makes Ezra feel like an edgy baby name for boys. Your kiddo is sure to always be your little “helper” with this masculine Hebrew name.
Finn
While this name means “fair” or “from Finland,” neither is prerequisite to claiming the darling title.
Ford
Strong and ultra-cool, Ford is a surname-turned-first-name and reached peak popularity (so far) in 2021. Baby Ford would share a title with some notable figures, such as actor Harrison Ford, U.S. President Gerald Ford, and Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company.
Hank
A classic name that’s growing in popularity, Hank feels reminiscent of a grandpa name that’s extra cute on a newborn. It can also be considered a music-inspired baby name for country music fans thanks to Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr.
Jett
For your cool little man in black, consider this snappy name meaning “jet black.”
Luke
A Biblical baby name, Luke is an appealing alternative to the longer, popular Lucas. The classic name means “light-giving.”
Nico
Many shortened versions of longer names are becoming increasingly popular, including this Italian title that’s shortened from Nicholas or Nicodemus. It means “victory of the people” in Ancient Greek.
Theo
An early 1900s popular choice, Theo has seen an immense revival in recent years, reaching new heights in 2023 at number 78. If you’re drawn to this adorable name, you may like to know that it means “God’s gift.”
Quin
It would be “wise” to select this truly darling Irish name for your little one.
More Four-Letter Boy Names
- Abel
- Adam
- Amos
- Cole
- Crew
- Hugo
- Jack
- John
- Juan
- Jude
- Knox
- Leon
- Levi
- Liam
- Luca
- Milo
- Nash
- Noah
- Owen
- Ryan
- Wolf
- Zane
4-Letter Names for Girls
Alma
For a name as beautiful as this, it’s no surprise it has several appealing origins and meanings. In Latin, it means “nourishing mother,” in Spanish, it means “soul,” and in Arabic, it means “knowing” and “distinguished.” Pick your favorite and run with it!
Beth
Beth has long been a nickname for the classics Elizabeth and Bethany, but it’s become a beloved stand-alone option as well. If you want something classic but short and sweet, consider this name meaning “house.”
Eden
Welcoming a little girl will likely be a heavenly experience. That’s why this Biblical name referencing the Garden of Eden and meaning “paradise” may be the perfect option.
Esme
It doesn’t get much lovelier than this! Esme is a French title meaning “esteemed”—exactly what your little lady will be in your heart.
Etta
Vintage baby names are especially cute for little girls. Etta was originally seen as a nickname for longer names like Henrietta, but it’s quite the powerhouse on its own. It means “home ruler.”
Gaia
Ensure your little one always remains down to earth with this name she’d share with the Greek goddess known as mother earth.
Ines
Taylor Swift-inspired baby name anyone? While Ines, meaning “pure,” was popular until the 1930s, it may soon see a revival, perhaps in part due to the inclusion in Taylor’s folklore album.
Juna
A highly unique name that has mythological ties, Juna was an ancient Roman goddess. This powerful choice may be perfect for your “young” girl.
Lyra
Another name with mythological ties, Lyra is a Greek melodic title referring to a “harp.”
Maci
Almost too cute to handle, Maci has British and French origins. It means “of Massy” and simply couldn’t be sweeter.
Mara
While Mara means “bitter,” we know you will be anything but when you lay eyes on your sweet little one.
Nora
Meaning “honor,” Nora comes from the longer Latin title Honora (which is just as darling!).
Nova
Seeing your little one is sure to send you to the moon, so a celestial baby name like this may be your shooting star. Nova is an astrological term for a star that shows a sudden burst of brightness and has since been turned into a coveted baby name.
Rhea
Rhea is another Greek goddess, known for fertility and motherhood. This natural name means “flowing.”
Zaya
A Mongolian title meaning “fate” and “destiny,” your little Zaya would share a name with basketball star Dwyane Wade’s eldest daughter.
More Four-Letter Girl Names
- Aria
- Asha
- Cleo
- Cora
- Dawn
- Ella
- Emma
- Iris
- Isla
- Jane
- June
- Kaia
- Kate
- Leah
- Lily
- Lucy
- Luna
- Mary
- Maya
- Mila
- Naya
- Nina
- Romi
- Rose
- Ruby
- Ruth
- Thea
- Vera
Gender-Neutral 4-Letter Names
Alex
A strong name to be sure, Alex is often short for Alexander or Alexandra. On its own, the Greek name means “defender of the people.”
Drew
Whether you think of Drew Barrymore or Drew Brees when hearing this name, it’s clear either way that it’s a great short name choice for either a boy or a girl.
Echo
To put it simply: This name is really cool. Echo refers to a “reflected sound” and is also the name of a nymph in Greek mythology that was known for only being able to repeat the last words spoken to her.
Jace
Have big dreams of raising a future doctor? Baby Jace would be set up for success with this name meaning “healer.”
Joey
While Joey is a variation of the masculine Joseph, I happen to think it’s pretty darling for either a boy or a girl. It simply means “God will increase.”
Pike
A perfect choice for outdoor enthusiast parents, Pike refers to a “peak” and would make a wonderfully unique baby name.
Rory
An old Irish name, Rory refers to a “red king.” For Gilmore Girls fans, it also brings to mind a smart, book-loving, witty kid. You simply can’t go wrong with inspiration either way.
Shay
Shay Mitchell may quickly come to mind when hearing this name, but it works great for a little boy as well. The soft Gaelic title means “admirable.”
Tate
Another western and Yellowstone-inspired name option, Tate is a quippy name that means “cheerful.”
Zion
While unique Biblical names are on the rise, we may see more and more Zions in the near future. It refers to a sacred place of worship and holds the meaning of “highest point” in Hebrew.
More Four-Letter Gender Neutral Names
- Cory
- Erin
- Grey
- Jess
- Lane
- Lake
- Leni
- Navy
- Remy
- Ryan
- Sage
- Sean
- Skye
- Vale
- Wren
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!