100 Beautiful Four-Letter Baby Names with Meanings & Origins
As a mom of 5, I've learned that the best baby names are often the simplest ones. Four-letter baby names have been my go-to recommendation because they're short and sweet, charming, easy to remember, and effortlessly stylish. From my experience, these compact names pack a powerful punch – strong enough to grow with your child, yet gentle enough for those precious whispered lullabies.
Whether you're looking for something traditional or modern, this list of 100 four-letter baby names offers beautiful options for boys, girls, and unisex choices. Each name includes its meaning, origin, and a fun association to help you find the perfect fit for your little one. Once you've chosen that perfect name, don't forget to add personalized items to your baby registry checklist!
This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclaimer policy.
Getting Started with 100 List of Four-Letter Baby Names
1. Luna
Meaning: Moon
Origin: Latin
Association: Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter
2. Liam
Meaning: Strong-willed warrior
Origin: Irish
Association: Liam Hemsworth, actor
3. Nova
Meaning: New
Origin: Latin
Association: Celestial event (supernova)
4. Levi
Meaning: Joined, attached
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical figure, son of Jacob
5. Zara
Meaning: Blooming flower or princess
Origin: Arabic/Hebrew
Association: Fashion brand Zara
6. Milo
Meaning: Soldier or merciful
Origin: Germanic
Association: Milo Ventimiglia, actor
7. Aria
Meaning: Air, melody
Origin: Italian
Association: Game of Thrones character Arya Stark (variant spelling)
8. Owen
Meaning: Young warrior
Origin: Welsh
Association: Owen Wilson, actor
9. Emma
Meaning: Whole, universal
Origin: German
Association: Emma Watson, actress
10. Noah
Meaning: Rest, comfort
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Noah's Ark from the Bible
11. Esme
Meaning: Esteemed, beloved
Origin: French
Association: Esme Cullen in Twilight
12. Jack
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: English
Association: Classic name in literature and film (e.g., Titanic)
13. Elle
Meaning: She
Origin: French
Association: Elle magazine
14. Theo
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Greek
Association: Short form of Theodore
15. Iris
Meaning: Rainbow
Origin: Greek
Association: Goddess of the rainbow in Greek mythology
16. Axel
Meaning: Father of peace
Origin: Scandinavian
Association: Axel Rose from Guns N' Roses
17. Ruby
Meaning: Red gemstone
Origin: Latin
Association: July birthstone
18. Cody
Meaning: Helpful
Origin: Irish
Association: Cody Simpson, singer
19. Skye
Meaning: Cloud, atmosphere
Origin: Scottish
Association: Isle of Skye, Scotland
20. Enzo
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: Italian
Association: Enzo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari
21. Lily
Meaning: Purity, innocence
Origin: Latin
Association: Flower name
22. Evan
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Welsh
Association: Actor Evan Peters
23. Niko
Meaning: Victory of the people
Origin: Greek
Association: Variant of Nicholas
24. Zara
Meaning: Blooming flower
Origin: Arabic
Association: Fashion label
25. Remy
Meaning: Oarsman
Origin: French
Association: Chef rat in Ratatouille
26. Jace
Meaning: Healer
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Character in Shadowhunters
27. Nora
Meaning: Light
Origin: Arabic/Greek
Association: Nora Ephron, writer/director
28. Luca
Meaning: Bringer of light
Origin: Italian
Association: Disney-Pixar film Luca
29. Alma
Meaning: Nourishing, kind
Origin: Latin
Association: Alma mater
30. Otis
Meaning: Wealth
Origin: German
Association: Otis Redding, musician
If you're looking for more cute baby girl names or need help choosing the perfect middle names for baby girls, these four-letter options provide an excellent foundation.
31. Zion
Meaning: Highest point
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Zion National Park
32. Izzy
Meaning: God is my oath
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Nickname for Isabel or Isaac
33. Gage
Meaning: Pledge, oath
Origin: French
Association: Stephen King's Pet Sematary
34. Remi
Meaning: Remedy, oarsman
Origin: French
Association: Unisex spelling of Remy
35. Kira
Meaning: Beam of light
Origin: Russian/Persian
Association: Actress Kira Kosarin
36. Amos
Meaning: Carried by God
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical prophet
37. Reid
Meaning: Red-haired
Origin: Scottish
Association: Criminal Minds character Spencer Reid
38. Elle
Meaning: She
Origin: French
Association: Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
39. Wren
Meaning: Small bird
Origin: English
Association: Nature-inspired name
40. Kian
Meaning: Ancient
Origin: Irish/Persian
Association: Popular in Irish mythology
For those seeking Irish baby girl names or unique baby girl names, many of these four-letter options offer rich cultural heritage and distinctive appeal.
41. Taya
Meaning: Valley field
Origin: Japanese
Association: Modern-sounding, rare name
42. Ezra
Meaning: Helper
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical scribe and prophet
43. Indie
Meaning: Independent
Origin: English
Association: Indie music or film
44. Zane
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Zane Grey, Western novelist
45. Cleo
Meaning: Pride, glory
Origin: Greek
Association: Cleopatra, Egyptian queen
46. Juno
Meaning: Queen of the heavens
Origin: Latin
Association: Roman goddess, film Juno
47. Beau
Meaning: Handsome
Origin: French
Association: Popular Southern name
48. Lila
Meaning: Night, beauty
Origin: Arabic/Sanskrit
Association: Elegant and classic girl name
49. Troy
Meaning: Foot soldier
Origin: Irish/Greek
Association: Ancient city of Troy
50. Miko
Meaning: Beautiful child / Shrine maiden
Origin: Japanese
Association: Spiritual and cultural heritage
51. Kody
Meaning: Helpful
Origin: Irish
Association: Variant of Cody
52. Rhea
Meaning: Flowing stream
Origin: Greek
Association: Titaness and mother of gods
53. Amos
Meaning: Carried
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Minor prophet in the Bible
54. Lars
Meaning: Crowned with laurel
Origin: Scandinavian
Association: Lars Ulrich, drummer of Metallica
55. Gino
Meaning: Ever-living
Origin: Italian
Association: Common Italian nickname
56. Yara
Meaning: Small butterfly / Water lady
Origin: Arabic/Brazilian
Association: Game of Thrones character
57. Raul
Meaning: Wise wolf
Origin: Spanish
Association: Popular Hispanic name
58. Lumi
Meaning: Snow
Origin: Finnish
Association: Wintery and unique
59. Nala
Meaning: Gift
Origin: African/Sanskrit
Association: Lioness in The Lion King
60. Arlo
Meaning: Fortified hill
Origin: Old English
Association: Singer Arlo Parks
Many parents appreciate short baby girl names for their simplicity and timeless appeal. These four-letter options offer the perfect balance of brevity and meaning.
61. Kyra
Meaning: Throne, sun
Origin: Persian/Greek
Association: Actress Kyra Sedgwick
62. Levi
Meaning: Joined
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Levi Strauss, jeans brand
63. Zora
Meaning: Dawn
Origin: Slavic
Association: Author Zora Neale Hurston
64. Jett
Meaning: Black gemstone
Origin: English
Association: High-energy and edgy name
65. Hope
Meaning: Optimism
Origin: English
Association: One of the virtue names
66. Colt
Meaning: Young horse
Origin: English
Association: Colt revolver or western imagery
67. Tali
Meaning: Dew or lamb
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Delicate and gentle name
68. Zeke
Meaning: God strengthens
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Short form of Ezekiel
69. Suki
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: Japanese
Association: Suki Waterhouse, actress/model
70. Odin
Meaning: Frenzy, inspiration
Origin: Norse
Association: Norse god, father of Thor
If you're considering rare baby girl names or even exploring rare baby boy names, several of these four-letter options provide distinctive choices that stand out from more common selections.
71. Gaia
Meaning: Earth
Origin: Greek
Association: Greek goddess of the Earth
72. Yuri
Meaning: Lily (Japanese), Light of God (Russian)
Origin: Japanese/Russian
Association: Yuri Gagarin, first man in space
73. Bear
Meaning: Bear
Origin: English
Association: Nature name gaining popularity
74. Mace
Meaning: Weapon / Gift of God
Origin: English
Association: Strong and edgy vibe
75. Eden
Meaning: Delight
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Garden of Eden in the Bible
76. Niko
Meaning: Victory of the people
Origin: Greek
Association: Modern variation of Nicholas
77. Kora
Meaning: Maiden
Origin: Greek
Association: Another name for the goddess Persephone
78. Joel
Meaning: Yahweh is God
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical prophet and singer Billy Joel
79. Yuki
Meaning: Snow / Happiness
Origin: Japanese
Association: Common in anime and Japanese culture
80. Elon
Meaning: Oak tree
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Elon Musk, tech entrepreneur
81. Rami
Meaning: Loving
Origin: Arabic
Association: Actor Rami Malek
Contemporary parents often gravitate toward modern baby girl names, and many of these four-letter choices offer fresh, contemporary appeal while maintaining timeless qualities.
82. Lior
Meaning: I have light
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Unique Israeli name
83. Bode
Meaning: Messenger
Origin: German
Association: Bode Miller, Olympic skier
84. Joni
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Singer Joni Mitchell
85. Veda
Meaning: Knowledge, wisdom
Origin: Sanskrit
Association: Sacred Hindu scriptures
86. Remy
Meaning: Oarsman
Origin: French
Association: Rat chef in Ratatouille
87. Hali
Meaning: Sea
Origin: Greek
Association: Nature-inspired and gentle
88. Knox
Meaning: Round hill
Origin: Scottish
Association: Son of Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt
89. Drew
Meaning: Strong and manly
Origin: Greek
Association: Drew Barrymore, actress
90. Tori
Meaning: Victory
Origin: Latin
Association: Singer Tori Amos
For those exploring specific letter preferences, you might also consider baby girl names with V or baby girl names with J to complement your four-letter name search.
91. Amos
Meaning: To carry
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Minor prophet in the Old Testament
92. Elio
Meaning: Sun
Origin: Italian/Spanish
Association: Call Me by Your Name character
93. Wren
Meaning: Small bird
Origin: English
Association: Nature-inspired and musical
94. Zuri
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: Swahili
Association: Elegant and multicultural
95. Tula
Meaning: Balance
Origin: Hindi
Association: Associated with Libra in astrology
96. Enid
Meaning: Soul, life
Origin: Welsh
Association: Character in Wednesday (Netflix)
97. Aero
Meaning: Of the air
Origin: Greek
Association: Futuristic and sleek
98. Lyle
Meaning: Island
Origin: French
Association: Singer Lyle Lovett
99. Naya
Meaning: Renewal
Origin: Arabic/Sanskrit
Association: Actress Naya Rivera
100. Yves
Meaning: Yew wood
Origin: French
Association: Yves Saint Laurent, fashion designer
Final Thoughts
Four-letter baby names strike the perfect balance between brevity and beauty. Whether you're inspired by nature, faith, history, or pop culture, you're sure to find a meaningful name in this curated list. From timeless classics to modern baby girl names, these compact names pack surprising depth into just four letters.
Whether you're drawn to strong options like Knox and Vera or gentle choices like Luna and Iris, the right four-letter name is waiting to become part of your family's story. For parents seeking Arabic baby boy names or other cultural inspirations, many of these names offer beautiful multicultural options that honor diverse traditions while maintaining universal appeal. Which name stands out to you the most?
