Four-Syllable Baby Names Are Gaining Serious Traction in the US; Here Are 50 Great Options to Consider

Internationally, one-syllable baby names are the ones to beat. In the US, it’s a different story entirely. The most recent baby name data released by the Social Security Administration revealed a surprising trend. Elaborate names with four syllables have become increasingly popular in the states. We understand the appeal as a longer given name can help balance out a short surname. After all, the majority of last names that are popular in the US are but only one or two syllables.

Olivia, Isabella, Alexander, and Sebastian are all four-syllable baby names that rank in the top 20 most popular names in the US. Choosing a name for your bundle of joy can be a chore, but it’s easier when you pin down the style of appellation you are attracted to. If a longer, elegant option feels right to you, consider yourself lucky. Four-syllable baby names are so attractive and full of character. Check out our favorites below!

Excellent Four-Syllable Baby Names for Boys

Azariah

Azariah is a rarely used biblical name that goes way beyond classics like Adam and Abraham. It’s no surprise why new parents have flocked to this four-syllable name in recent years, making it more popular than ever before in the US. Azariah has Hebrew origins and means “helped by God.”

Leonardo

For centuries this name was associated primarily with the towering figure of Italian Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci and was scarcely used outside the Italian culture. Leonardo is a boy’s name of Spanish and Italian origin, meaning “brave lion.” It’s more popular in the US now than ever before too!

Cornelius

Cornelius is a classic and timeless name with Latin origins. The name means “horn” or “horned,” which may sound unusual, but it was a common name during the Roman Empire, given to those who had achieved high social status. Cornelius has a strong and dignified sound that exudes confidence and authority. It’s a four-syllable name that has been used for centuries, yet it remains relevant today, making it an excellent choice for parents who want a traditional and enduring name.

Timoteo

Timoteo is an alternative form of Timothy. This playful option has Greek origins and means “honoring God.” It’s one of the more colorful four-syllable names on this list that hasn’t yet found favor with many parents yet. The time to get ahead of the popularity curve is now!

Leonidas

If Leonardo is too run-of-the-mill for your baby boy, consider an alternative form of the name. The original Leonidas was the most famous of Sparta’s warriors! Leonidas also means “lion.” The name was off the top 1000 list for a hundred years before making a return to it in 2008.

Olivier

We have no clue why, with the popularity of Oliver, more parents have yet to choose its more French form, Olivier. The names are very similar; however, Olivier adds another layer of style and sophistication. Olivier means “olive tree.” This four-syllable baby name definitely deserves more play.

Ezekiel

Ezekiel is derived from the Hebrew name Yechezqel, composed of the elements chazaq, meaning “to strengthen,” and ’el, referring to God. Ezekiel used to be reduced to its nickname Zeke, but modern parents now embrace it in full for its power and dignity. Ezekiel is more popular than ever before and ranked in the top 100 last year.

Santiago

Santiago is a lively Spanish name with great crossover potential! A place name (it’s a major city in Chile), a surname, and the patron saint of Spain all share this magical name. The four-syllable name means “Saint James.” It’s a name on the rise in the popularity charts!

Emmanuel

Emmanuel is a boy’s name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is with us.” It’s an excellent gender-neutral option and one of the few four-syllable names that can claim that distinction. The name has been a top 1000 pick since 1908, and it’s no surprise why. It’s a gorgeous moniker.

Vittorio

Vittorio is an Italian form of Victor. The name means “conqueror,” which belies its sweet and attractive sound. Vittorio has never been in the top 1000, which makes it a unique find. Go for it!

Salvitore

Salvatore is a unique and captivating name with Italian origins. The name means “savior” or “rescuer,” which reflects the noble and heroic nature of those who bear this name. Salvatore has a strong and powerful sound that exudes confidence and strength. It’s a name that has been used for centuries and has remained popular due to its timeless charm.

Oleander

Oleander is similar to Oliver in that it’s an “O” name for boys that also refers to a tree. It’s a sweeter one, however, as Oleander means “rose tree.” This Greek four-syllable baby name is only now being discovered by American parents, so it’s yet to soar truly. You can help change that!

Fabrizio

And now, back to some more charming Italian names! Fabrizio is a fun classic with some zest. Fabrizio means “craftsman.” This name is scarcely heard outside of Italy, but it’s only a matter of time before parents in the US catch on.

Giovanni

The Italian form of John is decidedly more colorful. Giovanni is a friendly name that new parents have catapulted into popularity in recent decades. You’ll hear the name everywhere in Italy, and we wouldn’t mind if the same were true in the US. Giovanni means “God is gracious.”

Octavian

Roman names are getting more popular in the US these days as parents turn to more secular influences. Octavian is one such name that comes from the Roman family name Octavius. This handsome alternative means “eight.”

Luciano

Luciano has been consistently popular in the US since records began for baby names in 1880. Luciano is yet another four-syllable Italian name that also has Spanish origins, and it means “light.”

Teodoro

Teodoro is a variant of Theodore, which has Greek origins and means “gift of God.” While Teodoro is not as popular as Theodore in the US, it will also give you Teddy.

Emilian

Emilian is the preferred Romanian form of Emil. The four-syllable name belonged to a Saint and would be a great fit for a contemporary baby boy. Emilian means “rival.”

Bartholomew

Bartholomew is an apostle’s name that’s been out of favor for centuries but might appeal again to the parent in search of an old but rare choice. It’s not been popular in the US since the seventies. This four-syllable name, with Aramaic origins, means “sun of the furrow.”

Horatio

Horatio is another vintage charmer that hasn’t been popular for decades. It has been absent from the top 1000 list since 1899! How is that possible? Horatio is an energetic Latin name that’s a blast to say. It means “hour.” Horatio deserves some love.

Ambrosio

Ambrose and its sister Ambrosia have both fallen from favor but once enjoyed immense success. Chances are you haven’t heard that name in real life if you were born after the seventies. This handsome Latin name means “immortal.”

Elisio

Elisio can be spelled Eliseo, and both are totally acceptable. The four-syllable name has Latin roots and means “God is my salvation.” Eliseo has been hot and cold over the years, which is a mystery because this name is incredible. The appellation is more prevalent among Spanish and Italian speakers, but we see that changing very soon.

Jedidiah

Jedidiah is an Old Testament name with Hebrew origins that means “beloved of the lord.” The name produces the undeniably cool nickname, Jed. Jedidiah has shaken off its backwater persona and is now a fitting moniker for a new generation.

Zacariah

This distinguished name still feels a bit ancient, but with the rise of such former oldies but goodies like Jeremiah and Elijah, it also sounds baby-friendly again. Zachariah is a Biblical name with Hebrew origins that means “the Lord has remembered.” The four-syllable name has been in the top 1000 since records began in the US. What a classic!

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Valentino

A dashing, dramatic, and romantic Italian surname associated with Italian fashion designer Valentino is the type of name your dreams are made of. In addition to Italian, the name also has roots in Spanish and means “strength.” Do your baby boy a favor and give him this remarkable name! You will love calling him Tino.

Four-Syllable Baby Names for Girls That Are Perfection

Cordelia

Cordelia is a beautiful four-syllable baby name that has gained popularity in recent years. Its origins can be traced back to Shakespeare’s play, “King Lear,” where the character Cordelia is known for her loyalty and kindness. The name Cordelia means “heart” or “jewel of the sea,” making it both meaningful and unique. It has a delicate yet strong sound, making it an excellent choice for parents who want a name with both femininity and strength.

Felicity

Felicity is a beautiful and timeless name that has been used for centuries. It comes from the Latin word felicitas, which means “happiness” or “good fortune.” The name became popular among English-speakers in the 17th century and has remained a beloved choice ever since. Felicity has a joyful and cheerful sound, making it an excellent choice for parents who wish to instill positivity in their child from the start. It’s an elegant name that exudes grace and charm, and it’s also versatile enough to be paired with a wide variety of middle names.

Ilaria

If Hilaria or Hillary are not doing it for you, consider the alternative form of the name Ilaria. Ilaria is the preferred Italian form of the name and sounds exotic in comparison to Hillary. Ilaria means “happy.” You can’t argue with that!

Domenica

Domenica was a reasonably popular name for baby girls in the early part of the twentieth century but fell off the charts in the twenties. Dominique was the form that took the helm for years to follow. While we love Dominique, Domenica has that extra syllable that puts it over the top. Domenica is also a name with Italian origins, and it means “belonging to the Lord.”

Calliope

Calliope first debuted on the US top 1000 names for girls in 2016! How exciting for this very old name to find favor again. Calliope has Greek origins and means “beautiful voice.” Calliope was the ancient Greek muse of poetry who is often depicted in statuary holding a writing tablet.

Esmeralda

Esmeralda is a stunning name with Spanish and Portuguese origins. The name means “emerald” in both languages, which is fitting as it has an exotic and vibrant feel to it. Esmeralda was popularized in the English-speaking world after the release of Victor Hugo‘s novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, in which the character Esmeralda is a kind and compassionate woman who captures the hearts of those around her.

Virginia

Virginia was a top 100 pick for new parents in the US for nearly 100 years before it started to decline in the seventies drastically. Its use has broadened in recent years, but it’s still nowhere near its height of popularity. Virginia has Latin origins and means “pure.” We especially love this name for the unique nickname possibility of Ginny.

Cecilia

Cecilia is a feminine form of Cecil, which was derived from a Roman clan name related to the Latin caecus, meaning “blind.” The name of the patron saint of music, Cecilia, is more popular in the US today than ever before! You can’t go wrong with any of the C-names in its class, like Cecily or Celia.

Eugenia

Eugenia, a name rarely used at all since the 1980s, prospered a century ago and could be due for a renaissance. Eugenia is a Greek classic that means “wellborn.” As with Virginia, Eugenia has some admirable nicknames like Geni and Nia.

Evangeline

Evangeline is another “E” name from Greek and means “bearer of good news.” Evangeline has been on a rollercoaster ride on top 1000 since record-keeping began in 1880. Although it has never completely fallen out of fashion, the name has seen dramatic highs and lows over the years.

Xiomara

The fabulous and zippy name Xiomara popped into the top 1000 in 2004, and today, the name is more popular than ever before in the US. Xiomara is unsurprisingly much more common in Spanish-speaking communities, particularly those in Central and South America. Cuban Singer Xiomara Alfaro has inspired many new parents to choose the name for their daughters. Xiomara has roots in Spanish and Portuguese and means “famous in battle.”

Celestina

A favorite for Spanish and Italian-speaking parents, Celestina is a lyrical four-syllable choice that brings plenty of excitement and romance to a moniker. It’s a form of Celeste, which means “heavenly.” It certainly sounds that way.

Penelope

Penelope is a classic name with Greek origins and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its meaning, “weaver,” is drawn from the Greek myth of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus who kept herself busy weaving while her husband was away at war. Penelope has a timeless charm and grace that has made it a beloved choice among parents. It’s also a versatile name that can be shortened to nicknames such as Penny, Nellie or Poppy.

Valentina

Valentina has Latin origins and means “strength” or “health.” Mexican-born actor Salma Hayek named her daughter Valentina Paloma in 2007. The name has been a winning choice in the US since 1994.

Caterina

Caterina is the preferred form of Katherine for most Italians. It’s a top 50 name in Italy, but you won’t find the same favor for the name in the US. It’s never been in the top 1000, which is a mystery because this is a genuinely excellent four-syllable name. Like Katherine, Caterina means “pure.”

Olympia

With its relation to Mount Olympus, the storied home of the Greek gods, and to the Olympic games, this name has an undeniable goddess vibe, making it a suitable Olivia substitute. Olympia has Greek origins, of course, and means “from Mount Olympus.” You could not get a better nickname than Pia. Olympia hasn’t been in the top 1000 since the 1920s, but we see that changing significantly in the coming years.

Cleopatra

Cleopatra is a name that has been associated with power, beauty, and intrigue for thousands of years. It is the name of one of the most famous queens in history, Cleopatra VII, who ruled Egypt during the Hellenistic period. The name means “glory of the father” and has Greek origins. Cleopatra is an exotic and evocative four-syllable name that exudes strength, confidence, and charisma.

Tatiana

Tatiana is a beautiful name that has its roots in ancient Greece. The name is derived from the Greek word Tatianos, which means “from the house of Tatius.” Tatiana is a name that has been used in various cultures and countries, including Russia, where it is a popular choice. The four-syllable name has a timeless elegance and grace that has made it a beloved choice among parents. It also has a variety of nicknames, including Tati and Tiana.

Anastasia

Anastasia is a beautiful and timeless name with Greek origins. The name means “resurrection” or “one who will be reborn,” which has made it a popular choice among parents seeking a name with spiritual connotations. Anastasia has been used for centuries and has been associated with various saints, royalty, and even fictional characters. It’s a versatile name that can be shortened to nicknames such as Ana, Stacey, or Tasia.

Serenity

New parents first put Serenity in the top 1000 in 1997, and it’s been in the top 100 since 2009. Serenity sounds sophisticated and means “peaceful.” This is one of the new crop of virtue names that’s become popular in recent years. We love this calming four-syllable baby name.

Julietta

Julietta is the Spanish form of Juliet and means “little Julia.” Julietta has received less attention than her mother, Julia, and French cousin, Juliette. However, Julietta’s time to arrive is now. You gain the added benefit of the nickname Etta with this attractive baby name.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a unique and striking name that has its roots in Greek mythology. The name comes from the Greek word amarysso, meaning “to sparkle,” which is fitting, as the amaryllis flower is known for its showy and bright blooms. Amaryllis is a rare four-syllable name that has been used for centuries but has remained relatively uncommon. It’s a name that exudes beauty, elegance, and individuality.

Persephone

Persephone is an intriguing name with Greek origins. It comes from the mythical Greek goddess of spring and queen of the underworld, Persephone. The name means “bringer of destruction” or “she who destroys the light,” which may seem ominous, but it also represents rebirth and new beginnings. Persephone is a name that exudes strength, power, and mystery. This four-syllable baby name first entered the top 1000 in 2019 and has been steadily climbing ever since.

January

January is a month-name for girls that was popular for a flash in the seventies before it fell out of favor. The month of January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. January would make for a brilliant name for a winter baby.

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Mahalia

Mahalia is a classic name that is not commonly used, likely due to its strong association with the Queen of gospel singers, Mahalia Jackson. The name has both Hebrew and Arabic origins, with a meaning of “tenderness” or “affection.” Despite its historical significance, the name feels fresh and lyrical, making it a charming choice for any child. It’s a timeless four-syllable name.

Four-syllable baby names are becoming increasingly popular among American parents and for good reason. They have a unique elegance and sophistication that sets them apart from more traditional names. Whether you’re looking for a name that’s classic or modern, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider these 50 great four-syllable baby names as a starting point in your search for the perfect moniker for your little one. Happy naming!