The same letters, in the same consecutive order, will change the name and words below into  new words.

MEL
VAN
WAY
PACE

HINTS:
#1: There are four letters.
#2: The four letters precede each word.

Answer:

The letters CARA can precede the name and words to make new words:

CARAMEL
CARAVAN
CARAWAY
CARAPACE

Credit:
Patrick Jordan
INTRODUCING IRENE