Let’s analyze the given numbers:
- 121 = \( 11^2 \) (perfect square)
- 144 = \( 12^2 \) (perfect square)
- 169 = \( 13^2 \) (perfect square)
- 226 is not a perfect square.
The first three numbers are perfect squares, but 226 is not. Therefore, 226 is the odd one out.
Thus, the correct answer is \( \boxed{4} \).