There aren’t many name categories as fun as cowboys names for boys. Where do you start searching for old-timey favorites for cattle wranglers, famous bandits, and wild west characters?
Saddle up to ride out because our entertaining name list has all the wild west names you need. You’ll find all the details from their history to pronunciation to make the best decision. The baby boy you’re expecting can arrive with a memorable story behind his cool name.
100 Badass Cowboy and Wild West Names
Outlaws and cowpokes can believe in these cowboy names for famous baby boys like yours.
Ames
Ames comes from the Latin “amicus,” meaning “to love,” and the French “ami,” meaning “companion’.” It may be associated with Amice, which began as the Roman surname Amicius.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Friend
- Pronunciation: EYMZ
- Variations: Aimes, Aymes
- Popularity: Ames is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Austin
Austin is rooted in the Latin Augustus, meaning “consecrated.” It also means “magnificent,” not just because of the hip Texas city named Austin.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Venerable
- Pronunciation: AOZ-Tihn
- Variations: Austine, Austun
- Namesakes: Austin Butler, an American actor known for the film Elvis. Austin Hedges, an American baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Popularity: Austin is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 89th for boys in 2021.
Bandito
Bandito is based on the Italian “bandire,” meaning “to prohibit,” and is often used for gunslingers. Bandido is the Mexican version of Bandito, referring to bandits along the Texas-Mexico border.
- Origin: Italian, Spanish
- Meaning: Outlaw
- Pronunciation: Bahn-DIY-tow
- Variations: Bandido
- Popularity: Bandito is extremely rare worldwide, with only 17 occurrences in 2014, primarily in Russia, Indonesia, and India.
Barrett
Barrett is based on the Old German Beroald, which became the surnames Berold and Berolt. It came to England via the Normans but may prove to be a fun formal choice for your little guy.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Mighty as a bear
- Pronunciation: BAA-Reht
- Variations: Barett, Barette
- Namesakes: Barrett Brown, an American founder of Project PM. Barrett Foa, an American actor appearing in Mamma Mia! On Broadway.
- Popularity: Barret is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 192nd for boys in 2021.
Bart
Bart is the only diminutive of the Hebrew Bartholomew. It’s also been used as a Dutch surname. Though Black Bart inspires many Wild West names, Bart Simpson could also be your modern outlaw.
- Origin: Hebrew, Dutch
- Meaning: Son of the earth
- Pronunciation: BAART
- Variations: Barte
- Namesakes: Charles E. Boles (known as Black Bart), an American stagecoach robber during the 1870s and 1880s. Bart Biemans, a Belgian footballer for FC Wezel Sport.
- Popularity: Bart is rare worldwide and mainly used in the Netherlands, where it ranked 22nd in 2014.
Billie
Billie is an adorable unisex nickname for William. It was made famous by Billy the Kid. Though ultimately used by boys in 1880, today, Billie is very much a female phenomenon among Western names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Resolute protection
- Pronunciation: BIHL-iy
- Variations: Billy
- Namesakes: Billie Eilish, an American singer-songwriter and the first artist born in the 21st-century with a chart-topping single. Billie Whitelaw, an English actress known for The Omen.
- Popularity: Billie is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 845th for boys in 2018.
Birch
Birch was first used for early tribes of Britain, for people who lived near birch trees. It comes from the Old English “birce.” Birch also means “bright” and “shining” for your baby to grow big and strong.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Birch (tree)
- Pronunciation: BERCH
- Variations: Berch, Birche
- Namesakes: Birch Wilson Jr., an American member of the governing National Executive Committee of the Socialist Party of America in the 1920s.
- Popularity: Birch is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Blaze
Blaze is the literal word for “flame.” It derives from the Latin “blaesus,” which originally meant “stutter” or “lisp.” Though fiery, Blaze has ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. boys’ names since 2000.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Burning fire
- Pronunciation: BLASE
- Variations: Blaise
- Namesakes: Blaze Berdahl, an American actress appearing in the film Pet Sematary (1989). Blaze Bayley, the English lead singer of the heavy metal band Wolfsbane from 1984 to 1994.
- Popularity: Blaze is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Bo
When spelled Beau, Bo becomes a gender-neutral French nickname meaning “beautiful.” It was a well-known Southern name for boys, from Robert and Beauregard to Beaufort and Boden.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: To live, dwell
- Pronunciation: BOW
- Variations: Beau, Boe
- Namesakes: Bo Horvat, a Canadian ice hockey player for the Vancouver Canucks. Bo Renck, a Swedish director known for the 2019 HBO mini-series Chernobyl.
- Popularity: Bo is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Myanmar, and ranked 17th in Sweden in 2014.
Boone
Boone also means “lucky.” It was once an old-fashioned term for a “favor” or “request.” It comes from the French “bon,” meaning “a good person.” Most of all, Boone is associated with the American frontiersman Daniel Boone.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Benefit, blessing
- Pronunciation: BUWN
- Variations: Boon
- Namesakes: Boone Helm, an American Old West gunfighter called the Kentucky Cannibal. Boone Logan, an American baseball player for the Chicago White Sox.
- Popularity: Boone is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Bronco
A Bronco refers to a wild horse usually found in the Western U.S. The Denver Broncos are the NFL’s most popular team, while the Ford Bronco is a classic SUV known for its badass reputation.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Rough, wild horse
- Pronunciation: BRAAN-Kow
- Variations: Bronko, Broncko
- Namesakes: Bronco McKart, an American boxer and the WBO light middleweight champion in 1996. Bronco Horvath, a Canadian ice hockey player with the Boston Bruins.
- Popularity: Bronco is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Buck
Buck began as a surname for someone who looked or acted like a male deer, or a person who wrangled them. In addition to conjuring up images of cowboys, the word “buck” referred to the U.S. dollars they often desired.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Deer, cowboy
- Pronunciation: BUK
- Variations: Buc
- Namesakes: Donald Roeser (known as Buck Dharma), an American guitarist and member of the band Blue Öyster Cult. Buck Jones (born Charles Gebhart), an American actor known for his work in early Western movies.
- Popularity: Buck is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,927th for boys in 2022.
Buster
Buster is known as a nickname based on “bust,” meaning “smash.” It became known as a first name through silent movie star Buster Keaton. A “Bronc Buster” referred to a top cowboy who could tame wild horses.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Someone who breaks
- Pronunciation: BUHST-er
- Variations: Bustar
- Namesakes: Buster Posey III, an American baseball player for the San Francisco Giants. Buster Brown, an American R&B singer known for the song Fannie Mae.
- Popularity: Buster is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Butch
Butch was once a nickname for a butcher but usually referred to a tough guy, like Butch Cassidy. It may be associated with the German Butsch, a surname for someone “living near a thicket.”
- Origin: American
- Meaning: Manly
- Pronunciation: BUHCH
- Variations: Butchy
- Namesakes: Robert Parker (known as Butch Cassidy), an American bank robber and leader of the “Wild Bunch” gang in the Old West. Butch Patrick (born Patrick Lilley), an American actor known for The Munsters TV series from 1964 to 1966.
- Popularity: Butch is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Carson
Carson derives from the Scottish “carre,” meaning “mossy place.” It changes from a Gaelic surname to one of the most popular American cowboy names because of frontiersman Kit Carson.
- Origin: Scottish, Irish
- Meaning: Son of the marsh-dwellers
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Sahn
- Variations: Carrson
- Namesakes: Carson Daly, an American TV host who was a VJ on MTV’s Total Request Live in 2003. Carson McCullers, an American novelist known for the Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1940).
- Popularity: Carson is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 104th for boys in 2022.
Carter
Carter began as a Gaelic surname for those who transported goods via cart. Americans like President Jimmy Carter and singer June Carter can influence you towards this great name for your little man.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Cart driver
- Pronunciation: KART-er
- Variations: Carter, Cartyr
- Namesakes: Carter Braxton, signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Carter Stanley, an American bluegrass musician and founder of The Stanley Brothers.
- Popularity: Carter is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 767th for boys in 2022.
Cash
Cash was an English surname based on “caisse,” meaning “money case.” It’s been used as a boy’s name since the 1800s but became more common in the U.S. after Johnny Cash’s death.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Box maker
- Pronunciation: KAESH
- Namesakes: Cash Asmussen, an American jockey and winner of the 1979 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey. Cashman “Cash” Peters, a British writer of The Two Ronnies TV show.
- Popularity: Cash is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 253rd in 2021.
Cassidy
Cassidy was also an Irish surname meaning “the clever one.” Hopalong Cassidy was a fictitious cowboy hero from a series of 1930s Western novels. Your little Cassidy can be known as Cass or Cassie.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Curly-haired
- Pronunciation: KAES-ih-Diy
- Variations: Casidy, Cassidey
- Namesakes: Cassidy Lichtman, an American volleyball player with the U.S. women’s national volleyball team. Cassidy Lehrman, an American actress appearing in the HBO TV series Entourage.
- Popularity: Cassidy is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Chance
Chance is a diminutive of Chauncey. It’s been common in the U.S. since the late 1960s for little boys and girls who love Western names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Good fortune
- Pronunciation: CHAHNS
- Variations: Chantc, Chantz
- Namesakes: Chance Thomas, an American composer of video game scores for James Cameron’s Avatar. Chance Carter, a Canadian soccer player for FC Edmonton.
- Popularity: Chance is rare worldwide, mostly used in DR Congo, and ranked 326th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Chet
Chet was once a nickname for Chester or Chesney. It also means “stone camp” or “camp of soldiers.” Though uncommon, it’s still used on its own today as a one-syllable name for boys.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fortress
- Pronunciation: CHEHT
- Namesakes: Chet R. Allen, an American child actor appearing in the first opera written for television on NBC Opera Theatre. Chet Culver, the 41st governor of Iowa from 2007 to 2011.
- Popularity: Chet is rare worldwide, mainly used in India, and ranked 272nd in Singapore in 2014.
Clay
Clay also means “mortal.” Clay is a nickname for Clayton, meaning “settlement” or “clay town,” and is decidedly unique and American.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Clay worker
- Pronunciation: KLEY
- Variations: Claae, Claye
- Namesakes: Clayton Aiken, an American singer on the second season of American Idol in 2003. Clay Travis, an American host of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton radio show.
- Popularity: Clay is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 741st for boys in 2022.
Clint
Clint is a diminutive variation of Clinton. After the 1960s and 70s, Clint grew in popularity due to rugged famous American actor Clint Eastwood.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fenced settlement
- Pronunciation: KLIHNT
- Variations: Clinte, Clynt
- Namesakes: Clint Black, an American singer with over 30 singles in the U.S. Billboard country charts. Clint Capela, a Swiss basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks.
- Popularity: Clint is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., running 1,662nd for boys in 2014.
Clive
Clive is sometimes a short form of the English Clifford. You may be inspired by the popular writer of many Western stories, Clive Sinclair.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dweller near a cliff
- Pronunciation: KLAYV
- Variations: Cliv, Clyve
- Namesakes: Clive Thompson, a Canadian contributor for The New York Times Magazine. Clive Williams, a Welsh rugby union player with the British & Irish Lions.
- Popularity: Clive is rare worldwide, mainly used in England, and ranked 127th in Wales in 2014.
Clutch
Clutch is the name of an American band, a term for a small handbag, and also means to “grab onto tightly.” Clutch City is the unofficial nickname for Houston, Texas, a well-known Western town.
- Origin: Dutch
- Meaning: To hatch
- Pronunciation: KLUCH
- Popularity: Clutch is extremely rare worldwide, with only 52 occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Cody
Cody is from the Gaelic surname “Ó’Cuidighthigh,” meaning “helpful.” The legend of Wild West showman Buffalo Bill Cody makes Cody consistently associated with cowboy names for boys.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Helpful
- Pronunciation: KOW-Diy
- Variations: Codie
- Namesakes: Cody Cassidy, a Canadian rodeo cowboy and a five-time Canadian Professional Rodeo Association steel wrestler. Cody Mattern, an American fencer who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Cody is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 312th for boys in 2021.
Colton
Colton is associated with the 10th-century Irish surname Ó Cómhaltáin, meaning “son of Comaltan.” It became Colton in English, which also means “dark settlement.”.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: From the coal town
- Pronunciation: KOWL-Tahn
- Variations: Colt
- Namesakes: Colton Herta, an American racing driver and the youngest person to win an IndyCar Series race. Colton Dunn, an American actor appearing in the NBC series Superstore (2015 to 2021).
- Popularity: Colton is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it’s slightly uncommon.
Cooper
Cooper was a surname given to a maker of wooden objects. It’s composed of the Middle English “couper,” meaning “container,” and became common as the root for a chicken coop.
- Origin: English, Dutch
- Meaning: Barrel maker
- Pronunciation: KUW-Per
- Variations: Coopar, Coopur
- Namesakes: Cooper Rawson, a British businessman in the House of Commons from 1922 to 1944. Cooper Wallace, an American football player with the Chicago Bears.
- Popularity: Cooper is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,801st for boys in 2022.
Dakota
Dakota means “friends” and “allies” in the Yankton-Yanktonai dialects of the Dakota language. South and North Dakota became part of the U.S. in 1889, while your Dakota can ride free with this trendy name.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Friendly one
- Pronunciation: Dah-KOW-dah
- Variations: Dakotah
- Namesakes: Dakota Staton, an American jazz vocalist known for the 1957 song “The Late, Late Show.” Dakota Abberton, an Australian surfer who made the documentary Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water in 2007.
- Popularity: Dakota is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 270th for girls and 344th for boys in 2021.
Dale
Dale also means “dweller between hills.” It has the same meaning when based on the Old Norse “dali” and certainly has a cute cowboy ring to it.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Valley
- Pronunciation: DEYL
- Variations: Dael
- Namesakes: Dale Brown, an American writer of techno-thriller novels. Dale Bozzio, the American lead singer of the ’80s new wave band Missing Persons.
- Popularity: Dale ranked 1,756th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 1,404th for boys in 2021.
Dallas
Dallas was first a Scottish surname used for a place called Dallas near Forres. It’s built upon the English “dol,” meaning “meadow,” and “gwas,” meaning “dwelling.” Dallas is a city in Texas and the title of a 1980s Western soap opera.
- Origin: Gaelic, English
- Meaning: Skilled
- Pronunciation: DAEL-Lihs
- Variations: Dallis
- Namesakes: Dallas Roberts, an American actor known for AMC’s The Walking Dead. Dallas Campbell, a British TV presenter for the science series Bang Goes the Theory from 2009 to 2012.
- Popularity: Dallas is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 270th for boys and 634th for girls in 2021.
Decker
Decker began as a German surname for a roof shingler, a carpenter, or a builder. It includes “decke,” meaning “covering,” and is an industrious example of hardworking Western boy names.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Roofer
- Pronunciation: DEH-Ker
- Variations: Dekker
- Popularity: Decker is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,051st for boys in 2021.
Denver
Denver also means “from Anvers.” It’s based on the Old English “den-ōfer,” meaning “valley bank.” Denver conjures up the majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for your baby boy or girl.
- Origin: French, English
- Meaning: Green valley
- Pronunciation: DEHNV-er
- Variations: Denvar
- Namesakes: Denver Beanland, the Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly in Australia from 1998 to 2001. Denver Pyle, an American actor appearing in The Andy Griffith Show.
- Popularity: Denver is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 468th in 2022.
Duke
Duke was most notable a nickname for the legendary Western actor John Wayne. This caused its popularity in the 1950s. It’s also a surname meaning “descendant of Duke” and appeared as Duc when associated with nobility.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Leader
- Pronunciation: DUHK
- Variations: Duc
- Namesakes: Edward “Duke” Ellington, an American jazz pianist known for appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Duke Dawson, an American football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Popularity: Duke is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 658th for boys in 2022.
Dutch
Dutch is lesser-known among cowboy names for boys but was used as a surname. It’s a nickname for those with Dutch heritage, but it is a funny way to get trendy with your little guy.
- Origin: Dutch, English
- Meaning: From the Netherlands
- Pronunciation: DUHCH
- Variations: Duch
- Namesakes: Russell “Dutch” Boyd, an American poker player who competed in the 2003 World Series of Poker. Dutch Schultz, an American mobster in New York City involved in bootlegging.
- Popularity: Dutch is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it’s uncommon.
Eli
Eli means “my God” when used as a nickname for Elijah, Eliezer, and Elisha. The Puritans brought Elijah to the U.S., but Eli has ranked in the top 100 boys’ names since 2008.
- Origin: Hebrew, Gaelic
- Meaning: Elevated
- Pronunciation: IY-Lie
- Variations: Ely, Eliy
- Namesakes: Eli Lilly, an American pharmacist and founder of the Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical corporation. Eli Roth, an American film director of horror films like Hostel (2005).
- Popularity: Eli is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Indonesia, and ranked 66th for boys in the U.S. in 2020.
Flint
Flint was a surname for a Welsh person from an area called Flintshire. It’s a nickname for a “hard-hearted” person “as hard as flint,” like many gunslingers and cowpokes.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dweller on an outcrop of flint
- Pronunciation: FLIHNT
- Variations: Flinte, Flynt, Flynte
- Namesakes: Flint Rasmussen, an American rodeo clown and the most famous in bull riding. Flint Dille, an American game designer known for Transformers.
- Popularity: Flint is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Gentry
Gentry is based on the Middle English “genterie,” meaning “nobility of birth or character.” It’s also the “planter class” of wealthy farmers in the south and is the gentlemanly choice for your upright cowboy.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Aristocracy
- Pronunciation: JHEHN-Triy
- Variations: Gentrey
- Popularity: Gentry is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,179th for boys in 2021.
Gideon
In the Bible, Gideon is an Israelite military leader known for destroying false gods. Gideon ranked in the top 1,000 names four times in the entire 20th-century. It rose to 460th in 2010, so Gideon is on the move.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Great warrior
- Pronunciation: GIHD-iy-Ahn
- Variations: Gydeon
- Namesakes: Gideon Gartner, an American businessman called “the father of the modern analyst industry.” Gideon Okeke, a Nigerian actor appearing on Big Brother Nigeria in 2006.
- Popularity: Gideon is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Nigeria, and ranked 320th in the U.S. in 2019.
Gunnar
Gunnar also means “brave warrior” based on the Norse “gunnr,” meaning “war” and “arr,” meaning “warrior.” An English “gunnar” refers to someone who works with guns, like outlaws and bank robbers.
- Origin: Scandinavian, English
- Meaning: Bold warrior
- Pronunciation: GUNN-ehr
- Variations: Gunar
- Namesakes: Gunnar Korhonen, the Finnish CEO of Finnair from 1960 to 1987. Gunnar Uusi, the winner of the Estonian Chess Championship six times.
- Popularity: Gunnar is rare worldwide, primarily used in Norway, and ranked 6th in Iceland in 2014.
Hank
Hank is an American diminutive for Henry or Harry that dates back to the medieval Hankin. It disappeared from the rankings between 1989 and 2009 but has returned among popular outlaw male names.
- Origin: American, German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAENK
- Namesakes: Henry “Hank” Aaron, an American baseball player in Major League Baseball from 1954 through 1976. Walter Garland (known as Hank Garland), an American guitarist and songwriter depicted in the 2008 biopic Crazy.
- Popularity: Hank is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 631st for boys in 2022.
Hayden
Hayden began as the surname Haydn, which became the nickname Heiden, meaning “heathen.” Hayden peaked in 2007 in the U.S., ranking 72nd for boys and 127th for girls in 2008.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Fire
- Pronunciation: HHEY-Dehn
- Variations: Haden, Hadyn, Haedin, Haedyn, Haidan
- Namesakes: Hayden Christensen, a Canadian actor known for playing Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader in the 2000’s Star Wars franchise. Hayden Foxe, an Australian assistant coach with Western United.
- Popularity: Hayden is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 176th for boys and 290th for girls in 2021.
Hoss
Hoss is an English variation of “horse.” It became famous with the long-running TV series Bonanza with a character named Hoss.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Big like a horse
- Pronunciation: HAHS
- Namesakes: Bill “Hoss” Allen (born William Allen III), an American radio disc jockey on the Nashville radio station WLAC from the 1950s to 1990s. David “Hoss” Wright, an American drummer with the Mondo Generator.
- Popularity: Hoss is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Pakistan.
Huck
Huck is an American nickname for Huckleberry (as in Finn). Huckleberry was often used in the 1800s as an affectionate term because it referred to the sweet berries that grew in the western U.S.
- Origin: American, English
- Meaning: Sweet berry
- Variations: Huc
- Namesakes: Huckleberry ”Huck” Seed, an American poker player and winner of the 1996 World Series of Poker. Hawley “Huck” Welch, a Canadian football player for the Hamilton Tigers.
- Popularity: Huck is very rare worldwide, mostly used in China, and ranked 1,468th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Hudson
Hudson was first a surname used for a person who made hoods. Hudson was also a vintage pet name for Richard and Hugh, which has climbed into the top 100 boys’ names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Hudd
- Pronunciation: HUD-Sehn
- Variations: Hudsun
- Namesakes: Hudson de Souza, a Brazilian runner and gold medalist in the South American Cross Country Championships in 2006. Hudson Stuck, a British mountain climber in the first expedition to climb Mount McKinley in 1913.
- Popularity: Hudson is rare worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 23rd for boys in the U.S. in 2022.
Hutch
Hutch is an English nickname for Hutchinson, Hutton, and Hugh. It also means “settlement of houses,” where cowboys come out to play.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Little Hugh
- Pronunciation: HUCH
- Namesakes: Hutch Maiava, a New Zealand rugby league footballer for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Willie “Hutch” Jones, an American basketball player for the San Diego Clippers.
- Popularity: Hutch is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it’s uncommon.
Ike
Ike was one of the three main patriarchs in the Hebrew Bible. It became a nickname for Isaac and Dwight. Ike Clanton of the Cowboys gang in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral is the top Ike here.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Laughter
- Pronunciation: AYK
- Variations: Ikke
- Namesakes: Joseph “Ike” Clanton, a member of the Old West Cowboys gang in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Ike Barinholtz, an American comedian appearing in the comedy series MADtv (2002 to 2007).
- Popularity: Ike is rare worldwide and mostly used in Indonesia.
Jace
Jace is a diminutive of Jason. It’s also Greek for “healer.” Jace is a more rugged version of Jason or Jay, that’s unisex, but the female equivalent is typically Jayce.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: The Lord is salvation
- Pronunciation: JHEYS
- Variations: Jase
- Namesakes: Jace Richdale, the American co-executive producer for The Simpsons. Jace Sternberger, an American football player with the Green Bay Packers.
- Popularity: Jace is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 102nd for boys in 2021.
Jackson
Jackson uses the root name Jack, a version of the Hebrew John. It was found in Celtic Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the pinnacle of Old West splendor and has been a well-known valley for cowboys since 1890.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Jack’s son
- Pronunciation: JHAHK-Sahn
- Variations: Jakson
- Namesakes: Jackson Browne, an American musician who’s sold over 18 million albums in the U.S. Jackson Rathbone, an American actor appearing in The Twilight Saga films.
- Popularity: Jackson ranked 1,199th worldwide, is primarily used in Tanzania, and ranked 17th for boys in 2022.
James
James is the English version of the Hebrew Jacob. Frank and Jesse James are the most well-known outlaws from Missouri and famous bearers of James as a surname.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Supplanter
- Pronunciation: JHEYMZ
- Variations: Jamie
- Namesakes: James Cameron, a Canadian filmmaker best known for Titanic. James Brown, an American musician called “Godfather of Soul.”
- Popularity: James ranked 27th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 5th for boys in 2021.
Jane
Jane is a more modern form of Joan or Joanna. It derives from the Old French Jehane, used in the 16th-century. Calamity Jane was a famous female sharpshooter in the Old West, so it was anything but typical.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: JHEYN
- Variations: Jayne
- Namesakes: Martha Jane Cannary (known as Calamity Jane), an American frontierswoman and friend to Wild Bill Hickok.
- Popularity: Jane ranked 269th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 265th for girls in 2021.
Jeb
Jeb is short for the Hebrew Jebediah and can be a diminutive of Jacob. It also means “following after,” referring to Jacob wrestling with an angel in the Bible.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Beloved friend
- Pronunciation: JHEHB
- Variations: Jebb
- Namesakes: Jeb Stuart, an American screenwriter known for writing the film Die Hard. Jeb Putzier, an American football player for the Denver Broncos.
- Popularity: Jeb is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Jed
Jed is short for the Hebrew Jedidiah. It originally appeared as Yedidyah, meaning “beloved of Yahweh,” but became a casual example of fun Wild West names.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Beloved of God
- Pronunciation: JHEHD
- Variations: Jedd
- Namesakes: Jed Graef, an American swimmer and gold medalist at the 1964 Summer Olympics. Jed Brophy, a New Zealand actor known for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
- Popularity: Jed is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,244th for boys in 2022.
Jericho
Jericho was a famous ancient Palestinian city conquered by Joshua and the Israelites in the Bible. The deserts of Jericho aren’t so different from the Old West mining towns like Jericho, Utah.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Moon city
- Pronunciation: JHEHR-ih-Kow
- Variations: Jerricho, Jerico
- Namesakes: Jericho Brown, an American poet and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2020. Jericho Nograles, the Assistant Majority Leader of the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
- Popularity: Jericho is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 894th for boys in 2021.
Jesse
Jesse derives from the Hebrew Yishai, meaning “God exists” or “king.” Though the father of David in the Bible, the most famous namesake is Jesse James.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Gift
- Pronunciation: JHEHS-iy
- Variations: Jessy
- Namesakes: Jesse Jackson, an American political activist who hosted Both Sides with Jesse Jackson on CNN from 1992 to 2000. Jesse James, an American outlaw and leader of the James–Younger Gang in Missouri.
- Popularity: Jesse is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 203rd for boys in 2021.
Joaquin
Joachin is the Spanish equivalent of the Hebrew Joachim. In the Bible, he was the father of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Joachin is also the name of a city in Texas, likely filled with fun cowboy names.
- Origin: Spanish, Hebrew
- Meaning: God will judge
- Pronunciation: Hhwaa-KIYN
- Variations: Joachim
- Namesakes: Joaquin Arias, a Dominican baseball player for the San Francisco Giants. Joaquin Castro, an American politician in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.
- Popularity: Joaquin is uncommon worldwide, mostly used in Mexico, and ranked 308th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Judge
Judge was originally the occupational surname for a judge. It first appeared in the early 14th-century in Worcester, England. Judge also means “decision maker” and “public official” for little ones who want the final say.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Arbitrator
- Pronunciation: JHAHJH
- Variations: Judg, Juge
- Namesakes: Julius O’Riordan (known as Judge Jules), a British DJ voted best DJ in the world by DJ Mag in 1995. Judge Reinhold, an American actor known for the film Gremlins.
- Popularity: Judge is rare worldwide and mainly used in India.
Justice
Justice comes from the Latin “justus,” meaning “upright.” Justice entered the popularity rankings in 1992 and has remained on the list ever since.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Honorable
- Pronunciation: JHAHS-Tahs
- Variations: Justis
- Namesakes: Justice Majabvi, a Zimbabwean footballer with the Zimbabwe national football team. Justice Smith, an American actor appearing in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
- Popularity: Justice is rare worldwide, primarily used in Ghana, and ranked 635th for boys and 741st for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Kit
Kit is a diminutive of Christopher for boys and Katherine for girls. Colorado has both a town and a county named after Kit Carson. He was one of the most famous American frontiersmen with one of the coolest Western boy names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Bearing Christ
- Pronunciation: KIHT
- Variations: Kitt
- Namesakes: Kit Hung, a Hong Kong filmmaker known for Soundless Wind Chime (2009). Christopher “Kit” Malthouse, a British member of Parliament since 2015.
- Popularity: Kit is uncommon worldwide, mostly used in Hong Kong, and ranked 1,404th for boys and 1,886th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Knox
Knox was first a Scottish surname based on the Gaelic “cnoc,” meaning “small hill with a round top.” Fort Knox is an impressive guarded military base in Kentucky, often used as a metaphor for a tightly-secured place.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Round Hill
- Pronunciation: NOKKS
- Variations: Knoxx
- Namesakes: Knox Martin, a Colombian-American painter and member of the New York School of artists. Knox Chandler, an American musician who also toured with Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1995.
- Popularity: Knox is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 221st for boys in 2021.
Lane
Lane was originally a place name meaning “from the narrow road.” It also means “the man who lives near the pond,” from the Gaelic “linne,” meaning “pond.” Lane became one of the more distinguished Western names because of rodeo clown Lane Frost.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Small roadway
- Pronunciation: LEYN
- Variations: Laine, Layne
- Namesakes: Lane Frost, an American rodeo cowboy and a 1990 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee. Lane Lambert, a Canadian ice hockey head coach for the New York Islanders.
- Popularity: Lane is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 261st for boys in 2021.
Lawson
Lawson is a shorter version of the surname Lawrence. It originated with the ancient Roman Laurentius, meaning “from Laurentium.” Laurentium was a city known for laurel trees, but Lawson may be a little boy known for upholding the law.
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: Son of Lawrence
- Pronunciation: LAH-Sahn
- Namesakes: Lawson Sabah, a Ghanaian footballer for AFC Eskilstuna. Lawson Harvey, an American justice of the Indiana Supreme Court from 1917 to 1920.
- Popularity: Lawson is rare worldwide, mostly used in Nigeria, and ranked 362nd for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Levi
Levi also means “united” and “joined in harmony.” In the Bible, Levi is the son of Jacob. Levi is best known as Levi jeans, first worn by cowboys since they were durable enough for riding on horseback.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Joining
- Pronunciation: LIY-Vay
- Variations: Levy
- Namesakes: Levi Boone, the mayor of Chicago from 1855 to 1856. Levi Romero, a Venezuelan baseball player for the Houston Astros.
- Popularity: Levi is rare worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 18th for boys in the U.S. in 2020.
Lucky
Lucky also means “in possession of good luck.” In the 19th-century, the good fortune of Irish gold miners helped birth the phrase: “’luck of the Irish.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fortunate
- Pronunciation: LUH-K-iy
- Variations: Lucki
- Namesakes: Lucky Oceans (born Reuben Gosfield), an American guitarist and member of the band Asleep at the Wheel. Lucky Enam, a Bangladeshi TV personality awarded the Ekushey Padak award in 2019.
- Popularity: Lucky is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 1,544th for boys in the U.S. in 2022.
Marshall
Marshall also means “lover of horses.” In the Old West, the United States Marshals were famous lawmen proud of their many cowboy names.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Horse service
- Pronunciation: MAAR-Shahl
- Variations: Marchal, Marchall, Marschall
- Namesakes: Marshall Brain II, an American entrepreneur and founder of HowStuffWorks.com. Marshall Perron, the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory from 1988 to 1995.
- Popularity: Marshall is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 379th for boys in 2021.
Maverick
Maverick refers to someone who acts as a lone wolf or who blazes their own path in life. The name was based on Samuel Maverick, a 19th-century Texas cattle rancher who refused to brand his cattle. Maverick is one of the most used Wild West names in the U.S.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Nonconformist
- Pronunciation: MAHV-er-Iyk
- Variations: Maverik
- Namesakes: Maverick Viñales, a Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle racer and the 2013 Moto3 World Champion. Maverick Morgan, an American basketball player for the St. John’s Edge of Canada.
- Popularity: Maverick is very rare worldwide, mainly used in the Philippines, and ranked 14th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Mitch
Mitch comes from the Hebrew Miyka’el, meaning “who resembles God.” It’s better known as a short form for Mitchell, which has all the Old West ring your little boy needs.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Who is like God
- Pronunciation: MICH
- Namesakes: Mitch McConnell, the American Senate minority leader since 2021. Mitchell Gaylord, an American gymnast and gold medalist at the 1981 Maccabiah Games.
- Popularity: Mitch is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Montana
Montana derives from the Spanish “montaña,” meaning “mountainous region.” Montana is the name of the wide-open American state that’s often called Big Sky Country.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Mountain land
- Pronunciation: Mon-TAHN-ya
- Variations: Montanna
- Namesakes: Montana Cox, the Australian winner of the 7th season of Australia’s Next Top Model. Wilfred Carter (known as Montana Slim), a Canadian singer inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971.
- Popularity: Montana is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,772nd for boys and 1,524th for girls in 2022.
Morgan
Morgan is based on the Old Welsh Morcant, taken from “môr,” meaning “sea” and “cant,” meaning “circle.” We associate it with Morgan Earp, Wyatt Earp’s brother, and the Morgan Silver Dollar, a coin used in the Wild West.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Sea song
- Pronunciation: MOWR-Gahn
- Variations: Morghan, Morrgan
- Namesakes: Morgan Fairchild (born Patsy McClenny), an American actress on the soap opera Falcon Crest from 1985 to 1986. Morgan Earp, an American sheriff who participated in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881.
- Popularity: Morgan is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 691st for boys and 193rd for girls in 2022.
Mudd
The term “your name is mud” was made to discredit someone. It was popular in the Old West when one outlaw wanted to intimidate another. Mudd is a rare choice but perfect if your little one likes to play in the mud for fun.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Dweller at the muddy place
- Pronunciation: MUHD
- Variations: Mud
- Popularity: Mudd is extremely rare worldwide, with 89 occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S. and India.
Nash
In going from surname to given name, Nash went from “Ash” to “Nash.” This happened somewhere between Ireland, Wales, and the U.S. It could also be read as a nickname for Nashville, Tennessee.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: By the ash tree
- Pronunciation: NAESH
- Variations: Nashe
- Namesakes: Nash Candelaria, an American writer called the “historical novelist of the Hispanic people of New Mexico.” Nash Turner, an American jockey and winner at the 1900 Belmont Stakes.
- Popularity: Nash is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 233rd for boys in 2014.
Oakley
Oakley also means “dweller at the oak meadow.” It ranked in the top 200 U.S. girl’s names and top 500 U.S. boy’s names in 2021. Annie Oakley was the most famous female sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Oakwood, clearing
- Pronunciation: OWK-Liy
- Variations: Oaklee
- Namesakes: Oakley Haldeman, an American songwriter who composed “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Oakley Curtis, the 50th Governor of Maine from 1915 to 1917.
- Popularity: Oakley is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 193rd for girls and 403rd for boys in 2022.
Palmer
Palmer derives from the Latin “palma,” meaning “palm tree.” It originally referred to Christian pilgrims carrying palms. Greg Palmer was also an actor appearing in many John Wayne westerns.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Pilgrim
- Pronunciation: PAWL-Mehr
- Variations: Pallmer, Palmere
- Namesakes: Palmer Cox, a Canadian illustrator known for the comic strip The Brownies. Palmer Luckey, the American founder of Oculus VR.
- Popularity: Palmer is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 329th for girls and 990th for boys in 2021.
Paxton
Paxton is composed of the Latin “pax,” meaning “peace,” and Old English “tūn,” meaning “town.” It was first a surname for people from Paxton in Huntingdonshire, England, but is now typical among western names.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Peace town
- Pronunciation: PAHK-Stahn
- Variations: Paxten
- Namesakes: Paxton Fielies, the South African winner of Idols South Africa in 2017. Paxton Mills, an American radio broadcaster at KLIF in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
- Popularity: Paxton is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 255th for boys in 2021.
Pike
Pike is the name of the Northern pike fish, also called a “jack.” The pike fish means “water wolf.” Pike also means “spear,” adding some toughness to this odd name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Pike (fish)
- Pronunciation: PAEYK
- Variations: Pyke
- Popularity: Pike is very rare worldwide and mainly used in India.
Porter
Porter refers to a “carrier of goods,” from the Old French “portare,” meaning “to carry.” It was a surname for “doorkeepers,” like the porters who worked on trains in the Old West.
- Origin: Latin, French
- Meaning: Gatekeeper
- Pronunciation: PAORT-er
- Variations: Portor
- Namesakes: Porter Goss, the first Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2005 to 2006. Porter Wagoner, an American country music singer inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002.
- Popularity: Porter is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 441st for boys in 2021.
Ralston
Ralston was originally an English surname for a person from Ralston in Renfrewshire. James Ralston was an American painter of the American West known for creating images of cowboys and Indians.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Ralph’s settlement
- Pronunciation: RAOL-Stahn
- Namesakes: Ralston Cash, an American baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ralston Westlake, the 47th mayor of Columbus, Ohio, from 1960 to 1964.
- Popularity: Ralston is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Jamaica, where it ranked 407th in 2014.
Randy
Randy is a nickname for Randolph, meaning “strong defender.” It also means “wolf” and has traditionally been a short form for Randall, Randolf, Bertrand, and Andrew.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Shield
- Pronunciation: RAEN-Diy
- Variations: Randi
- Namesakes: Randy Rhoads, an American guitarist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Randy Kamp, a Canadian member of Parliament from 2004 to 2015.
- Popularity: Randy ranked 1,038th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 885th for boys in 2022.
Ranger
Ranger was an occupational surname for a “gamekeeper” or “warden.” It’s made up of the Middle English “range(n),” meaning “to arrange.” The U.S. Rangers were created to deal with outlaws in the Arizona Territory along the Mexican border.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Forest guardian
- Pronunciation: REYN-Jher
- Variations: Rainger, Raynger
- Popularity: Ranger is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 1,497th for boys in 2021.
Rawhide
Rawhide is “material cut from untanned cattle skins.” It’s also an Old Western TV series starring Clint Eastwood that ran from 1959 to 1965. A “rawhider” was a small-scale miner or prospector.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Untanned hide
- Pronunciation: RAUW-Hiyde
- Popularity: Rawhide is extremely rare worldwide, with only seven occurrences in 2014, in the U.S., Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Reno
Reno may also be associated with the Spanish name Moreno. Reno, Nevada, was a hotspot for cowboys during the gold rush, but it’s one of the more uncommon outlaw male names.
- Origin: Danish, Swedish
- Meaning: One who is reborn
- Pronunciation: REE-Now
- Namesakes: Reno Wilmots, a Belgian footballer for Triglav. Reno Collier, an American stand-up comedian who hosted The Great American Road Trip on NBC in 2009.
- Popularity: Reno is rare worldwide, primarily used in Indonesia, and ranked 1,949th in Germany in 2014.
Sawyer
Sawyer was first used as a surname in Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer. As an English surname, it means “one whose occupation is the sawing of timber.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Woodcutter
- Pronunciation: SOY-Yer
- Variations: Sawyers
- Namesakes: Sawyer Fredericks, the American winner of The Voice in 2015. Sawyer Sweeten, an American child actor known for the TV series Everybody Loves Raymond.
- Popularity: Sawyer is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 114th for boys and 216th for girls in 2021.
Shane
Shane is a 1953 Wild West movie that’s super famous. Shane is based on the Irish Seán, meaning “God is gracious,” since it comes from John.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: SHAYNE
- Variations: Shaene, Shayne
- Namesakes: Shane MacGowan, the Irish lead singer of the Pogues band. Shane Brolly, an Irish actor appearing in the Underworld films.
- Popularity: Shane is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 493rd for boys in 2021.
Shannon
Shannon is made up of the Old Irish “sen,” meaning “old,” and “abann,” meaning “river.” It was originally the Irish Sionainn and is most associated with the River Shannon in Ireland.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Wise river
- Pronunciation: SHAE-Naan
- Variations: Shannan, Shannen
- Namesakes: Shannon Bramer, the Canadian winner of the Hamilton and Region Arts Council Book Award in 1999. Shannon Williams, a British-South Korean singer and contestant of K-pop Star 6: The Last Chance.
- Popularity: Shannon ranked 1,893rd worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,478th for girls in 2018.
Silas
Silas is a shortened form of the Latin Silvanus, meaning “wood” and “forest.” It also means “prayed for.” Silas is also a Hebrew name meaning “three” or “the third,” which could fit perfectly for the third-born child.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Of the forest
- Pronunciation: SAY-Lahs
- Variations: Siles
- Namesakes: Silas Bill, a Canadian politician in the House of Commons of Canada in 1878. Silas De Souza, a Brazilian footballer for São Bernardo.
- Popularity: Silas is uncommon worldwide, mostly used in Brazil, and ranked 100th for boys in the U.S. in 2020.
Sky
Sky refers to the Scottish Isle of Sky when it appears as the surname Skye. “Ghost Riders in the Sky” is a famous 1948 country and western hit that perfectly encapsulates cowboy names for boys.
- Origin: Scottish, Norse
- Meaning: Atmosphere seen from earth
- Pronunciation: SKAY
- Variations: Skye
- Namesakes: Alejandro Suárez (known as Sky), a Colombian producer and winner of six Latin Grammy Awards. Sky Andrew, an English gold medalist at the 1989 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.
- Popularity: Sky is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Tanner
Tanner began as an occupational surname for a person “who tanned leather.” It was first used as a given name in 1976 and ranked in the top 100 U.S. boy’s names in 1993. It peaked in the 1990s, but Tanner is all cowpoke all the time.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Leather maker
- Pronunciation: TAEN-er
- Variations: Taner, Tannar
- Namesakes: Tanner Muse, an American football player for the Seattle Seahawks. Thomas “Tanner” Smith, an American gang leader in New York City in the early 20th-century.
- Popularity: Tanner is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 449th for boys in 2022.
Texas
Texas comes from the Native American Caddo word for “friends.” The Caddo were a group of tribes found in what is today East Texas. Texas can shine for your little one since it’s known as the lone star state.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Friends
- Pronunciation: TEK-sahs
- Popularity: Texas is very rare worldwide and mainly used in DR Congo, where it ranked 1,607th in 2014.
Trace
Trace is a diminutive of Tracy that’s always been unisex. It’s based on the Irish “treasach,” meaning “war-like.” Trace is also associated with the Irish word for “three.”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Fighter
- Pronunciation: TRAYCE
- Variations: Trys
- Namesakes: Trace Adkins, an American singer with over 20 singles on the Billboard country music charts. Trace Beaulieu, an American comedian appearing on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
- Popularity: Trace is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it’s still uncommon.
Tripp
Tripp hails from the Middle English “trip(pe),” originally meaning “to dance” and “stumble.” It was a surname used for dancers or a nickname for those who were klutzy. Tripp is also an American nickname for a boy who’s born third.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Traveler
- Pronunciation: TRIHP
- Variations: Trypp
- Namesakes: Guy “Tripp” Merritt III, an American head football coach at Davidson College from 2005 to 2012. Roy “Tripp” Cromer III, an American baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Popularity: Tripp is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 374th for boys in 2022.
Tuco
Tuco is used in Brazil often because it’s also a South American ragù-like sauce. Eli Wallach appeared in the classic The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly western film in 1966 as a character named Tuco.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Ugly one
- Pronunciation: TUW-Kow
- Popularity: Tuco is extremely rare worldwide, with 96 occurrences in 2014, mainly in Brazil and the U.S.
Vern
Vern is a short form of Vernon for boys. It’s also a pet name for Laverne for girls, so its casual country style has many options.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Alder grove
- Pronunciation: VEHRN
- Namesakes: Vern Gosdin, an American singer with 19 top ten solo hits on the country music charts between 1977 and 1990. Vernon J. Sneider, an American novelist and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1954.
- Popularity: Vern is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Wade
Wade is based on the Old English “wadan,” meaning “to go,” or “(ge)wæd,” meaning “ford.” In its history, Wade has always ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names for boys.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: To go, ford
- Pronunciation: WEYD
- Variations: Waede, Wayde
- Namesakes: Wade Cunningham, a New Zealand race car driver who competed in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. Wade Davis, a Canadian anthropologist known for the 1985 book The Serpent and the Rainbow.
- Popularity: Wade is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 440th for boys in 2022.
Walker
Walker comes from the Old English “wealcere,” meaning “to tread.” It was a surname for fullers who thickened fabric by beating it with their hands or feet. In the world of outlaw male names, the TV series Walker: Texas Ranger may inspire you, starring Chuck Norris.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fuller of cloth
- Pronunciation: WAOLK-er
- Variations: Walkar
- Namesakes: Walker Lewis, an African-American abolitionist and member of the Underground Railroad. Theodore Nicoloff (known as Walker Boone), a Canadian actor who voiced the Nintendo character Mario.
- Popularity: Walker is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 102nd for boys in 2022.
Ward
Ward was originally a surname for a “watchmen.” There is also an Irish surname Mac an Bháird. It means “son of the Bard,” or “poet,” but the first definition is more tailor-made for the Old West.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Guard
- Pronunciation: WAORD
- Variations: Warde
- Namesakes: Ward Cornell, a Canadian broadcaster who hosted Hockey Night in Canada between 1959 and 1972. Ward Walsh, an American football player for the Houston Oilers.
- Popularity: Ward is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it’s uncommon.
Western
Western may be based on the Middle English “westerne,” for “western.” It also referred to “the man from the west.” Western is all we’re focused on, so it’s the most literal of cowboy names for boys.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Of the West
- Pronunciation: WEHS-Turn
- Variations: Wester
- Popularity: Western is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Zimbabwe.
Wheeler
Wheeler was an Old English occupational name for anyone who worked “with wheels.” They were also called “wheelwrights” and “cartwrights.” Wheeler is slightly uncommon but does have a nice western feel to it.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Wheel maker
- Pronunciation: WEEY-Ler
- Variations: Weeler
- Namesakes: Wheeler Martin, an American justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1823 to 1824. Wheeler Oakman, an American actor appearing in the 1918 silent film Mickey.
- Popularity: Wheeler is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Wilder
Wilder is also a surname for those with a lot of passion or enthusiasm. Wilder means “hunter” in German and entered the U.S. top 1,000 names in 2015.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Untamed, wild
- Pronunciation: WIYLD-er
- Variations: Wylder
- Namesakes: Wilder Weir, the current Canadian TV co-host of Cosmopolitan TV’s Oh So Cosmo. Wilder Cartagena, a Peruvian footballer for the Peru national team.
- Popularity: Wilder is rare worldwide, primarily used in Peru, and ranked 367th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Wyatt
Wyatt began as the Medieval English Wyot, based on Wigheard. Wyatt Earp was the most famous American lawman in the Old West and one of the last Western heroes.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Brave at war
- Pronunciation: WEY-aet
- Variations: Wyatte, Wyett
- Namesakes: Wyatt Earp, an American lawman at the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Wyatt Cenac Jr., an American correspondent and writer for The Daily Show from 2008 to 2012.
- Popularity: Wyatt is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 29th for boys in 2021.
Zeb
Zeb is a short form of the Hebrew Zebulon, Zebadiah, or Zebedee. It’s now more common as one of the cutest cowboy names for boys that stands alone. Zeb is sometimes used for the Arabic Zaynab, who was Muhammad’s daughter.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Dwelling of honor
- Pronunciation: ZEHB
- Namesakes: Zeb Soanes, a British radio presenter for Smooth Classics at Seven on Classic FM. Zeb Turner, an American musician who played for artists like Hank Williams.
- Popularity: Zeb is rare worldwide, mainly used in Pakistan, and ranked 748th in Afghanistan in 2014.
Zeke
Zeke is a short form of the Hebrew Ezekiel. It’s made up of “el,” meaning “God” and “chazák,” meaning “to be strong.” Zeke also means “shooting star” in Aramaic, so it’s limitless where Western boy names are concerned.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: God strengthens
- Pronunciation: ZIYK
- Variations: Zeake, Zeek
- Namesakes: Emil Zekley (known as Zeke Zekley), an American cartoonist who worked on Bringing Up Father. Zeke Clements, an American country musician known as “The Dixie Yodeler.”
- Popularity: Zeke is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 378th for boys in 2022.
Cowboy and Western Names FAQs
What Are Western Cowboys Called?
Cowboy is a term for a horseman in the Western United States. Their cattle-wrangling skills were famous and became romanticized in American folklore. A cowboy was also referred to as a buckaroo, cowpoke, cowhand, and cowpuncher.
What Do Mexicans Call Cowboys?
A Mexican cowboy is called a vaquero. It comes from the English “buckaroo,” another term for cowboys. Before being called vaqueros, Mexican cowboys were called “caballeros,” meaning “gentleman.” It’s based on the Spanish “caballo,” meaning “horse.”
What Are Hawaiian Cowboys Called?
Hawaiian cowboys are called “paniolo,” which became popular for cattle wranglers on the Hawaiian islands. “Paniolos” stems from the Spanish “vaqueros,” which refers to “a person who herds cattle” or a “cowboy.”
