100+ Western and Cowboy Boy Names & Their Meanings

The Wild West is one of the most inspiring and appealing eras in American history. Rugged cowboys, meadows, expansive nature, thrilling adventures, and horse rides have an allure of wilderness. The cowboy code embodies their core values, including strength, individualism, heroism, adventure, and self-reliance. The gun-slinging American natives are legends of folklore and inspiration for the movies. This gives us an idea – how about cowboy names for babies? Western boy names with beautiful meanings carry a unique charm and allure that help inspire children to stay close to long-held traditions and culture. These quintessentially good cowboy names for boys represent raw wilderness, perfect for young rodeos.

Cool Cowboy Baby Boy Names

A cowboy is all about masculinity. The boot and hat-bearing horse riders are close to nature and well-rooted in their culture. Capture the spirit of the wild west by giving your little one a name that is inspired by this wilderness. Here’s a list of old western baby boy names and country-western boy names for your handsome hunk.

1. Abner

The name is of Hebrew origin and means ‘father of light’.

2. Adam

The name means ‘son of the red Earth’,

3. Ames

Ames comes from the Latin word ‘amicus’ and means ‘to love’. In French, it means ‘ami’ or ‘companion’. 

4. Angus

Angus has Irish origins. Derived from Augustus, it is a popular name in Australia, Canada, and Scotland. Gus makes a pretty cool cowboy nickname.

5. Arizona

Arizona, in the native American tribes, means ‘little spring’. The state of Arizona reminds one of the rugged landscapes.

6. Ashley

Ashley is a pretty macho name. It means ‘meadow of ash trees’. A popular name for a cowboy from the good old days.

7. Austin

Austin has roots in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. The popular name means ‘great, magnificent’ and has a kind of southwest feel.

8. Bart

The name is a form of the biblical name Bartholomew and means ‘son of Talmai’.

9. Beau

Beau sounds cute and impressive. It means ‘handsome’. This cowboy will steal your heart with style and panache.

10. Billy

Billy is a tough name and means ‘resolute protection’. A bad-ass cowboy that will make an impression wherever he goes.

11. Blaze

The blaze has an English origin and means ‘burning fire’. Your little cowboy will shine bright every day.

12. Bo

The name is of Scandinavian origin and means ‘to live’.

13. Boone

The name is of French origin and means ‘a blessing’.

14. Bowie

The name is of Scottish and Irish origin. The name means ‘yellow’ or ‘fair-headed’.

15. Bret

The name means ‘of Briton’.

16. Buck

Buck means ‘male deer’. Your cute little buckaroo will grow up to love boots, horses and be a spirited man.

17. Cal

The name is of Hebrew origin and means ‘devotion’ and ‘faithful’.

18. Carson

The name is of Scottish and Irish origins and represents a son of the marsh-dwellers.

19. Clay

The name is of British origins and means ‘clay worker’.

20. Clayton

Clayton has an air of southwestern charm. The smooth talker will stay out of trouble. Call him Clay at home.

21. Cody

Cody means ‘helpful’ or ‘cushion’. This little cowboy will love singing lovely songs around the campfire and bring happiness to the lives of everyone he meets.

22. Colt

Colt is as amazing as a ‘steed’ – ‘a spirited young horse’. He might be the youngest jockey. It’s also a popular gun brand. This does take us back to old West gunslinger days. Call him Colton for a more formal feel.

23. Dakota

Dakota has its roots in the Sioux Native American tribe. The name means ‘a friendly one’. It’s a great cowboy name for your little ranger.

24. Denver

Denver is a vintage name. During the Gold Rush, plenty of cowboys ended up here in search of treasure. Perfect choice of name for your little treasure hunter.

25. Ezekiel

Ezekiel comes from the Old Testament. A prophet who lived with the Judeans in exile. Zeke makes a perfect nickname for your little bunch of happiness.

26. Ford

Ford is not just a popular last name; it makes a pretty good first name. A strong name for your little cowhand. He is gonna rock his hat and boot looks, with or without a whip.

27. Flint

The name comes from Old English and means ‘born near an outcrop of flint’ or ‘stream’.

28. Galen

Galen is a beautiful name with English origins and means ‘peaceful’.

29. Garret

Garret comes straight from cowboy movies. A boy who loves spending time outdoors and takes care of his community. A variation of the name is Gerard, which means ‘spear strength’.

30. Graham

Graham originates from ‘Grantham’ in Lincolnshire. Grantham comes from the combination of two words – grand meaning ‘gravel’ and ham meaning ‘homestead’. One of the proud bearers of this name is Alexander Graham Bell.

31. Handley

Handley is a name with English origins and means ‘high’ and ‘leah’ or ‘wood’.

32. Hank

Hank has Hebrew origins. The popular name means ‘God is merciful’. Your handsome hunk will rock this name.

33. Heath

The name comes from Old English and represents someone who lived or lived by a moor.

34. Jace

The name is of Hebrew origin and means ‘lord of salvation’.

35. James

James is the most popular Anglo-Saxon name and tops the list of favourite cowboy names. Twist it to Jameson for a masculine and sensitive groove to it.

36. Jeremy

Jeremy is short for Jeremiah, which means ‘God uplifts’. The name with English origins sounds heroic. Your little adventurer will rock this name.

37. Josh

Josh is short for Joshua. It is inspired by the Hebrew name ‘Yehoshua’ and means ‘salvation’. Lovely name for your little prince.

38. Morgan

Morgan has Welsh origins, which means ‘sea’ and ‘circle’. Famous personality – Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman.

39. Nash

Nash sounds so cool. A surname which can be used as the first name, it originates from the phrase ‘atten ash’ and means ‘at the ash tree’.

40. Palmer

Palmer originates from the Latin word ‘Palma’ or the ‘palm tree’. It sounds truly English and rugged, perfect for your little cowboy.

41. Quentin

Quentin originates from the Roman ‘Quintinus’ and means ‘the fifth’. Perfect name for your fifth-born child or the child born on the 5th day or the 5th month. It sounds musical when called out loud. Famous personality – Oscar-winning director Quentin Tarantino.

42. Randy

Randy comes from Randolph or Randel. The name has German origins and is made of two words ‘rand’ means ‘edge’ and ‘Wulf’ means ‘wolf’.

43. Ray

Ray is derived from Raymond and means the ‘beam of light’. 

44. Reno

Reno is where the cowboys headed during the gold rush. The Nevada town is close to the mountains, Lake Tahoe and large fields. The name lives and breathes the free spirit of an adventurous little man.

45. Roy

Roy comes from the Anglo name ‘Ruadh’ and means ‘red’. The name has a rugged tone, a badass name for your little boy.

46. Ryder

Ryder could be a motorcyclist or a cowboy in the saddle. The fire spirit allows him to lead the pack or go with the flow. It means ‘horse lover’ or ‘cavalryman’ or ‘the messenger’. 

47. Sawyer

Sawyer sounds tough and masculine. It means a person who ‘saws or cuts the wood’. Mark Twain made it famous in his novel ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’. 

48. Shane

Shane is derived from Sean. The name with Greek and Hebrew origins means ‘praising God’. Famous personalities – Australian cricketer Shane Warne, Scottish ‘Bond’ actor and Academy Award winner Sean Connery.

49. Skyler

Skyler comes from ‘scholar’. The name with Dutch origins is mischievous and rugged at the same time. Just like your naughty little man.

50. Toby

Toby can be used for both boys and girls. It is short for Tobias and originates from the Greek name Tobiah. The name comes from the fictional Old Testament ‘Book of Tobit’.

51. Trevor

Trevor has Welsh origins. ‘Tref’ means village and ‘Mawr’ means large. The name means ‘of a big community’.

52. Vern

Vern is the modern twist to Vernon. The name means ‘alder tree’. It became popular with French science-fiction writer Jules Verne.

53. Wade

Wade has its origins in English culture; it means at the river crossing’. A refreshing twist to the old-fashioned Wayne. Your little one will stand up for what is right. 

54. Warren

Warren has its roots in the German language. It comes from the French word ‘warrene’ and means ‘where the animals are enclosed’. Famous Personalities – General Warren Hastings, Warren Buffett.

55. West

Cowboys are predominantly from the Western United States. Name your little cowboy after the place they conquered – the wild west. The rugged name evokes the image of a sunset over the mountains and playing guitar by a campfire. 

56. Zeb

Zeb comes from the Hebrew name Zebedee or Zebadiah and means ‘a part of God’. A unique name for your cowboy.

Famous Cowboy Names for Your Boys

This list of famous cowboy names for boys includes the best of names from the past, including pioneers, celebrities, outlaws, and lawmen.

1. Chandler

Originating from the Old French word ‘chandelier,’ which stems from the Latin ‘candela’ (candle), Chandler is a beautiful rustic name meaning ‘candle maker.’ Coming from an old trade name, Chandler feels right at home under wide Western skies.

2. Dustin

Dustin may seem very new but it actually stems from an Old Norse name Þórsteinn (Torsten), which means ‘”Thor’s rock.’ Later, the English people adopted this name after the immigration of Viking settlers. The name has a name that feels adventurous and outdoorsy, like dusty cowboy trails.

3. Frank

Surprisingly, the name Frank originates from the Germanic word for the Frankish people, which is known as a tribe known for their freedom and status as conquerors. Representing honesty and strength. Frank is a straight-shooting name, much like an old Western hero.

4. Jesse

Jesse is the bad boy from the wild west, and we all love him. He is the cowboy who stands out in the crowd. The Robinhood who is loved by all.

5. Levi

Levi is cool and casual, just like a pair of worn-out denim. A great cowboy name with biblical origins. Levi was the son of Jacob, and Levi was the name of the apostle Matthew before he found Jesus.

6. Matt

Short for Matthew with Hebrew roots, Matt is an adorable boy’s name meaning ‘gift of God.’ The name has an approachable feel, making it suitable for a cowboy with a kind heart. Its other variations include Matityahu from Hebrew, Matthaios, and Mattheus.

7. Nate

Nate, short for Hebrew monikers Nathan or Nathaniel, means ‘gift’ or “God has given.” The name stems from the Hebrew term ‘natan,’ which means to ‘to give.’ Short and steady, Nate enjoys a strong tone, the kind of name that earns respect on the ranch.

8. Pete

Pete is short for Peter, derived from the Greek word ‘Petros,’ meaning ‘rock’ or ‘solid.’ A sturdy name for your rugged and handsome hero. The name Peter has Biblical origins. He was the most trusted apostle of Jesus. 

9. Ranger

Ranger speaks for itself. It is an English and French occupational surname that means ‘protector of the land,’ ‘forest warden,’ or ‘keeper of the wild.’ A perfect cowboy name with grit and freedom.

10. Sam

Sam, often from Samuel, means ‘asked of God.’ It’s a well-known cowboy name that everyone trusts.

11. Trace

Although an unisex name, Trace works great for boys and feels very modern. The name comes from the Latin word ‘tractus,’ and means ‘path’ or ‘to follow,’ making it a suitable name for a trail rider. Short, sharp, and adventurous.

12. Vance

Vance is a splendid name for boys, which means ‘dweller of the marsh.’ It has a Western toughness to it, standing out with strength and boldness.

13. Zane

Zane is a magazine-worthy name for boys, which means ‘gift from God.’ This popular cowboy name has a cool and rugged charm, perfect for young rodeos. The Western writer Zane Grey is a perfect inspiration in the Western genre in literature and the arts, whose works are known for the idealised American frontier through adventure novels and stories.

Unique Cowboy Baby Names for Boys

Finding a unique name from the sea of common and popular cowboys’ names might seem a daunting task. With our handpicked list of unique Western boy names, you can rest assured in finding an exotic cowboy name for your baby.

1. Archer

Archer means ‘bowman,’ symbolising precision and skill. It is a perfect inspiratio for a cowboy name because of the action and thrill that blends grit with focus.

2. Caleb

Caleb has biblical origins. He was sent by Moses in quest of the promised land. Cal makes a cool nickname for your cub.

3. Deacon

The name is of Greek and English origins and means ‘messenger’.

4. Dylan

The name is of Welsh origin and means ‘son of the sea’.

5. Eli

Short, classic, and strong of Hebrew origin, Eli is a wonderful name for boys, meaning ‘ascended’ or ‘uplifted.’ It fits a cowboy with wisdom and quiet strength.

6. Guy

Guy has a masculine edge, a combination of cool and collected. The name means ‘teacher’ or ‘guide’. He will take you through rugged terrain, teach you how to make ropes and light up a campfire. He will be confident from a barn to the boardroom and loved by all.

7. Isaac

A Hebrew name originating from the Hebrew name Yitzhak (יִצְחָק), Isaac means ‘laughter.’ The name has a warm and approachable spirit, perfect for a sweet and humble cowboy who lightens up a dusty trail with his aura.

8. Kane

Deriving from the Gaelic word ‘cath,’ meaning ‘battle,’ Kane appears as a strong name for boys and means ‘warrior’ or ‘battle.’ If you are after a strong and powerful name with sharp edges, Kane has the bold spirit of a fearless cowboy.

9. Luca

New to the addition of cowboy names, Luca means ‘light’ or ‘bringer of light.’ Thanks to its meaning, it’s gentle yet adventurous, perfect for a cowboy with heart.

10. Mack

Mack is a splendid name that shares two origins: Scottish/Irish Gaelic name Mac or Mc, meaning ‘son of,’ and Latin name maximus, meaning ‘the greatest.’ It is an easy to pronounce and remember name.

11. Remy

Remy, of French roots, means ‘rower’ or ‘oarsman.’ It is a gender-neutral name, used for both boys and girls, and has a stylish flair.

12. Ty

Ty is a non-fussy modern version of Tyler or Tyson. It means a ‘range’ where antelopes and deer play. Much like the little cowboy.

Funny Cowboy Baby Boy Names

Want some pun added to your cowboy baby name inspiration? These funny cowboy names for boys will suit your interest.

1. Action Jackson

This name bursts with energy and adventure, perfect for a little boy who has an adventure streak in him and is always on the move. It carries a playful yet heroic vibe.

2. Big Tex

Big Tex sounds larger than life, like a cowboy with a big heart and big personality. Playful, this name for boys is a fun nod to Texas pride and cowboy spirit.

3. Cowboy Dan

Simple and straight to the point, Cowboy Dan is a name that feels friendly, someone everyone knows. The name gives the impression of a warm, approachable charm, making it fit for boys with sweet smiles.

4. Dusty Trails

This name paints a picture of wide-open plains, sweet meadow fragrance, and unlimited adventures. Giving both rugged and outdoorsy vibes, Dusty Trails is perfect for a little cowboy at heart.

5. Lucky Luke

Playful and sweet, Lucky Luke carries a charm of good fortune. It feels like the name of a cowboy who always finds his way.

6. Maverick

Maverick has English origins. The name means ‘free spirit’. A quality your little cowboy will imbibe and live by.

7. Packer

Packer is a name that brings to mind adventure and grit with love for travel, like someone ready to saddle up and take on the trail. The name’s short, easy to pronounce, and memorable.

8. Quigley

Quirky and playful, Quigley has an old-west charm with a spirited personality. The name’s unique and memorable, making it a fun addition to your boy’s monikers.

9. Rooster

If you are looking for a lively and fiery name, full of attitude, Rooster is a memorable choice, just like the bird it’s named after. It has a rowdy cowboy ring that stands out.

10. Smokey

Smokey is certainly one of the coolest cowboy names that gives off a cool, cowboy vibe for someone who’s tough under pressure. It’s a laid-back name with an underdog toughness, enough for the wild west.

11. Trigger

Bold and punchy, Trigger feels fast, sharp, and adventurous. With a name like Trigger, you can give your little the opportunity to capture the thrill of cowboy life and action.

Badass Cowboy Names for Baby Boys

See a strong, determined, and rebellious nature in your lil champ? These badass cowboy boy names with sassy and witty vibes will be perfect for your young rodeo.

1. Axl

Axl is a stylish and sharp name, meaning ‘father of peace.’ Typically, a winner for parents who are looking for a bold and modern name with a rock-and-roll cowboy vibe.

2. Bale

Bale enjoys multiple origins and multiple meanings. One of the famous meanings of this name is ‘valley,’ and it has an earthy, rugged tone. A perfect pick for a cowboy tied to the land.

3. Cisco

Short of Francisco, Cisco is a charmingly sassy name for boys. It feels like the cowboy who is full of charm and grit.

4. Decker

Decker has Anglo-Saxon origin and means ‘roofer’ or ‘builder.’ This was originally an occupational surname for someone who used to work as a thatcher or built dikes and ditches. If you are looking for a cowboy name that feels sturdy and unstoppable, this one carries a strong, tough sound.

5. Pistol

Pistol is certainly a badass name, full of fire and attitude, making it perfect for a bold cowboy name. The name serves the purpose, just right.

6. Rock

Another strong and rocky name, Rock represents strength and stability. It’s a solid cowboy name that speaks of resilience and unshakable will.

7. Roper

Roper is an occupational name that refers to a rope maker. It also ties back to the cowboy skill of roping cattle. It’s rugged, authentic, and full of cowboy spirit.

8. Stony

Stony carries the strength of stone. A simple yet powerful cowboy name that feels grounded and tough.

9. Tank

Tank speaks of raw power and durability. It’s the cowboy name for a boy who’s unbreakable and bold.

10. Tyson

Tyson means ‘son of Tye’ but is often tied to strength and fight. A fearless cowboy name with muscle behind it.

11. Winchester

Winchester echoes the legendary rifle, making it one of the most iconic cowboy names. Strong, historic, and adventurous.

12. Zed

Zed is short and sharp, the last letter of the alphabet but first in cool factor. A cowboy name with an edge.

Why Choose a Cowboy Name for Your Boy?

The American Wild West has a captivating essence that stays evergreen in the hearts of a proud countryman. Cowboy names boast style (of course!), meaningfulness, and a sense of adventure. The names are rooted deep in the countryside culture of humbling people and are often seen as tough and spirited. Boys blessed with cowboy names may be inspired to develop an innate personality that can tackle problems head-on while staying strong and determined.

FAQs

1. Are cowboy names suitable for girls, too?

Yes, absolutely! Cowboy names are equally meaningful and captivating for girls as they are for boys. Taking inspiration from great outdoors, blue skies, flower-filled meadows, whinny of horses, and the very essence of the Wild West, there are several elegant and good cowboy names.

2. How can you choose the perfect cowboy name for your baby?

Cowboy names often draw inspiration from nature, farming, animals, meadows, and the stylish cowboy lifestyle. When choosing the perfect cowboy name for your baby, make sure it pleasant sounding, and not weird, and has a meaningful connotation to it. Some popular cowboy boy names are Trevor, Clint, Toby, and Jesse.

Names have mythical power. Make sure you bless your little one with a good name and he will imbibe the spirit of the same.

Also Read:

Country Boy Names
Edgy and Rugged Boy Names
Badass Boy Names with Meanings

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