Cowboy names have long been associated with the rugged and adventurous spirit of the American West. Whether you’re looking for a classic name associated with famous Western figures or a unique name that reflects the independent spirit of the cowboy lifestyle, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In this article, we’ve explored the origins of cowboy names, popular cowboy names, unique cowboy names, gender-neutral cowboy names, and names of famous cowboys.
Read more: Cowgirl names
Origins of Cowboy Names
Cowboy names have their roots in the Wild West, where they were used by cowboys and other frontiersmen. Many of these names have Native American origins, reflecting the influence of indigenous cultures on the American West. For example, the name Dakota comes from the Dakota Sioux tribe, while the name Cheyenne comes from the Cheyenne people.
Other cowboy names have Spanish or Mexican origins, reflecting the region’s history of Spanish colonization and influence. Names like Juan, Carlos, and Diego are examples of Spanish names that have become associated with cowboys and the Wild West.
Many cowboy names also have a connection to famous Western figures and legends, such as Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, and Davy Crockett. These names have become part of the Western lexicon and are often associated with the spirit of adventure, independence, and self-reliance that defined the cowboy way of life.
Overall, cowboy names reflect the diverse cultures and traditions that shaped the American West, and continue to be a source of fascination and inspiration for people today.
Popular Cowboy Names
Cowboy names are known for their rugged and adventurous quality, and many have become popular choices for parents naming their children. Some of the most popular cowboy names have been in use for generations and are associated with the Wild West.
One of the most popular cowboy names is Wyatt, which is often linked to the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp. The name Jesse is also a popular cowboy name, likely due to its connection to the notorious outlaw Jesse James. The name Billy is another classic cowboy name that has been popular for generations and is associated with the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid.
Other popular cowboy names include Cody, which is named after the town of Cody, Wyoming, founded by the famous cowboy and showman Buffalo Bill Cody. The name Dallas is another popular cowboy name, likely due to its association with cowboys and rodeos in Texas. The name Maverick is also a popular choice for parents, thanks to its association with the independent and adventurous character played by James Garner in the TV series “Maverick”.
Read More: Cowgirl Names
25 Unique Cowboy Names
While there are many popular cowboy names, there are also plenty of unique options to choose from. Some examples of unique cowboy names include Blaze, Colt, and Remington. Other unusual cowboy names include Ace, Cash, and Gideon. In this list you will find 25 unique cowboy names:
- Blaze
- Colt
- Remington
- Ace
- Cash
- Gideon
- Gunner
- Nash
- Phoenix
- Rodeo
- Rustler
- Stetson
- Steele
- Sundance
- Tuff
- Waylon
- Zane
- Boone
- Buck
- Duke
- Flint
- Hunter
- Jett
- Laramie
- Rio
25 Gender-neutral Cowboy Names
Cowboy names don’t have to be just for boys! There are plenty of gender-neutral options that are equally fitting for cowgirls, such as Dakota, Jordan, and Taylor. Other gender-neutral cowboy names include Avery, Casey, and Peyton. Here you’ll find a list of 25 gender-neutral cowboy names:
- Dakota
- Jordan
- Morgan
- Avery
- Casey
- Dallas
- Harper
- Jesse
- Kendall
- Lane
- Parker
- Payton
- Reagan
- Riley
- Sage
- Sawyer
- Skyler
- Sterling
- Taylor
- Tyler
- West
- Wyatt
- Bailey
- Cody
- Jamie
100 Cowboy Names for Boys
Here’s a list of 100 cowboy names for boys:
- Ace
- Angus
- Boone
- Brady
- Brody
- Buck
- Cade
- Cashel
- Cassidy
- Chance
- Clay
- Cliff
- Clint
- Colton
- Cooper
- Cordell
- Creed
- Cruz
- Dalton
- Darrell
- Denver
- Duke
- Dusty
- Easton
- Emmett
- Finn
- Flint
- Garrett
- Gentry
- Glen
- Hank
- Harper
- Harris
- Hayes
- Holden
- Houston
- Hudson
- Hunter
- Ike
- Jack
- Jagger
- Jasper
- Jett
- Job
- Jody
- Kade
- Kane
- Keaton
- Keller
- Kelton
- Kian
- Kit
- Knox
- Kyler
- Landon
- Lane
- Laramie
- Lawton
- Levi
- Logan
- Luke
- Maverick
- Micah
- Miles
- Nash
- Nate
- Navarro
- Oakley
- Olin
- Orville
- Paxton
- Phoenix
- Quaid
- Quill
- Rafe
- Ransom
- Reed
- Reno
- Rhett
- Rider
- Rio
- River
- Roan
- Roscoe
- Rowdy
- Royce
- Rush
- Ryder
- Sable
- Sawyer
- Shane
- Slade
- Sterling
- Stony
- Strider
- Tad
- Tate
- Tex
- Trace
- Zane
These cowboy names for boys reflect the rugged, adventurous spirit of the American West, and offer a range of options for parents seeking a strong and distinctive name for their son.
Read more: Cowgirl Names / Short Boy Names
Names of Famous Cowboys
Here’s a list of names of famous cowboys and an explanation of where the names are famous:
- Wyatt Earp – A legendary lawman and gunfighter who gained fame for his role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
- Billy the Kid – A notorious outlaw and gunfighter who was said to have killed 21 men during his short life. He gained fame for his daring escapes from jail and his legendary gunfighting skills.
- Jesse James – An infamous outlaw and bank robber who operated in the post-Civil War era. He and his gang gained notoriety for their daring heists and their run-ins with the law.
- Davy Crockett – A legendary frontiersman and folk hero of the American West. He gained fame for his role in the Texas Revolution and his famous line, “You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas.”
- Buffalo Bill Cody – A famous showman and buffalo hunter who gained fame for his traveling Wild West shows, which featured reenactments of cowboy life and Indian battles.
- Tom Horn – A legendary cowboy, scout, and lawman who gained fame for his role in the Apache Wars and his controversial trial for murder.
- John Wesley Hardin – A notorious outlaw and gunfighter who was said to have killed over 40 men during his life. He gained fame for his quick draw and his reputation as one of the deadliest men in the Wild West.
- Wild Bill Hickok – A legendary gunfighter and lawman who gained fame for his role in the Kansas-Missouri border wars and his reputation as a skilled marksman.
- Doc Holliday – A dentist turned gambler and gunfighter who gained fame for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and his role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
- Calamity Jane – A legendary frontierswoman and folk hero of the American West. She gained fame for her role in the Indian Wars and her colorful personality.
Overall, these famous cowboys have become part of Western folklore and continue to inspire fascination and admiration for their daring and adventurous lives.
In summary, cowboy names offer a rich and diverse tapestry of options for parents seeking a strong and distinctive name for their child. From classic names like Wyatt and Jesse to unique options like Blaze and Remington, there are plenty of options to choose from. Gender-neutral cowboy names like Jordan and Sawyer offer even more versatility, while names of famous cowboys like Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid reflect the enduring appeal of the cowboy lifestyle and the Wild West. Whether you’re looking for a name that reflects tradition or a more modern take on the cowboy spirit, there’s sure to be a cowboy name that fits your needs.
