The wild west never looked so good when your little buckeroo has the perfect cowboy name. Cowboys have been a staple in American history. Names from cowboys have been passed down generation to generation. Alternatively, the whole world fell in love with cowboy stories, whether fact or fiction over the years. We dive in and explore cowboy names and show you the top names from cowboy stories, legends, movies and historical facts that will be the perfect name for your little cowboy.
Why do People Love Cowboy Names?
People love cowboy names for many reasons. Firstly, it reminds them of American History. Some of the historical figures were cowboys. To some, this symbolized rejecting authority. For others, it is a stark reminder of those who established some of the western cities that are here today.
Others love cowboy movies that brought them joy to watch as children. There is a lot of history to cowboy movies and this historical significance spreads across the world! For example, the term “spaghetti westerns” comes from Italy, where many of the cowboy movies were produced and some were filmed.
Lastly, cowboy names were passed down to many people today. They are associated with strong boy names and people love the association of giving their child a strong name to start off life. Whatever the reason is, there are many people who love cowboy names to this day, from all over the world.
Popular Cowboy Names
A popular cowboy name is found from movies, stories, books and historical facts. These names are known by most and loved by all. A popular western movie gave people names that they have not heard for years and they associate that with a strong boy name. Here are some of the most popular cowboy names for your little buckeroo.
Clint
This Scottish based name means a flinty rock. However, cowboy movies know this name best because of actor Clint Eastwood, who played in numerous western movie hits. Clint is a tough cowboy name that will always be a fan favorite of westerns and cowboy name enthusiasts.
James
This name means “supplanter” but is also known as a cowboy name. There were a lot of cowboys with the name James in the wild west including mountain man James Felix Bridger and James “Wild Bill” Hickok. James is a perfect cowboy name because of its long history in the west.
Buck
Describing a male horned animal, Buck is tough and a great cowboy name. Buck Jones was a fantastic American actor who played in a many Westerns in the turn of the 20th century.
Angus
The name Angus is Celtic and means “choice” but Angus is known as being a type of steak. Angus is a good hearted, cowboy name that everyone will love.
Dallas
The name Dallas may be after the fantastic city in Texas, but it is an excellent cowboy name. Texas is one of the states where cowboys lived. Dallas is actually Irish for “skilled” and this name is a compliment for any cowboy or cowgirl you give it to.
Austin
This is another great city in Texas but Austin is actually Latin for “magnificent.” This is a perfect compliment for your little cowboy.
John
This good and trustworthy biblical name means God is gracious in Hebrew. Many cowboys were Christian and John would have been a name that many would have. Canadian cowboy John Ware actually was a key player in setting up the southern Alberta ranching industry and makes a fine name for any cowboy.
Shane
The name Shane may be after one of the greatest westerns with the same name which came out in 1953. It makes a great cowboy name! the name Shane is Yiddish for “beautiful.”
Tuco
From the famous western, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” Tuco is a character who has caused trouble and knows how to get out of it. This is a name for a real tough guy.
Joe
Short for Joseph, this name is biblical but also was a character in the famous western, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. It is easy to remember for many, but for the real cowboy fans, it will mean something more.
Butch
The name Butch is tough and has that meaning. This name was also a character on “The Lone Ranger.”
Otis
This tough cowboy name actually has an English origin. It means “wealth” and that is what every cowboy looks for: a good family, a lot of land and living in the wild west.
Billy
Who could forget Billy The Kid? Give this name to your fun and mischievous little one.
Cassidy
Cassidy was the last name of the infamous Butch Cassidy but it makes a strong name on its own.
These are just a few of the many great popular cowboy names that are out there for you to choose from!
The Best Cowboy Names for A Girl
There are cowgirls too and they are fierce. Here are just a few of the many cowgirl names you can give your little one.
Annie- After Annie Oakley
Belle
Oakley- Take Annie Oakley’s last name and make it into a first name. This would sound so beautiful and be a part of a great story.
Bonnie
Molly
Babe
Blossom
Fern
Abigail
Abby
Bobbi- Joe
Barbara Jean
Barbara Joe
Lucielle
Luann
Adaline
Bobbie Jo
Billy Sue
Susan
Susannah
Chayenne
Dakota
Cassidy
Millie
Maggie
Meryl
Ruby
Sally
Shannon
Texas
Tonny
Willa Jean
These are just a few of the many beautiful cowgirl names that you can name your little gal.
Funny Cowboy Names
Cowboy names can be wonderful but there are plenty of funny cowboy names that will make you chuckle. Here are some of the adorable, hilarious cowboy names that you are going to love.
Buckeroo
Bucky
Chucky Bob
Mudd
Mudd Holiday
Mad Dog
Ropin
Rawhide
Holster
Rattlesnake Jack
These are just a few of the many funny cowboy names out there.
Southern cowboy names
These southern cowboy names are great for any buckeroo! In no particular order:
Blaze
Buck
Colt
Angus
Archie
Houston
Joseph
Jacob
Jared
Joel
Cody
Colton
Colt
Dale
Hank
Mitch
Clint
Travis
Gunner
Jefferson
Rhett
Ashley
Judge
Ryker
Gunner
Walker
Wesley
Wyatt
Ward
One-Syllable Cowboy Names
If you are looking for a short and sweet cowboy names, then you will love these names that we know! These names are all one syllable, easy to say and bringing on the cowboy and western vibe. Here are the one syllable cowboy names for everyone:
Clint
James
Chuck
Belle
Butch
Hank
Duke
Colt
Buck
Bear
Hoss
Dale
John
Buck
Clutch
Budd
Clint
Colt
Dutch
These are just a few of the many one syllable cowboy names that you will love.
Italian Cowboy Names
Many people get confused when they hear about Italian cowboy names. How were Italians involved in the wild west in the middle of America in the 1800s? Many of the most famous westerns were filmed in Italy believe it or not. This happened so often that they were called “spaghetti westerns” since they were located in Italy. Italian actors, Italian directors and Italian audiences loved the stories coming from the wild west. Therefore, we have to get a list together of Italian Cowboy names that you are going to love.
Alonzo
Aldo
Buttero
Piero
Lucca
Toscana
Sergio
These are some of the great Italian cowboy names that we love. It is a small way to pay homage to a country that absolutely adored the western lifestyle and spent many years creating movies that people around the world loved about the wild west.
Rodeo Cowboy Names
A community bonds over a rodeo. Not only is it interesting for so many to watch, the people who participate have generational ties. See grandparents, parents and children who have all at one point participated in a rodeo. It bonds families, friends and a entire community If you are looking for some great Rodeo Cowboy names, we have some based on some rodeo performers over the years. Here are a few of those names.
Texas
Jack
Raymond
Earl
James
Calico
John
Charles
Jesse
Andrew
Frank
Jack
Gordon
May
Thomas
Red
John
Carl
These are just a few of the incredible rodeo great’s names that you can name you child after.
Unique Cowboy Names
There are popular cowboy names that everyone knows, but if you are looking for a rare cowboy name that your whole family is going to love, you have to check out these great names. Here are a few of them.
Dusty
Boonedock
Rusty
Randall
Razor
Bartholomew
Amos
Andy
Art
Artie
Axton
Boden
Stallion
Strait
Tex
Tidal
These area few rarer cowboy names that your little buckeroo will love.
Choosing the Best Cowboy Name
It can be hard to choose a cowboy name that represents centuries of culture, movies and a southern lifestyle. There is a story behind every name and it is an honor to name your child after a cowboy or cowgirl. The culture of the “wild west” enthralled people from all over the world for the last two centuries. We even see a great relationship with Italy and western culture.
Choosing a name for a little one can be difficult. Sometimes, with many families, we recommend using a baby name generator to lend a hand. However, with a cowboy name, it is not only a great choice for your little one, but you are entwining them with a way of life, a tradition and a rich history. Cowboys and cowgirls are strong, tough, fight for what is right and are incredibly mysterious. This is why they are loved so much. Consider one of these cowboy or cowgirl names for your buckeroo.
