40 Western Names Perfect for Your Little Cowboy-to-Be
Throwback baby names are more popular than ever, but we think it’s time to throw it way back — to a time before the West was won. If you want to capture that rugged American spirit in your little dude, you’ll likely get a kick out of these Western monikers inspired by notable outlaws and heroes.
Western-sounding baby boy names can be heard throughout history — many from the American Old West or Wild West (a period that generally took place during the second half of the 19th century) are those of famous or infamous outlaws and the sheriffs who sought to capture them. On this list you’ll find the names (first or last) of historical brothers Frank and Jesse James, who were outlaws from Missouri and the Earps (Morgan, Wyatt, and Virgil), who were legendary lawmen from Arizona, along with Butch Cassidy, a notable member of the “Wild Bunch,” a group of cowboy criminals who robbed trains and banks in the late 1800s.
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Other names compiled below come from Western tales in radio, film, and literature — depicted by popular actors such as John Wayne and Gary Cooper, fiction writers like Louis L’Amour, and film character Ranger Reid — also known as “The Lone Ranger.”
Dust off those spurred boots, pop on a cowboy hat, grab that lasso, and saddle up your horse: you’re in for a fun and bumpy ride with these Western-style names. Just don’t be surprised if your little rascal lives up to his reputation.
Western baby boy names & their meanings:
Alonzo: Eager for battle
Austin: Majestic, venerable
Bart: From the barley farm
Birch: Bright, shining
Bill: Resolute protector
Bo: Commanding
Boone: Good, a blessing
Butch: Butcher
Carson: Son who lives in the swamp
Cassidy: Clever
Clay: Clay maker, mortal
Clayton: Settlement, place name, clay town
Clint: Settlement on a hill
Cole: Victory, of a triumphant people
Coleman: Dove
Colt: From the dark town
Cooper: Barrel maker
Dallas: Wise, dwells by the waterfall
Earle: Noble leader, chief
Flynn: Son of a red-haired man
Ford: River crossing
Frank: Frenchman or free one
Gary: Spear, modest and brave
Harry: Home protector
Henry: Home ruler
Holt: By the forest
Ike: Laughter
Lawrence: Fierce
Levi: Attached or pledged, associated with him
Logan: Finnian’s servant
Louis: Famous fighter, famous in Washington
Luke: Light
James: Supplanter
Jesse: Gift
John: The grace or mercy of the Lord
Morgan: Dwells near the sea
Porter: Gatekeeper
Ranger: Ward of the forest
Reid: Red-haired
Reuben: The vision of the son
Sam: Sun child
Shane: Gift from God
Tom: Twin
Virgil: Flourishing
Wayne: Craftsman, wagon driver
Wesley: From the west meadow
Wyatt: Guide
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A version of this article was originally published in January 2013.
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