These Cowgirl Names Are Sassy, Spunky, Spirited

We know what you’re thinking: cowgirl names? But a quick sweep of the Internet will reveal that the cowgirl aesthetic is big. And with country music’s popularity currently at an all-time high, we can’t help but speculate that similar trends will follow, as they tend to do: in clothing, decor, even baby names! Hence this roundup (see what we did there?) of cowgirl names.

But these aren’t names for sweet and obedient little girls who have tea parties and are afraid of getting dirt under their fingernails. These cowgirl names are for the bold and brazen, the take-charge, the fearless and the feisty. Girls with these names are tough but still feminine, fun-loving but ready to get down to business, sweet but sassy — and take no guff from anyone. They embody the enterprising and hardworking spirit of all the cowgirls who have come before them. Infamous cowgirl Martha Jane Canary, known to history as Calamity Jane, said it best: “I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one.”

If you want a name that will stand out, for a girl who will stand up for herself (thank you very much), these cowgirl names are the perfect pick. They give off an unmistakable vibe of strength, resilience, and — okay — maybe the tiniest bit of rebelliousness. There’s a name for every taste: some with vintage flair, some more girly-feeling than others, and some that are perfectly gender-neutral.

A girl with one of these names has grit. Dust off your boots and (belt) buckle up, because raising a spirited daughter isn’t for the faint of heart … but the payoff is a strong, confident woman, and what’s a better goal than that?

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Billie

Short for William, which is comprised of Germanic elements willo (meaning “will”) and helm (meaning “helmet”), the name Billy is synonymous with outlaw Billy the Kid. But its feminine version, Billie, also has some glamorous associations thanks to jazz icon Billie Holiday.

Shiloh

No one knows why the name Shiloh fits in so well as a cowgirl name, because technically it has no associations with anything, well, cowgirl-y. It’s from a Hebrew word meaning “tranquil.” But it does have associations with country living! Perhaps its closest association is via the novel Shiloh, made into a movie in 1996, which takes place in a Southern setting. Or the Civil War’s Battle of Shiloh, which took place in Tennessee.

Annie

The diminutive (nickname) form of Anne, meaning “favor” or “grace,” Annie exudes a little more vivacity. It also evokes the image of the Wild West and legendary sharpshooter, Annie Oakley, instantly conjuring up a spirit of adventure.

Sutton

With English roots, Sutton means “from the Southern homestead.” If that isn’t cowgirl enough, let’s throw in that it sounds like Dutton: the name of the ranching family from the hit series Yellowstone. Swapping out the D for an S softens it a bit, making it the perfect cowgirl name.

Eliza

Meaning “God’s oath,” the name Elizabeth sounds formal and refined. But there’s just something a little more sassy and wild about its nickname, Eliza.

Fallon

While the name Fallon — derived from the Irish Gaelic surname Fallamhán, meaning “leader” — has no direct associations with cowgirl culture, its sound has elements that make it fit in perfectly. The “-on” suffix, for example, which is found in rugged-sounding names like Canyon, Dutton, and Jackson. And with such a powerful meaning, it reflects the inner strength of a true cowgirl.

Sadie

Derived from Sarah, this name means “princess” — but even despite its girly meaning, Sadie brings a new level of pep and an energetic edge to a feminine classic.

Kit

While the traditional Katherine (meaning “pure”) exudes elegance, its diminutive, Kit, packs a punch. Unlike softer nicknames like Kathy or Katie, Kit has a refreshing boldness befitting any cowgirl. Its connection to the Wild West is through an association with famed 19th-century frontiersman Kit Carson.

Cassidy

The name Cassidy evokes an association with the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, but it holds its own merit as a spirited choice for a cowgirl. It comes from the Irish name Caiside, meaning “curly-haired,” making it an especially sweet pick for a little girl with ringlets.

Clementine

Oh my darlin’! The most popular association with the name Clementine (a French name meaning “merciful”) is through the western folk song “Oh My Darling Clementine.” Plus, there’s the added bonus of the spunky-sounding nickname “Clem.”

Jessie

If this name isn’t short for Jessica, it could be seen as the female version of Jesse — meaning “gift.” And what’s more outlaw than the notorious Jesse James? Also, there’s another very important Jessie out there: the cowgirl rag doll from Toy Story.

Dolly

Dolly’s roots are from the Late Greek name Δωρόθεος, meaning “gift of God” (the same name where we also get Dorothy!). And while there were no famous cowgirls named Dolly, there’s one very famous country girl — the inimitable Dolly Parton, who is the very definition of class and sass.

Destry

Uncommonly heard, but undeniably striking, Destry’s roots lie in the French surname Destrier, which means “warhorse.” This name has long held a Western spirit, propelled into the spotlight by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again and its subsequent film adaptations. However, its “-ry” ending lends a contemporary feel, making it a perfect choice for a modern cowgirl.

Louisa

An irresistably vintage pick, Louisa is packed with feminine charm — but its meaning, “famous in battle,” lets you know that its bearer is tough as nails. It also comes with a ton of fabulous nickname possibilities, like Lou, Louie, and Lulu.

Abilene

Abilene is a Texas name through and through — it’s one of its most well-recognized cities, after all. But the name actually originates from the Hebrew word ‘avel, meaning “meadow.”

Cheyenne

Scholars think this name was given to the Cheyenne, a tribe of Native American people from the Great Plains, by the Lakota; it comes from the Lakota word šahiyena, meaning “red speakers,” probably used to denote a difference in language between the two tribes. As a place name, it’s made famous by Cheyenne, Wyoming — the state’s capital city, known for its wild west spirit.

Landry

With French roots and meaning “land ruler,” Landry was brought to the southern U.S. as a surname. It’s a unisex name, but we think it’s a gorgeous choice for a cowgirl.

Mae

It’s not necessarily a directly cowgirl-related name, but the deceptively short (yet impactful!) Mae fits right in. Stemming from the Roman maior, meaning “greatness,” it’s a timeless and elegant girl name — but it has an un-stuffy vibrancy and spunk to it, probably due to its association with iconic figures like the notoriously outspoken and audacious ’30s-era actress Mae West.

Rio

Meaning “river” in Spanish, Rio is a strong, bold choice befitting any feisty cowgirl! It’s a nod to the Rio Grande river which makes up part of the U.S./Mexico border and is an iconic landmark of the American West.

Oakley

Oakley, originally a surname, means “from the oak meadow.” If Annie is a subtle nod to Annie Oakley, then Oakley itself is a more direct association. Fun fact: Annie Oakley once outshot professional sharpshooter Frank Butler … and then married him!

Wilder

If you’re looking for a name that embodies the essence of an untameable spirit, there’s none better than Wilder, which literally means “untamed!” It’s a fabulous gender-neutral pick for a kid who’s going places.

Carson

The origins of Carson are unclear. Some say it’s of Scottish origin and simply means “Carr’s son,” but others say it likely comes from the French surname de Courson, which is derived from either the Latin word curtus, meaning “short,” or curteis, meaning “courteous.” Either way, it’s a surname that has found popularity among both boys and girls. And as a cowgirl name, it’s an association with famed frontiersman and blazer of the Oregon Trail, Kit Carson.

Autry

Derived from the French place name Autrey, Autry is technically a surname — but we think it’s a fresh take on Audrey or Aubrey, one you won’t see practically anywhere else. It is, of course, a nod to Gene Autry: a popular actor and singer whose career began in the 1930s. He starred in a whopping 93 Western movies, portraying a straight-shooting hero who was honest, brave, and championed justice. His films helped popularize the entire genre of singing cowboy movies, and he’s known as one of the most important figures in country music history. The more you know!