Cool Cowboy Names
- Zeb
Origin:
Diminutive of Zebediah or Zebulon, HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God, exaltation, or little dwelling"Description:
Short and to-the-point, it turns an ancient biblical name into a friendly cowboy.
- Layton
Origin:
Old EnglishMeaning:
"settlement with a leek garden"Description:
This first name was once a surname derived from Old English. Used quietly a century ago, the current fashion for two-syllable boy names ending in n makes this one a new hit.
- Judd
Origin:
Medieval short form of JordanMeaning:
"flowing down"Description:
Judd is a strong but sensitive short form that can easily stand on its own, the second 'd' giving it a lot more substance, and it would also be a good middle name choice. Two recent actors have given it credence--Judd Nelson and Judd Hirsch, and now it's most noticeably represented by comedy director Judd Apatow.
- Memphis
Origin:
Greek and Coptic place-nameMeaning:
"Enduring and beautiful"Description:
A place name with plenty of history, Memphis is associated with the place in Ancient Egypt where many of the pyramids were built, and with the bluesy US city that was named after it. With its lovely meaning and cool, musical vibe, it is currently in the US Top 500 names for boys.
Deriving from the Greek form of the Egyptian name Men-nefer, Memphis has been notably borne by rapper Memphis Bleek and by Dutch footballer, known mononymously as Memphis (who likely inspired its brief appearance in The Netherlands Top 1000 in 2015). In the US, it is a unisex name, however, it is used three times more often for boys, with 484 receiving the name in 2024.
- Wylder
Origin:
Spelling variation of WilderMeaning:
"wild, untamed, uncontrolled"Description:
Wilder not quite wild enough for you? Wylder offers a less wordy looking alternative that looks cool and on-trend, but also has a preppy, last-name vibe. Though this spelling is currently less popular than Wilder, it did enter the US Top 1000 in 2020 and is given to around 400 babies each year - about half the number that are given the Wilder spelling.
- Bronson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of brown-haired one"Description:
This surname has a modern yet old New England feel, perhaps because of the association with the transcendental teacher and reformer Bronson (born Amos Bronson) Alcott, father of Louisa May. (One-time sitcom star Bronson Pinchot's full name is Bronson Alcott Pinchot.) A more muscular image comes via tough guy Charles Bronson.
- Laramie
Origin:
Wyoming place-name, FrenchMeaning:
"canopy of leafy boughs"Description:
Swaggering western place-name with a lot of cowboy bravado and panache.
- Romer
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"pilgrim; fame"Description:
Romer might be considered a streamlined spelling of the German surname Rohmer, whose root means fame or renown, or a name that was given to those who made pilgrimages to Rome, which is related to Romeo and its brothers. With the style value of other Rome names from Roman to Romy, this is one we predict we'll hear more of.
- Silver
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
This shimmery Age of Aquarius unisex flower child name is making a comeback, along with metal and gem names like Steel, Jade, and Ruby.
- Chance
Origin:
French variation of ChaunceyDescription:
Once a cavalier Mississippi gambler type name, Chance has entered the mainstream since being endorsed by such celebrity dads as Larry King and Paul Hogan. Chance the Rapper has also boosted the name's popularity.
- Solo
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"unaccompanied"Description:
Solo is a singular word name with special meaning for Star Wars fans. Equally appropriate for girls and boys, it works especially well in the middle.
- Colson
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"son of Nicholas"Description:
Author Colson Whitehead introduced this surname-name to the lexicon, perfect for a son or grandson of a Nicholas, a Nicole, or a Colin. Or anyone else who likes the sound for that matter, since there are plenty of Jacksons and Harrisons whose parents are not called Jack or Harry.
- Landry
Origin:
French and EnglishMeaning:
"ruler"Description:
St. Landry was a seventh century bishop of Paris, founder of the city's first hospital. The name is more familiar in recent years thanks to legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, an association that makes this a sports hero name, as well as a thoroughly masculine one. Landry is also in use for girls in the US. Landry is one of the oldest surnames in France, dating back to the medieval period, and is particularly popular among Cajun-Americans. It has been on the Social Security list since 2010.
- Kade
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cade, EnglishMeaning:
"round, barrel; battle"Description:
Kade falls into the trend of using a letter K at the beginning of a traditionally C-starting name, perhaps to give it a sharper edge. Trending since the 90s, Kade is currently in the Top 400, while Cade ranks nearly around 70 places ahead. Given to 933 babies in 2023, it is a consistently used name.
- Decker
Origin:
German occupational nameMeaning:
"roofer"Description:
Brawny name chosen for his son by rocker Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue.
- Bing
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"kettle-shaped hollow"Description:
When Kate Hudson named her second son Bingham and announced that she would be calling him Bing, it put this zingy nickname name out on the table. Before that, there was only one, further nicknamed Der Bingle -- and he was really Harry Lillis Crosby.
- Gunnar
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of GuntherMeaning:
"bold warrior"Description:
A key figure in Norse legend and a traditional Scandinavian favorite making inroads here.
- Brett
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"from Brittany"Description:
Football great Brett Favre single-handedly kept this name in the limelight, though it continues to sink in popularity.
- Lucky
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"having good fortune"Description:
Recently chosen by singer Elle King for her son. Lucky is a name that could see a considerable rise in the near future, as word names continue to heat up.
- Case
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A brisk and unconventional name that could be a style stand-in for confederates Casey, Chase, Cale, and Cade.
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