Cool Cowboy Names
- Autry
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"noble strength"Description:
Loose, lean, and lanky cowboy-sounding names have become a recent trend, but how about the name of a real one--the Singing Cowboy Gene. Autry might be thought of as a masculine spin on the fashionable Audrey or a fresher version of Austin or Auden.Some other cowboy surnames from the Golden Age of movie and TV westerns: Boone, Boyd, Cody, Corrigan, Gibson, Hart, Holt, Houston, McCoy and Renaldo.
- Dixon
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Dick"Description:
A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.
- Whitten
Origin:
Variation of Witten, German surnameMeaning:
"son of the white-haired or pale one"Description:
Whitten is a stylish patronymic surname derived from Witt and Witte — German and Dutch nicknames-turned-surnames describing people with white-blonde hair or a pale complexion. Cool-guy nickname Whit only adds to the appeal.
- Bret
Origin:
Spelling variation of BrettDescription:
There are 15 times as many baby boys named Brett than Bret, but this sleeker version is used and has some merits, namely, being sleeker.
- Maclain
Description:
Maclain is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, functioning as an Anglicized spelling variant of 'MacIain' or 'MacIan,' which literally means 'son of John.' As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries the strong heritage and clan associations common to Scottish patronymic naming traditions. The name has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic quality while maintaining a contemporary sound. Though rare as a first name, Maclain appeals to parents with Scottish heritage or those seeking a distinctive name with clear cultural roots. The pronunciation may vary, with some saying 'mak-LANE' while others prefer 'mak-lin.' Maclain offers the trendy appeal of surnames as first names while providing a direct connection to Celtic heritage and history.
- Chapman
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"merchant"Description:
Chapman is derived from céapmann, an Old English occupational name for a merchant or marketman. The slang word "chap" came from chapman — which was also used as a term for a customer in 17th and 18th century England.
- 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.
- Jad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"serious"Description:
Simple and serious Arabic name which debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016.
- Pistol
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Pistol is one of the new names that entered the lexicon in the US in 2013, when it was given to nine babies of each gender, though last year the trend had subsided and it was given to zero babies. Call it an equal-opportunity badass baby name with an unfortunately violent image.
- Brawley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow at the slope of the hill"Description:
A rowdy name nobody ever heard of, till Nick Nolte gave it to his son.
- Grange
Description:
Grange is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old French word meaning 'granary' or 'farm.' Initially a surname or place name describing someone who lived near or worked at a granary, Grange has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. The name carries rustic, earthy connotations, evoking images of pastoral landscapes and agricultural heritage. It has a strong, single-syllable structure that gives it a certain solidity and straightforwardness. While rare as a first name, Grange offers a distinctive option for parents seeking something unique with historical roots. The name's connection to farming and land management gives it a grounded quality that resonates with values of productivity, sustainability, and connection to the earth.
- Delton
Description:
Delton is a masculine name with English origins, possibly derived from place names combining 'dell' (small valley) and 'ton' (town or settlement). It may also function as a variant of Dalton or represent a combination of Del (a diminutive of names like Delbert) with the common suffix -ton. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Delton has maintained a steady, if minimal, presence in naming records throughout the 20th century, particularly in the United States. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound while maintaining approachability. Delton projects reliability and steadiness, with its solid consonants giving it a masculine feel while avoiding harshness. The name offers the friendly nickname Del while standing comfortably as a full name.
- Zalman
Origin:
Variation of SolomonMeaning:
"peace"Description:
More familiar now via its Salman form, thanks to author Rushdie; this is an unusual biblical alternative.
- Hitch
Origin:
Diminutive of HitchcockDescription:
The charming Hitch played by Will Smith in the eponymous movie put this into the lexicon. Also known as the nickname of director Alfred Hitchcock and writer Christopher Hitchens, who titled his autobiography "Hitch."
- Hawes
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hedged area"Description:
Could be difficult to grasp: Hoss. The "Bonanza" cowboy.
- Larimer
Origin:
English and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"maker and seller of spurs"Description:
This cowboy-ish surname has an equine connection — Larimer originally denoted someone who made and sold spur bits, along with other hardware needed for riding horses.
- Wagner
Origin:
German occupational nameMeaning:
"wagon maker"Description:
Whether pronounced like the wag of a tail or as the correct German VAHG-ner, this might be something a devoted opera buff could consider as a middle name.
- Kolton
Origin:
Spelling variation of ColtonDescription:
This inventive spelling is part cowboy and part Kardashian.
- Dice
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Strictly for a Vegas baby.
- Dez
Origin:
Diminutive of DesmondDescription:
More of an abbreviation than a short form that can stand on its own.