Cool Cowboy Names
- Texas
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
After Dallas, Austin, and Houston, the new cowboy on the block. Old-school Western nickname: Tex.
- 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.
- Raylan
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Raylan, one of an uncountable number of two syllable, surname-like boys’ names end in n that are in style these days, is inspired by Raylan Givens, the cowboy hat-wearing U.S. Marshall created by writer Elmore Leonard and starring in the television series Justified. The Ray part of the name is of course a traditional choice -- it's usually said to mean "wise" -- but the lan takes it out of Old School Raymond territory. Other variations include Raylen, Raylon, Rayden and so on. The name is also sometimes given to girls, but not nearly as often as it is for boys.
- Cord
Origin:
Diminutive of CordellMeaning:
"maker or seller of rope or cord"Description:
This is the kind of strong one-syllable boy's name many parents are seeking these days. The more musical Chord was introduced by hot young actor Chord Overstreet.
- 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.
- Lucchese
Origin:
Italian surnameMeaning:
"from Lucca"Description:
Lucchese is a luxury cowboy boot company that was founded in San Antonio by the Lucchese brothers. The Luccheses were Sicilian immigrants, but their surname originally denoted someone from Lucca, a Tuscan city.
- Zalman
Origin:
Variation of SolomonMeaning:
"peace"Description:
More familiar now via its Salman form, thanks to author Rushdie; this is an unusual biblical alternative.
- Wild
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Asking for trouble.
- 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."
- Cager
Origin:
Short form of Micajah, HebrewMeaning:
"Who is like God?"Description:
Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for revival.
- Ryatt
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Ryatt — which may be a combination of names like Ryan and Wyatt — gives you the sound of Riot without the violent connotations. Naturally, it's almost twice as popular among baby boys than Riot, even cracking the Top 1000 in 2022.
- Laredo
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
We've seen babies with Texas city names like Austin, Houston and Dallas--, why not the unexplored Laredo, which has a lot of cowboy charisma? Laredo might make for a more modern and creative namesake for an Uncle Lawrence/Larry--as could the related Laramie.
- 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.
- Westin
Origin:
Spelling variation of Weston, EnglishMeaning:
"western town"Description:
A spelling variation of Weston most associated with the Westin hotel chain. To avoid looking like an advertisement, we think it’s best to stick with the more traditional spelling.
- Chaz
Origin:
Diminutive of CharlesDescription:
The jazziest nickname for Charles.
- Frisco
Origin:
Diminutive of FranciscoMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Frisco is a frisky, roguish semi-place-name (San Francisco natives never call it that) that could make a lively, unusual o-ending choice.
- 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.
- Cheyenne
Origin:
SiouxMeaning:
"people of a different language"Description:
This is a great American name that deserves more attention from parents looking for a name that balances a soft sound with a more traditionally masculine cowboy image.
- Becker
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"baker"Description:
One of the less common members of the currently popular craftsmen's guild, Becker once had a self-named sitcom, and is also associated with Wimbleton tennis legend Boris Becker.
- Mose
Origin:
German variation of Moses, EgyptianMeaning:
"delivered from the water"Description:
Mose is the German variation of Moses, a widely familiar name thanks to the character in the Old Testament. Mose is also used a nickname for Moses.
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