Cool Cowboy Names

While still rare, this compound name for boys jumped nearly 3000 places in rank last year, perhaps thanks to its cowboy-core vibe and its bad boy image.

Any name that combines two big trends -- in this case, occupational and western names -- has potential.

Chord may be considered a variation of the cowboy-cool name Cord, or an independent musical name. Actor Chord Overstreet, of Glee fame, introduced this name to many American parents.

Retro nickname for Charles that has the potential for revival, a la Hal, Ike, and Gus.

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.

Though Davy Crockett is a childhood hero, a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and prolific storyteller. But be aware that "crock" is American slang for a lot of nonsense or something broken.

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.

Tillman is a strong masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the occupational surname meaning 'farmer' or literally 'one who works the land' (from Middle High German 'til' meaning field and 'man' meaning person). This name reflects agricultural heritage and a connection to the earth, embodying values of hard work and perseverance. Historically common in Germanic countries and later among American settlers, Tillman carries a rustic charm and steady reliability in its sound. While never reaching top popularity charts, it has maintained consistent usage, particularly in the American South. Parents might choose Tillman for its solid, traditional feel and subtle nod to farming ancestry, appreciating its distinctive quality without being too unusual.

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.