Cool Cowboy Names

A fresher, less preppy alternative to Thatcher — one without Prime Minister associations.

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.

As Huxley and Huck become more popular and accepted, so does Hux, either as a full name or a diminutive.

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.

Cowboy swagger via the non-cowboy flick "The Guns of Navarone," chosen by Priscilla Presley.

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

Ryles may be one of the best-kept secrets in baby names. It has all the trappings of a hit — similarities to fashionable names like Miles and Riley, traditional surname history, that S ending! And yet, neither Ryles nor Riles has ever been given to more than five American baby boys in a single year.

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.