Cowboy / Western Names (BOYS)
- Jeb
Origin:
Diminutive of Jebediah, HebrewMeaning:
"beloved friend"Description:
Both Jeb and Jed are very attractive Old Testament short forms with long and bright futures. Jeb's main current association is with the Bush brother and former governor of Florida, but the name was a mainstay on early TV westerns, and then went upscale as the nickname (his birth name being Josiah) of the President on "The West Wing."
- Ward
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"guard, watchman"Description:
Until recently Ward was, like Wally, a Cleaver name, but today's parents are seeing it as a cooler nickname for Edward than Eddie, and are also beginning to use it on its own.
- Gentry
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"aristocracy"Description:
A distinctive surname that, despite its meaning, has a cowboy swagger, a la Autry.
- Vern
Origin:
Diminutive of Vernon, EnglishMeaning:
"place of alders"Description:
Until recently, Vernon and its short form Vern seemed like grandpa names not ready for revival, but now we can see it happening. Never the popular, Vern works particularly well as a middle name.
- Birch
Origin:
Tree nameDescription:
Birch is a rarely used nature name that calls to mind the lovely image of the tall, strong but graceful white-barked tree.
- Reno
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Has a lively and swaggering sound, and also some unfortunate associations with Reno, city of gambling and failed marriages.
- Gil
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"happiness"Description:
Pronounced zheel, it's a dashing conquistador; as gill, it's the nice and slightly boring guy down the street.
- Bronco
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"rough, unbroken horse"Description:
For the parent who might also have Buck and Ryder on his list.
- Quint
Origin:
English from Quintus; diminutive of QuintonDescription:
Clint with a glint; used for flinty characters in old TV westerns and soap operas.
- Bart
Origin:
Diminutive of Bartholomew, HebrewMeaning:
"son of the earth"Description:
Permanent property of that devilish little Simpson kid.
- Justice
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"Description:
Justice, one of the rare virtue names for boys, entered the popularity ranks in 1992, and remained in the charts until the 2020s. While it has fallen out of favor in more recent years, it remains a fresh but solid feeling option.
- Jim
Origin:
English, diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
- Webb
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"weaver"Description:
This pleasant single-syllable surname might be especially appealing to someone involved with the internet (and who isn't?)--even if some others might see it as a drawback.
- Houston
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"Hugh's town"Description:
Looking for a Texas name more distinctive than Austin and Dallas? Houston is a lanky, roguish place-name, right in style with its Texas accent and cowboy image.
- Pete
Origin:
Diminutive of PeterMeaning:
"rock"Description:
Sixties-style short form that sounds cool again -- though the unscrupulous Pete on "Mad Men" is not a character to emulate.
- Wheeler
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"wheel maker"Description:
Wheeler is one of the most energetic of the newly stylish occupational names, all those 'e's giving it a friendly, freewheeling sound.
- Pike
Origin:
American animal nameMeaning:
"pike, a fish"Description:
The field of nature names is constantly expanding to include all species of flowers and trees and animals and birds and even fish. In addition to its appeal for anglers, Pike recalls Zebulon Pike, the explorer who discovered and gave his name to Pike's Peak.
- Montana
Origin:
Spanish place-name; "mountainous"Meaning:
"mountainous"Description:
Relaxed western place-name that still has some masculine punch, but be warned: this whole posse of similarly trendy names, like Sierra and Dakota, will soon ride toward the sunset.
- Jarrod
Description:
Jarrod is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, being a variant spelling of Jared, which means 'descent' or 'he who descended.' The name appears in the Old Testament as a pre-flood patriarch. This modern spelling variation gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1970s and 1980s, giving it a contemporary feel while maintaining biblical connections. The alternative spelling with two 'r's and a double 'd' ending distinguishes it from the traditional Jared. Jarrod conveys strength and masculinity while avoiding excessive formality. Though it never reached the top tier of popular names, it maintains steady usage, particularly in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, appealing to parents who want a recognizable yet not overly common name for their sons.
- Zak
Origin:
Diminutive of Zachary, HebrewMeaning:
"the Lord has remembered"Description:
This zippy short form of Zachary is more and more often standing on its own -- sometimes as Zac, Zach, Zack, or even Zakk -- but this simple-yet-straightforward version may be the very best.
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