We first noticed it with 100 Western and Cowboy Baby Names but in the age of Cowboy Carter and Jelly Roll, country-inspired baby names are galloping forward with more gusto than ever. As a fan of baby name trends, I can confidently say we are experiencing the peak of cowboy-inspired names.
Where parents once leaned toward classic choices like Wyatt or Emmett, today’s cowboy names are venturing into new territory. “The latest wave of Western names we’re seeing are what we’re calling ‘Country Rebrand Names,'” explains Sophie Kihm, editor-in-chief of Nameberry, a baby-naming site that first highlighted the trend. “Country rebrand names are more varied than the traditional cowboy names, which often include last names as first names or place names. Today’s cowboy names feature Latin American choices such as Santos and Navarone, outlaw-inspired names like Jessejames, and names that used to be too country-fried for a birth certificate, such as Polly, Loretta, and Mabel for girls, and Abner, Enoch, and Harlan for boys.”
So, lace up your boots, throw on your 10-gallon hat, and consider these charming cowboy and Western names for your little one.
100 Western and Cowboy Baby Names
The Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks the most popular baby names in the U.S., and these Western names have earned spots in the top 100:
Boy Names:
- Levi (No. 12)
- Elias (No. 35)
- Maverick (No. 37)
- Santiago (No. 45)
- Wyatt (No. 47)
- Carter (No. 48)
- Waylon (No. 62)
- Brooks (No. 73)
- Beau (No. 79)
- Silas (No. 81)
Girl Names:
- Abigail (No. 31)
- Ella (No. 32)
- Hannah (No. 48)
- Madelyn/Maddie (No. 58)
- Josephine (No. 64)
- Ruby (No. 66)
- Anna (No. 79)
- Quinn (No. 85)
- Savannah (No. 92)
- Clara (No. 99)
Classic Country-Inspired Names
Country music is a treasure trove of name inspiration. Here are a few iconic names from country legends that could make perfect names for your baby:
Boy Names:
- Blake
- Conway
- Garth
- Johnny
- Merle
- Randy
- Roy
- Toby
- Willie
Girl Names:
- Bonnie
- Brenda
- Dolly
- Emmylou
- June
- Kitty
- Loretta
- Patsy
- Reba
Read More: Romantic Good Morning Messages for Your Wife
Western-Inspired Place Names
Look to the West, where city and state names abound that work beautifully as baby names. Many of these are gender-neutral—another trend that’s on the rise.
Boy Names:
- Austin
- Dallas
- Carson
- Cody
- Denver
- Eugene
- Houston
- Jackson
- Montgomery
- Rio
Girl Names:
- Abilene
- Augusta
- Cheyenne
- Dakota
- Montana
- Phoenix
- Raleigh
- Shiloh
- Sierra
- Tempe
Trendy Country Baby Names
While not yet in the SSA top 100, these country-inspired names are gaining momentum with parents across the country.
Boy Names:
- Dutton
- Jethro
- Hiram
- Huck
- Otis
- Royal
- Sawyer
- Tate
- Truett
- West
Girl Names:
- Ada
- Aggie
- Billie
- Millie
- Oakley
- Pearl
- River
- Ryan
- Scout
- Willa
More Western Names to Consider
Still searching for that perfect cowboy or cowgirl name? Check out these additional ideas:
- Ames
- Annie
- Boone
- Cole
- Dixie
- Dottie
- Dylan
- Ford
- Lulu
- Mae
- Nash
- Nellie
- Opal
- Polly
- Remington
- Roscoe
- Shane
- Sutton
- Wayne
- Winona
