Fit For Any Frontier
Whether you’re a fan of the Wild West or simply enjoy rugged and historic names, there are plenty of reasons to seek naming inspiration in cowboy culture. To show off those American roots, here are 20 names inspired by famous figures.
1. Annie
Annie Oakley was a folk heroine who was a key player in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. With her keen hunting skills, she was able to provide for her family at a young age. A name like this is perfect for a capable and resourceful child.
2. Wyatt
If you’re a fan of legendary lawmen and want to give your kid a namesake that inspired Old Western values and cunning, then Wyatt is a perfect choice. After all, the original Wyatt Earp was both a notorious sheriff and vigilante.
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3. Jane
Jane may seem like a simple and sweet name, but its Western inspiration is anything but. Calamity Jane was a frontierswoman who was known for her adventurous and boisterous personality. Hence, this is the perfect name for your own little renegade.
4. Colt
Naming your kid after the Colt revolver is another way to showcase your love for the Old West. It’s also a strong and resilient name that lets everyone know just how dependable your kid can be.
5. Belle
Taking a turn from lawmen and legends, Belle is the perfect name for any Western beauty, as “Southern Belle” is a nickname often used to refer to well-mannered ladies. That being said, there was an infamous outlaw named Belle Starr, so it can really go either way.
6. Dallas
Naming kids after geographical locations has been going on for ages, and Dallas is certainly one of the cooler choices around. Currently, Dallas is a Texas city known for its cowboy culture.
7. Dixie
Dixie is also a popular female name in the Southern United States and speaks to charm, country living, and that frontier spirit the legendary lawmen of the past loved. Perhaps this comes from the actress Dixie Carter or the popular song, “I Wish I Was in Dixie.”
8. Clayton
Clayton is a name with a rugged sound and a classic history that lends its strength to any boy with the same name. It’s also a common name in the old frontier, making it a solid choice.
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9. Kitty
Kitty Leroy was a skilled markswoman and saloon owner who was known for her feisty personality and exciting life. It’s the perfect name for a little firecracker of your own, all the while paying homage to the American frontier.
10. Ranger
Inspired by standout figures like the Texas Rangers and the Lone Ranger, this is a great name for an independent and capable child as well.
11. Sierra
Returning to the idea of naming kids after geographical places, it doesn’t always have to be towns and cities. In fact, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are a great inspiration for the name Sierra, and they were also a quintessential landmark in the Wild West.
12. Clint
The inspiration for your cowboy name doesn’t have to come from a real cowboy either. At this point, Clint Eastwood is synonymous with his characters in Wild West movies. Plus, Clint is another strong and rugged-sounding name.
13. Dakota
Of course, there are the North and South Dakota states to consider, as they were significant places in the Wild West. Additionally, Dakota is a nod to the Native American heritage that was based in those Dakota territories.
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14. Billy
Billy may come across as a simple name, but it takes inspiration from the many Billys that have graced the frontier. Of course, there’s Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, and Billy the Kid.
15. Josie
If you’re a fan of Wyatt Earp but would prefer a feminine name, then you can take inspiration from his wife, Josephine Marcus, who was better known as Josie.
16. Jesse
Jesse James is another famous outlaw who lived from 1847 to 1882. Best known for robbing banks and trains with his James-Younger Gang, his namesake might be a fun choice for your own troublemaker.
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17. Sadie
Sadie Orchard was another outlaw best known for her Old West charms and sharp mind. She was a respected leader and businesswoman who supported the economy in New Mexico.
18. Bass
Bass is a sensible and reserved name that indicates a level of sincerity and class. It makes sense, considering Bass Reeves was the first Black U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi and was also the inspiration for the Lone Ranger.
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19. Jolene
This name borrows from a popular song about a fiery-haired woman full of Southern charm and fatal cunning. After all, Jolene is the capable woman in Dolly Parton’s song, making it the perfect name for your own little heartbreaker.
20. Cassidy
Another perfect name for a troublemaker is Cassidy. It works on two levels, drawing inspiration from the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy as well as the Western character Hopalong Cassidy.
