Throwback baby names are more popular than ever, but we think it's time to throw it way, way back — back to a time before the West was won, and people pretty much did whatever they damn well pleased. If you want to capture the same rugged spirit in your little dude, you're going to get a kick out of these baby boy names inspired by famous outlaws and historical icons.
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Origin of western names
Western-sounding baby names can come from many different sources. The famous names from American Old West or Wild West (the second half of the 19th century) are the names of famous or infamous outlaws and the lawmen that sought after them. You’ll find the names (first and last) of Frank and Jesse James, outlaw brothers from Missouri, and the Earp brothers (Morgan, Wyatt and Virgil), legendary lawmen of the Old West.
Other names here come from Western tales in radio, film and literature, from popular actors like John Wayne and Gary Cooper to authors such as Louis L’Amour to fictional characters like Ranger Reid, otherwise known as The Lone Ranger.
So hop on your horse, don those boots and wrap that bandana on — you’re in for a fun ride.
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Western baby names
Check out these cool Western names for baby boys and learn about their meanings.
- Alonzo: Eager for battle
- Austin: Majestic, venerable
- Bart: From the barley farm
- Bill: Resolute protector
- Boone: Good, a blessing
- Butch: Butcher
- Carson: Son who lives in the swamp
- Cassidy: Clever
- Clay: Clay maker, mortal
- Clayton: Place name, clay town
- Cole: Of a triumphant people
- Coleman: Dove
- Colt: From the dark town
- Cooper: Barrel maker
- Dallas: Dwells by the waterfall
- Earle: Chief
- Flynn: Son of a red-haired man
- Frank: Frenchman or free one
- Gary: Modest and brave
- Harry: Home protector
- Henry: Home ruler
- Holt: By the forest
- Ike: Laughter
- Lawrence: Fierce
- Levi: Associated with him
- Logan: Finnian's servant
- Louis: Famous fighter, famous in Washington
- James: Supplanter
- Jesse: Gift
- John: The grace or mercy of the Lord
- Morgan: Dwells near the sea
- Porter: Gatekeeper
- Reid: Red-haired
- Reuben: The vision of the son
- Sam: Sum child
- Tom: Twin
- Virgil: Flourishing
- Wayne: Craftsman
- Wesley: From the west meadow
- Wyatt: Guide
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Originally published Jan. 2013. Updated Sept. 2016.