The Wild West has long been associated with rugged cowboys, but history and fiction alike have celebrated badass cowgirls who could ride, shoot, and command respect just as well as any man.
From real-life sharpshooters like Annie Oakley to fictional heroines in western novels and films, cowgirls have embodied independence, strength, and resilience.
One of the most defining elements of a cowgirl’s persona is her name. A powerful name evokes images of adventure, courage, and an untamed spirit.
Whether you’re writing a story, naming a pet, or looking for a unique alias, choosing the right cowgirl name is essential.
Here’s an in-depth look at what makes a great badass cowgirl name and some inspiring ideas to get you started.
Characteristics of a Badass Cowgirl Name
1. Strong Sounding: Names with bold consonants (K, T, R, Z) often exude strength. Examples include “Kate” and “Roxanne.”
2. Western Influence: Many badass cowgirl names have roots in old Western traditions, Native American culture, or Spanish heritage.
3. Mystique & Grit: A great name hints at the cowgirl’s fearless nature, independence, or even a bit of mystery.
4. Short & Snappy or Long & Regal: While some iconic cowgirl names are short and to the point (Mae, Kit, Jo), others exude grandeur (Savannah, Delilah, Tallulah).
5. Historical & Fictional Influence: Many badass names are inspired by real-life heroines or beloved fictional characters from Westerns.
Famous Cowgirls & Their Names
Historical Badass Cowgirls
– Annie Oakley – A legendary sharpshooter and performer in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.
– Calamity Jane– Known for her daredevil lifestyle and sharpshooting skills.
– Pearl Hart – An outlaw known for robbing stagecoaches in the late 1800s.
– Belle Starr – A famous female outlaw with a reputation for rebellion.
– Stagecoach Mary– One of the first African American women to carry mail in the West, known for her grit and strength.
Fictional Badass Cowgirls
– Mattie Ross (True Grit) – A determined young woman seeking justice.
– Jane Canary (Calamity Jane) (Deadwood) – A tough-as-nails character based on the real-life legend.
– Elsa Dutton (1883) – A courageous pioneer woman forging a new life in the frontier.
– Mae Mordabito (A League of Their Own) – A tomboyish, tough character with a cowgirl’s spirit.
Most famous cowgirl names
- Katherine Derre, later Kitty Canutt, is said to have had a diamond tooth. The Diamond Girl was a bronc rider with sass.
- Lillian Smith: Every gunslinger needs a rival to keep them sharp. Lillian was Annie Oakley’s.
- Martha Jane Canary: She was the whiskey-drinking, sharpshooting wildcat better known as Calamity Jane.
- Pearl Heart: A feminist before her time, she’s famous for saying, “I shall not consent to be tried under a law in which my sex had no voice in making.”
- Rose Dunn: No wilting flower, The Rose of Cimarron was a famous outlaw.
- Carrie (Underwood): A feminization of a male German name meaning “free man”.
- Dolly (Parton): An actual legend. Need we say more?
- Faith (Hill): Not just another country music star, this name meaning “to believe and trust” ticks so many boxes.
- Gretchen (Wilson): A German name meaning “pearl” – but oh so fierce!
- June (Carter Cash): This Latin name means “young”. Simple and classy, like Ms. Carter herself.
- Loretta (Lynn): Italian in origin, this name references the laurel tree, a sign of victory.
- Miranda (Lambert): This Latin name means “worthy of admiration”, and is she ever?!
- Naomi (Judd): Hebrew, meaning “gentle” and “beautiful”.
- Reba (McEntire): This country queen’s name is Hebrew, from the name Rebekah and means “to tie firmly”.
- Shania (Twain): This name is Ojibwa in origin and means “I’m on my way”!
Cowgirl names that tell a story
- Anaya: This pretty Indian name means “being completely free”.
- Aviana: This Latin name means “bird”.
- Billie: “Resolute protection”.
- Brisa: This Spanish name means “breeze”.
- Callie: This Greek name means “beautiful”, and she sure sounds strong and fearless.
- Cassidy: This Southern cowboy classic is Irish and means “clever”.
- Carli/Carly: From German roots, this name refers to “a woman who loves her freedom”. Need we say more?
- Coro: Simple and pretty, this Native American name means “wind”.
- Destry: This English word means “war horse” and is perfect for a cowgirl.
- Dixie: Not just The Chicks or the region, this name also means “ten”. And it’s a solid 10 for us!
- Eanna: From Irish roots, Eanna means “freedom of spirit” and “bird-like”.
- Emelin: This pretty German name means “hardworking”.
- Emery: This German name means “brave” or “powerful”.
- Francesca: This Italian version of Frances means “free person”.
- Georgette: This gorgeous French name means “farmer”.
- Harper: Made popular by the famous author Harper Lee, this name featured as one of the top 10 girls names of 2021.
- Isra: From Turkish roots, Isra means “freedom” and “night journey”.
- Jolene: Dolly Parton made this one famous. It’s a French name that unsurprisingly means “beautiful”.
- Laverne: This French name means “spring-like”.
- Liberty: Does what it says on the box!
- Leila/Layla: From Arabic origins, this name means “night”.
- Louella: This Southern classic means “famous warrior” and has English and German roots.
- Malaya: This beautiful Filipino name simply means “free”.
- Millie: This cute name meaning “industrious” serves the cowgirl work ethic!
- Rayen: A super pretty Chilean name, Rayen means “flower”.
- Reese: This gender-neutral Welsh name means “fiery”.
- Rosamund: Meaning “Horse protection”.
- Ryder: This English name means what it says. You can’t be a cowgirl, if you can’t ride!
- Stella: This Latin name means “star”.
- Sookie: This name may have been made famous by True Blood, but it’s actually Hebrew in origin and means “lily” or “rose”.
- Susannah: With Hebrew roots, Susannah means “lily”.
- Tallulah: This lovely Choctaw name means ”leaping water”.
- Tillie: From Old German roots, Tillie means “One who is mighty in battle”.
- Wynona: This name meaning “firstborn daughter” is of Sioux origin.
- Brandy: This feisty Italian name means “sword.”
- Charlie: Meaning “free man,” this traditional boy’s name packs a whole lotta punch.
- Dillon: This Irish name with various spellings means “loyal” or “like a lion.”
- Edie: An Old English meaning “rich in war,” Edie sounds like she definitely knows how to handle a horse.
- Frankie: “Free” and “truthful.”
- Jensen: From Scandinavian roots, this gender-neutral name means “son of Jens.”
- Kay: Of Latin origins, Kay means “pure” or “clear.” Dynamite and small packages, right?
- Sierra: This super-strong Spanish name means “mountain range.”
- Dakota: This state name has become a popular gender-neutral name, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s of Sioux origin and means “friendly one.”
- Alabama
- Dallas
- Montana
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Becky
- Betty
- Bobbie
- Cheyenne
- Claudette
- Clementine
- Daisy
- Della
- Delta
- Eliza
- Ellie
- Etta
- Evie
- Hallie
- Holly
- Hope
- Jessie
- Joanie
- Joss
- Justine
- Lacey
- Leanne
- Louisa
- Lucille
- Madison
- Maggie
- Maybel
- Rita
- Rose
- Ruthie
- Savannah
- Scarlett
- Shelby
- Siena
- Stella
- Tabitha
- Tammy
- Violet
- Willa
Top Badass Cowgirl Names
Classic Western Names
– Kate
– Mae
– Jo
– Ellie
– Belle
– Pearl
– Jane
– Rose
Fierce & Bold Names
– Dakota
– Cassidy
– Rio
– Blaze
– Roxy
– Montana
– Sierra
– Delilah
Nature-Inspired Cowgirl Names
– Willow
– Sage
– River
– Stormy
– Sunny
– Clover
– Aspen
– Dusty
Exotic & Unique Names
– Zadie
– Tallulah
– Clementine
– Jolene
– Savannah
– Arizona
– Indigo
– Odessa
Creating Your Own Badass Cowgirl Name
If none of the above names speak to you, try creating your own cowgirl name by mixing influences. Here are a few techniques:
1. Blend a first name with a Western element:
– Ruby Sage
– Jolene Rio
– Dakota Rose
2. Add a descriptive word:
– Stormy Belle
– Reckless Mae
– Wild Jo
3. Use a nickname approach:
– Trixie
– Red
– Dusty
4. Look at historical figures and tweak their names:
– Belle Starr → Starr Delaney
– Calamity Jane → Jane Cassidy
5. Draw inspiration from places and nature:
– Montana Blaze
– Sierra Sky
– Aspen Ray
A long list of cowgirl names
Cowgirl names starting with an A
1. Amberlyn
2. Arizona
3. Annalee
4. Alameda
5. Augusta
6. Afton
7. Aspen
8. Aurelia
9. Audie
10. Avalon
11. Ainsley
12. Adalida
13. Allegra
14. Aria
15. Althea
16. Anika
17. Athena
18. Albany
19. Aveline
20. AdaIreland
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a B
21. Bailey
22. Bandera
23. Blaire
24. Brinley
25. Bryn
26. Belle Starr
27. Bridger
28. Bryar
29. Billie Jo
30. Blythe
31. Brenna
32. Berkley
33. Brandy
34. Bonnie Blue
35. Bliss
36. Beatrix
37. Bettina
38. Breezy
39. Brooklyn
40. Bronwyn
Cowgirl names starting with a C
41. Callie Mae
42. Cassidy
43. Cheyenne Sky
44. Clara Belle
45. Clementine
46. Clover
47. Cora Lee
48. Crimson
49. Cady
50. Carson
51. Catalina
52. Celeste
53. Charleigh
54. Cholena
55. Cimarron
56. Cinch
57. Cody
58. Colette
59. Constance
60. Cricket
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a D
61. Dakota Rose
62. Darby
63. Della Mae
64. Denver
65. Dixie
66. Delaney
67. Desdemona
68. Dove
69. Darcy
70. Drusilla
71. Dallas
72. Daphne
73. Deena
74. Destiny
75. Devyn
76. Dolly
77. Domino
78. Dottie
79. Dreama
80. Dusty
Cowgirl name ideas starting with an E
81. Emberly
82. Echo
83. Elodie
84. Eastlyn
85. Elowen
86. Etta Mae
87. Everly
88. Eliza Jane
89. Esmeralda
90. Eden
91. Elspeth
92. Elysia
93. Emery
94. Enid
95. Epona
96. Evangeline
97. Ezra
98. Electra
99. Elvira
100. Eureka
Cowgirl names starting with an F
101. Fallon
102. Fawn
103. Felicity
104. Fern
105. Finley
106. Flannery
107. Fleur
108. Florence
109. Frankie
110. Freesia
111. Frost
112. Faith
113. Farrah
114. Feather
115. Fiona
116. Fritzi
117. Fulbright
118. Fable
119. Foxglove
120. Francine
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a G
121. Georgia Mae
122. Gentry
123. Goldie
124. Greer
125. Gypsy
126. Garnet
127. Geneva
128. Glory
129. Gwen
130. Gracelyn
131. Galena
132. Garland
133. Gemma
134. Ginger
135. Glenda
136. Glory
137. Greta
138. Guinevere
139. Gale
140. Gardenia
Cowgirl names starting with an H
141. Hadley
142. Harmony
143. Harper
144. Hazel
145. Henley
146. Holliday
147. Hope
148. Huntley
149. Hailey
150. Hattie
151. Heaven
152. Heidi
153. Helena
154. Hera
155. Hester
156. Honor
157. Houston
158. Hyacinth
159. Harmony
160. Haven
Cowgirl name ideas starting with an I
161. Ivy
162. Isla
163. Indigo
164. Ida
165. Irene
166. Iliana
167. Inez
168. Iris
169. Isadora
170. Ivory
171. Imani
172. Indiana
173. Ingrid
174. Iona
175. Isolde
176. Ivey
177. Ivanna
178. Izzy
179. Ilsa
180. Imogene
Cowgirl names starting with a J
181. Josie
182. Jolene
183. June
184. Jessamine
185. Jewel
186. Journey
187. Jett
188. Jacinta
189. Jovie
190. Joy
191. Jadyn
192. Jenna
193. Joelle
194. Justice
195. Jada
196. Janis
197. Jeannie
198. Joni
199. Juliet
200. Juniper
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a K
201. Kaia
202. Kenna
203. Kit
204. Kinsley
205. Kodiak
206. Kylee
207. Keira
208. Kinsey
209. Kendra
210. Kestrel
211. Kimber
212. Kyra
213. Kacey
214. Karis
215. Kellan
216. Kerrigan
217. Keyla
218. Kiera
219. Kora
220. Kyrie
Cowgirl names starting with an L
221. Laramie
222. Liberty
223. Lila
224. Lorelei
225. Luella
226. Lacey
227. Lakota
228. Lana
229. Lark
230. Lavender
231. Leah
232. Lennox
233. Lexi
234. Liana
235. Lilith
236. Linden
237. Lois
238. Loretta
239. Lucille
240. Lyra
Cowgirl name ideas starting with an M
241. Maeve
242. Magnolia
243. Marlowe
244. Meadow
245. Mercy
246. Mesa
247. Millie
248. Mira
249. Montana
250. Myra
251. Mabel
252. Maisie
253. Maribel
254. Marin
255. Matilda
256. Maverick
257. Maxine
258. Melody
259. Minnie
260. Moxie
Cowgirl names starting with an N
261. Nevada
262. Nellie
263. Nova
264. Nevaeh
265. Naomi
266. Nash
267. Nicolette
268. Nola
269. Norah
270. Nyx
271. Nadine
272. Nanette
273. Natalia
274. Nettie
275. Neve
276. Nikita
277. Noelle
278. Nyla
279. Nia
280. Nightingale
Cowgirl name ideas starting with an O
281. Oakley
282. Odessa
283. Olive
284. Opal
285. Orla
286. October
287. Odette
288. Ophelia
289. Oriana
290. Ottilie
291. Oasis
292. Ocean
293. Olena
294. Onyx
295. Ora
296. Orielle
297. Osiris
298. Owen
299. Ozara
300. Odetta
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a P
301. Paisley
302. Patience
303. Pearl
304. Penelope
305. Phoenix
306. Piper
307. Prairie
308. Presley
309. Priscilla
310. Poppy
311. Paige
312. Paloma
313. Pandora
314. Patsy
315. Peyton
316. Philomena
317. Phoebe
318. Portia
319. Primrose
320. Pippa
Cowgirl names starting with a Q
321. Quinley
322. Quintessa
323. Quincy
324. Quilla
325. Quinn
326. Quenby
327. Questa
328. Quorra
329. Quincey
330. Quinlan
331. Quirina
332. Quilla
333. Quin
334. Quiana
335. Queenie
336. Quinella
337. Quirita
338. Quenelle
339. Quinta
340. Quetzal
Cowgirl name ideas starting with an R
341. Raleigh
342. Ramona
343. Raven
344. Reese
345. Remington
346. Rhiannon
347. Ridley
348. Rio
349. Ripley
350. River
351. Roan
352. Robin
353. Rosalind
354. Rosemary
355. Rowan
356. Ruby
357. Ruth
358. Ryder
359. Rylee
360. Rain
Cowgirl name ideas starting with an S
361. Sage
362. Savannah
363. Scarlett
364. Seraphina
365. Sierra
366. Skye
367. Sloan
368. Star
369. Stella
370. Summer
371. Sunny
372. Sutton
373. Sybil
374. Sadie
375. Sapphire
376. Sable
377. Selah
378. Shelby
379. Shiloh
380. Sienna
Cowgirl names starting with a T
381. Tallulah
382. Tamsin
383. Tasha
384. Teagan
385. Tempest
386. Tennessee
387. Terra
388. Tess
389. Thalia
390. Thea
391. Tilda
392. Tilly
393. Timber
394. Topanga
395. Trinity
396. Trudy
397. Tulip
398. Twyla
399. Tessa
400. Tyra
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a U
401. Uma
402. Unity
403. Ursula
404. Ula
405. Umaima
406. Una
407. Undine
408. Unique
409. Upton
410. Uri
411. Ursa
412. Ursina
413. Utah
414. Utopia
415. Uvalde
416. Uxie
417. Ulyssa
418. Umbra
419. Unice
420. Unity
Cowgirl names starting with a V
421. Valerie
422. Vanessa
423. Veda
424. Velma
425. Venus
426. Vera
427. Verity
428. Vesper
429. Victoria
430. Viola
431. Violet
432. Virginia
433. Vivian
434. Vixen
435. Volta
436. Vada
437. Valencia
438. Valeria
439. Valkyrie
440. Vanna
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a W
441. Waverly
442. Willa
443. Winnie
444. Winter
445. Wren
446. Whitney
447. Wilda
448. Willow
449. Winona
450. Wynne
451. Wylie
452. Wynter
453. Wanda
454. Wendy
455. Westlyn
456. Whitley
457. Wilhelmina
458. Winifred
459. Wisteria
460. Wylda
Cowgirl names starting with an X
461. Xael
462. Xandra
463. Xanthe
464. Xavia
465. Xena
466. Xenia
467. Xerena
468. Xia
469. Ximena
470. Xiomara
471. Xyla
472. Xylia
473. Xanadu
474. Xandralee
475. Xanthea
476. Xaria
477. Xaviera
478. Xenona
479. Xolani
480. Xristina
Cowgirl names starting with a Y
481. Yara
482. Yasmine
483. Yenna
484. Yesenia
485. Ygritte
486. Yolanda
487. Ysabel
488. Yule
489. Yvette
490. Yvonne
491. Yancy
492. Yana
493. Yarrow
494. Yazmin
495. Yelena
496. Yesha
497. Yetta
498. Yoko
499. Yolande
500. Yuna
Cowgirl name ideas starting with a Z
501. Zadie
502. Zara
503. Zaylee
504. Zelda
505. Zella
506. Zephyr
507. Zia
508. Ziggy
509. Zinnia
510. Zion
511. Ziva
512. Zoe
513. Zola
514. Zora
515. Zuri
516. Zadira
517. Zanthe
518. Zelena
519. Zenobia
520. Zephyra
Conclusion on Badass Cowgirl Names
A badass cowgirl name is more than just a label—it carries the spirit of adventure, rebellion, and strength.
Whether you’re naming a character, pet, or even taking on a fun alias, a strong cowgirl name will ensure you stand out with grit and grace
Let your imagination roam as wild as the frontier, and find the name that best captures your untamed spirit!
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