For the Brand: 80 ‘Yellowstone’ Inspired Baby Names From the Popular Show

It’s hard to say exactly what it is about the Yellowstone franchise that has viewers lassoed in. Perhaps it’s the steadfast loyalties of the characters who would risk it all for what’s most important to them. Or maybe it’s the appealing cowboy culture of the Wild West that leaves us yearning for more. Notably, it could be the epic love stories that the series has given viewers. No matter what it is, there’s undoubtedly a Yellowstone effect that’s been sweeping the nation—and the world of baby names.

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If you’re expecting a little cowboy or cowgirl in the near future, you may be trying to rope in the perfect baby name. Baby name inspiration can often come from the most unlikely of sources—including our favorite TV series. Below, I’m sharing 80 of my favorite Yellowstone baby names straight from the original series, as well as the two spin-offs, 1883 and 1923. Of course, you’ll see the obvious inclusions like Kayce, Beth, and Dutton. But don’t worry, I’ve pulled out all of the train station stops and included several names you may not have already thought of. Read on for all of the names worth considering when building your legacy. Be warned: spoilers ahead!

“The Yellowstone Effect” on Baby Names

It’s no surprise that the world of baby names can be influenced by pop culture. For decades, parents have been looking to their favorite celebrities, musicians, and TV shows for inspiration. What’s been dubbed as “The Yellowstone Effect” is no different. While the show came out in 2018, it started hitting peak popularity in 2021. Because of this, it’s no surprise that Yellowstone-inspired baby names started hitting new levels on the Social Security Administration charts of most popular baby names in 2022 and 2023.

In 2022, Dutton appeared in the top 1,000 for the first time. Plus, Kayce hit number 586 in 2022 and 459 in 2024 for boys. And, as of 2023, Walker is in the 85th spot. Parents are increasingly choosing western baby names, in addition to names pulled directly from the popular show. This baby name trend includes names like Colt, Wyatt, Cassidy, and Dakota. Don’t be surprised if your little one’s class roster looks like a list of ranch hands in a few years.

If you’re adding to your brand and are hooked on the series, read on for 80 baby names inspired by the show.

Yellowstone Baby Names for Boys

Banner

Origin: French | Meaning: Flag

Yellowstone tie: Going back to the Yellowstone origin story, 1923, we see Banner Creighton as the nemesis of Jacob Dutton. Villain or not, this French name meaning “flag” has an undeniable coolness factor fit for any young cowboy.

Bentley

Origin: English | Meaning: Meadow with coarse grass

Yellowstone tie: Whether you hate him or feel sorry for him, the show wouldn’t be the same without Jamie Dutton, played by Wes Bentley. The name also has an air of sophistication to it as it’s shared with the luxury car company.

Brennan

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Sorrow

Yellowstone tie: In 1883, viewers are introduced to Shea Brennan. The Civil War vet lost his family to smallpox and dedicated the rest of his life to caravanning the Oregon Trail. Fittingly meaning “sorrow” due to all he went through personally and the tragedies of travel, it’s safe to say the series would’ve been incomplete without this lovable character.

Carter

Origin: British | Meaning: Transporter of goods by cart

Yellowstone tie: As Rip 2.0, Carter is a boy without a family who gets taken in by the Yellowstone Ranch. He inevitably captures Beth’s heart, likely due to his similarities to her adored husband.

Colby

Origin: Norse | Meaning: Someone who lives in a coal town

Yellowstone tie: Formally branded in season three, Colby Mayfield is a pivotal ranch hand of the Yellowstone establishment. He also becomes the love interest of the colorful Teeter.

Costner

Origin: German | Meaning: Treasurer

Yellowstone tie: Another pivotal character, John Dutton, is played by none other than Kevin Costner. This surname would surely make a noble name for a future landowner.

Denim

Origin: French | Meaning: Strong cloth

Yellowstone tie: Perhaps the coolest baby name on our list is the name of the actor who plays Colby, Denim Richards.

Dillard

Origin: English | Meaning: Proud and hard

Yellowstone tie: 1883 introduces us to the patriarch of the Dutton clan, James Dillard Dutton. Played by Tim McGraw, he and his family set out as homesteaders heading to Montana.

Donnie

Origin: British | Meaning: Brown-haired chieftain

Yellowstone tie: Donnie Haskell is the sheriff of Gallatin County for several seasons. Rip finds himself in communication with him a time or two.

Dutton

Origin: British | Meaning: Hill settlement

Yellowstone tie: A list of Yellowstone baby names would be incomplete without the surname of the focal family. Fittingly, the name means “hill settlement.” Thanks to the show, the title hit number 836 on the list of the most popular boy names in 2022.

Ennis

Origin: Celtic | Meaning: Island

Yellowstone tie: In one of the most tragic love stories of the franchise, Ennis professes his love for Elsa in 1883 before perishing. If the show wasn’t a tearjerker already, it certainly was watching his final breaths.

Finn

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Fair

Yellowstone tie: This popular name for boys peaked in 2023 and shows no signs of slowing down. Little ones with this darling title would share it with actor Finn Little, who plays Carter.

Forrie

Origin: French | Meaning: Woodsman

Yellowstone tie: As one of the most unique names on the list of Yellowstone baby names, Forrie, meaning “woodsman,” is quite fitting for the rustic show. The name is that of the actor who plays ranch hand Lloyd.

Garrett

Origin: | Meaning:

Yellowstone tie: The primary antagonist of season four is Garrett Randall, also known as the birth father of Jamie Dutton.

Harrison

Origin: British | Meaning: Son of Harry

Yellowstone tie: Hassie Harrison plays the sassy barrel racer and love interest of Lloyd and inevitably Walker, Laramie. What’s even better is that Hassie is now married to Ryan Bingham (Walker) in real life.

Ian

Origin: Scottish | Meaning: God is gracious

Yellowstone tie: While Yellowstone fans know him as ranch hand Ryan, Ian Bohen may be better known by some for his role as Peter Hale in Teen Wolf.

Jack

Origin: British | Meaning: God is gracious

Yellowstone tie: Viewers of 1923 are in for several epic love stories. Not to be overlooked is that of Jack and Emma. Son of John and Emma Dutton (in the 1923 era) is Jack, played by Darren Mann.

Jacob

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Supplanter

Yellowstone tie: Great uncle to Jack, Jacob and Cara run the Yellowstone Ranch in the prohibition era.

James

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Supplanter

Yellowstone tie: Perhaps the most iconic part of the 1883 origin story is the inclusion of country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. McGraw’s character is a homesteader and the patriarch of the Dutton family, James.

Jamie

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Supplanter

Yellowstone tie: As easy as he is to loathe as the seasons go on, Jamie is a pivotal part of the Dutton family for much of the series. His Hebrew name stems from James and seems like an intentional choice for the character by writer Taylor Sheridan, given its meaning, “supplanter.”

Jefferson

Origin: English | Meaning: Son of Jeff

Yellowstone tie: In perhaps one of the best redemption stories over told, Jimmy Hurdstrom goes from a drug dealer and thief to an esteemed ranch hand. The role wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible acting of Jefferson White.

Jenkins

Origin: English | Meaning: Little John

Yellowstone tie: He may be one of the most loathsome characters in the first few seasons, but Dan Jenkins’ surname is one that is undeniably cool for a young cowpoke.

Jimmy

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Supplanter

Yellowstone tie: Speaking of Jefferson White, the first several seasons of Yellowstone wouldn’t have been the same without Jimmy. He learns what it means to be a cowboy during a visit to the 6666 Ranch down in Texas, and his life changes forever.

John

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God is gracious

Yellowstone tie: If there’s one thing John Dutton loves more than Montana, it’s his family and the Yellowstone Ranch. Throughout the series, we see just how far he’ll go to protect what’s his.

Josef

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Jehovah increases

Yellowstone tie: A German variant of the Hebrew Joseph, we’re introduced to this resilient German immigrant who caravans with the gang from Fort Worth, Texas, to Montana in 1883.

Kayce

Origin: American | Meaning: Vigilant

Yellowstone tie: It’s no surprise the popularity of this title spiked in 2023, reaching 459 on the Social Security Administration charts. As it turns out, viewers love the character Kayce for his deep devotion to his wife, Monica, and son, Tate.

Kevin

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Handsome

Yellowstone tie: The series wouldn’t be the same without the star of our show, John Dutton, played by the celebrated Kevin Costner.

Landon

Origin: English | Meaning: Long hill

Yellowstone tie: The name may be quite masculine, but it’s brought to our list by the most colorful female of the series: Teeter. Her feisty (and hilarious) character is played by Jennifer Landon.

Lee

Origin: British | Meaning: Pasture

Yellowstone tie: Early on in the series, viewers experience the death of Lee Dutton, the eldest son of John and Evelyn. Set to inherit the family ranch, the future of Yellowstone is unclear as ever after Lee’s passing.

Lloyd

Origin: Welsh | Meaning: Gray-haired

Yellowstone tie: A devoted ranch hand, fans learn more and more about Lloyd as the series goes on—and love him more and more each season!

Luke

Origin: Greek | Meaning: From Lucania

Yellowstone tie: Acting as Kayce Dutton is Luke Grimes. Not only is he leading member of the show, Luke is also known for his musical abilities, recently putting out several singles and one album in 2024.

Moses

Origin: Egyptian | Meaning: Savior

Yellowstone tie: Starring as Mo, driver and right hand to Thomas Rainwater, is Moses Brings Plenty. The actor is a member of the Oglala Lakota Native American tribe and traditional drummer and singer for the tribe.

Rip 

Origin: Dutch | Meaning: Ripe

Yellowstone tie: Ahhh, Rip. What would the Yellowstone universe be without you? Played by Cole Hauser, Rip may be one of the main reasons viewers stick around.

Roarke

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Red-haired

Yellowstone tie: The Dutton’s main enemy in season three is Roarke Morris, a rancher and stockholder for Market Equities.

Ross

Origin: Scottish | Meaning: Headland

Yellowstone tie: When Jimmy heads down to Texas to the 6666 Ranch, he’s met by experienced ranch hand, Ross.

Rowdy

Origin: American | Meaning: Unruly

Yellowstone tie: Nearly everyone on the Yellowstone ranch can be described as “rowdy,” but only one has the title. In flashbacks during season five, we see Rowdy as one of the main ranch hands and someone who catches Beth’s gaze to Rip’s dismay.

Ryan

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Little king

Yellowstone tie: Ryan is both a ranch hand in the show played by Ian Bohen and the name of actor Ryan Bingham, who plays Walker.

Sam

Origin: | Meaning:

Yellowstone tie: A Comanche warrior in 1883, Sam holds the affection of Elsa Dutton in their tragic love story. The name is also shared with actor Sam Elliot who plays Shea Brennan in the Origin Story.

Shea 

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Hawk-like

Yellowstone tie: And while we’re on the subject, Shea is included on our list of Yellowstone baby names because of Sam Elliot’s character in 1883.

Spencer

Origin: British | Meaning: Steward

Yellowstone tie: Played by Brandon Sklenar, Spencer Dutton is the dreamboat and a main character in 1923. He’s joined in a whirlwind love story with Alexandra, a member of the British Royal Family.

Taylor

Origin: French | Meaning: Tailor

Yellowstone tie: None of this would be possible without the incredibly creative mind of writer and director, Taylor Sheridan.

Tate

Origin: English | Meaning: Cheerful

Yellowstone tie: Perhaps one of the unspoken privileges of being a Yellowstone viewer is seeing little Tate grow into a headstrong young man. Son of Monica and Kayce, the character is played by Brecken Merrill. His name has since become relatively synonymous with cowboy culture and has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Thomas

Origin: Aramaic | Meaning: Twin

Yellowstone tie: Though Thomas Rainwater has good intentions as the chief of the Broken Rock Reservation, his tactics are often criticized. The essential character is played by Gil Birmingham, an actor of Comanche descent.

Timothy (Tim)

Origin: Greek | Meaning: One who honors God

Yellowstone tie: Most well-known for his melodious country music ballads, Tim McGraw shines in his acting endeavors as well. He paves the way as a homesteader and Dutton patriarch in 1883 as James Dutton.

Travis

Origin: | Meaning:

Yellowstone tie: He may be the mastermind behind the series, but Taylor Sheridan shows up on screen a time or two as well. He plays Travis Wheatley, a cowboy from the 6666 Ranch in Texas. Fun fact: Four Sixes Ranch is a real place in Guthrie, Texas.

Walker

Origin: British | Meaning: To walk

Yellowstone tie: A quintessential western baby name, Walker is a ranch hand played by singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham.

Wes

Origin: British | Meaning: West meadow

Yellowstone tie: Portraying the complex character Jamie Dutton is Wes Bentley.

Zane

Origin: Hebrew, Arabic | Meaning: God is gracious, Beauty

Yellowstone tie: Played by Brian Geraghty is the fiercely loyal foreman of the Yellowstone Ranch during the 1920s, Zane Davis.

Yellowstone Baby Names for Girls

Abby

Origin: | Meaning:

Yellowstone tie: In a star-studded episode of season five, powerhouse country singer Lainey Wilson joins the Yellowstone gang as aspiring singer Abby. She quickly becomes the love interest of Ryan, despite claiming she “never dates cowboys.”

Alexandra

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Defender of man

Yellowstone tie: When your love takes you through the African wilderness, stranded on a tugboat, and outrunning the British Royal Family, that’s when you know it’s real. Such is the case for Alex, played by Julia Schlaepfer and Spencer Dutton.

Beth

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: House

Yellowstone tie: As iconic as the men of Yellowstone are, they’re simply no match for the women—especially Beth Dutton. The headstrong female lead is played by Kelly Reilly.

Cara

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Friend

Yellowstone tie: Speaking of strong women, Cara Dutton may be unmatched. She’s the devoted wife to Jacob Dutton and matriarch of the family during the 1920s.

Christina 

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Follower of Christ

Yellowstone tie: Played by Katherine Cunningham, Christina begins as Jamie Dutton’s campaign manager in his race for Montana Attorney General. After sparks fly, she becomes much more for a time.

Clara

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Clear, bright, famous

Yellowstone tie: After John Dutton takes his place as Governor of Montana, he fires nearly his whole cabinet. Left is competent and committed Clara Brewer, played by Lilli Kay. She must be good to win over someone like that!

Claire

Origin: French | Meaning: Bright, clear

Yellowstone tie: Sister of James Dutton, Claire’s story inevitably ends in tragedy in 1883.

Elizabeth

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God is my oath

Yellowstone tie: Elizabeth Stafford learns quickly the trials that come with being a rancher’s wife in 1923. Still, the love she shares with Jack is one for the ages.

Elsa

Origin: Scandinavian | Meaning: God is my oath

Yellowstone tie: As perhaps the most influential member of the Dutton family tree, Elsa’s character reveals how the family ends up on their Montana homestead in 1883.

Emma

Origin: German | Meaning: Whole, universal

Yellowstone tie: Portrayed by Marley Shelton, Emma Dutton is Jack’s mother and the widow of John Dutton Sr. in 1923.

Evelyn 

Origin: British | Meaning: Desired

Yellowstone tie: A wildly popular girl’s name today, Evelyn may be a lesser-known character in the franchise. She is the deceased wife of John Dutton in Yellowstone and the mother of Beth, Kayce, Jamie, and Lee.

Faith

Origin: | Meaning:

Yellowstone tie: While it’s clear a lot of faith went into making the Yellowstone Ranch what it is today, Faith Hill’s character was essential to making it to Montana in 1883. She played Margaret, the mother of Elsa and John Dutton Sr., as well as the wife of James Dutton.

Hassie

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Star

Yellowstone tie: Stemming from Esther, Hassie is an edgy baby name belonging to the actress who plays Laramie, Hassie Harrison. For a truly unique Yellowstone baby name for a little girl, look no further.

Helena

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Shining light

Yellowstone tie: This Greek name meaning “shining light” is the capital city of Montana, near the Yellowstone Ranch.

Isabel

Origin: Spanish, Hebrew, and French | Meaning: Pledged to God

Yellowstone tie: Isabel May is the stunning actress who portrays Elsa in 1883 and narrates parts of 1923.

Kelly

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Descendent of Ceallach

Yellowstone tie: Starring as the iconic Beth Dutton is English actress, Kelly Reilly.

Kelsey

Origin: British | Meaning: Ship’s victory

Yellowstone tie: The power couple that is Kayce and Monica would be incomplete without actress Kelsey Asbille. She recently ventured out from the Yellowstone universe and starred in a thriller titled Don’t Move for Netflix.

Lainey

Origin: French | Meaning: Shining light

Yellowstone tie: A more perfect country singer to join the ranch hand clan of Yellowstone Ranch can’t be found. Lainey Wilson fit right in when she joined as aspiring singer, Abby. The Southern baby name is about as charming as it gets.

Laramie

Origin: French | Meaning: Leafy grove

Yellowstone tie: Not only is the barrel racer named Laramie a welcomed addition to the bunk house, but this Western baby name doubles as a city in Wyoming.

Margaret 

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Pearl

Yellowstone tie: Faith Hill’s character in 1883 was a fierce mother and wife named Margaret Dutton.

Mia

Origin: Australian | Meaning: Moon

Yellowstone tie: A second barrel racer and friend to Laramie, Mia’s heart was taken and subsequently broken by the complicated Jimmy.

Monica

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Advisor

Yellowstone tie: Played by Kelsey Asbille, Monica is the wife of Kayce Dutton and mother of Tate. She is often pulled between her Native American heritage and her ties to the Yellowstone Ranch.

Montana

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Mountainous

Yellowstone tie: Without the great state of Montana, there would be no Yellowstone. Fittingly, the Latin title means “mountainous” and would make a great nature-inspired baby name.

Noemi

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Pleasant

Yellowstone tie: A Romani immigrant who joins the caravan from Texas to Oregon, Noemi is a complex character who wins over the hearts of many viewers in 1883.

Reilly 

Origin: Gaelic | Meaning: Valiant

Yellowstone tie: Surname of actress Kelly Reilly who plays Beth Dutton, this name meaning “valiant” is a great gender-neutral baby name option.

Risa

Origin: German | Meaning: Mighty

Yellowstone tie: Another immigrant within the caravan in 1883, Risa is the wife of Josef.

Sarah

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Princess

Yellowstone tie: She may be one of the most hated characters of the franchise, but you’ve got to respect her hustle. Sarah infamously infiltrates the Dutton clan in season five.

Summer

Origin: | Meaning:

Yellowstone tie: While the last person we expected to become a love interest of John Dutton was a vegan, this show is full of surprises. Piper Perabo plays Summer Higgins and becomes a pivotal character in season four.

Teonna 

Origin: African | Meaning: Anointed

Yellowstone tie: In 1923, viewers are introduced to the powerful tale of Teonna Rainwater. Stolen from her home on the Broken Rock Reservation and placed in a Catholic boarding school, Teonna’s may be the most impactful of all of the stories of resiliency in this franchise.

Wyoming

Origin: Native American | Meaning: On the great plain

Yellowstone tie: While the show takes place in Montana, Wyoming is nearly just as important. Dubbed the “train station,” Wyoming is where the Duttons and ranch hands take unwanted problems.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor

As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!

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