Itâs hard to say exactly what it is about the Yellowstone franchise that has viewers lassoed in. Perhaps itâs the steadfast loyalties of the characters who would risk it all for whatâs most important to them. Or maybe itâs 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, thereâs undoubtedly a Yellowstone effect thatâs been sweeping the nationâand the world of baby names.
If youâre 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 sourcesâincluding our favorite TV series. Below, Iâm 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, youâll see the obvious inclusions like Kayce, Beth, and Dutton. But donât worry, Iâve 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!
âThe Yellowstone Effectâ on Baby Names
Itâs 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. Whatâs been dubbed as âThe Yellowstone Effectâ is no different. While the show came out in 2018, it started hitting peak popularity in 2021. Because of this, itâs 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. Donât be surprised if your little oneâs class roster looks like a list of ranch hands in a few years.
If youâre 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 âflagâ 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 wouldnât be the same without Jamie Dutton, played by Wes Bentley. The name also has an air of sophistication to it as itâs 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 âsorrowâ due to all he went through personally and the tragedies of travel, itâs safe to say the series wouldâve 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 Bethâs 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.
Cole
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Victory of the people
Yellowstone tie: Yellowstone simply wouldnât be the powerhouse it is without the incomparable Rip Wheeler, played by actor Cole Hauser. Fiercely loyal, hardworking, and all around bad*ss, itâs safe to say heâs one of the most iconic characters on TV today.
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 âhill settlement.â 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 wasnât 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 âwoodsman,â 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. Whatâs 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. McGrawâs 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, âsupplanter.â
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 wouldnât 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 Jenkinsâ 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 wouldnât 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 thereâs one thing John Dutton loves more than Montana, itâs his family and the Yellowstone Ranch. Throughout the series, we see just how far heâll go to protect whatâs his.
Josef
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Jehovah increases
Yellowstone tie: A German variant of the Hebrew Joseph, weâre 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: Itâs 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 wouldnât 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 itâs 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 Leeâs passing.
Lloyd
Origin: Welsh | Meaning: Gray-haired
Yellowstone tie: A devoted ranch hand, fans learn more and more about Lloyd as the series goes onâand 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 Duttonâs 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, heâs met by experienced ranch hand, Ross.
Rowdy
Origin: American | Meaning: Unruly
Yellowstone tie: Nearly everyone on the Yellowstone ranch can be described as ârowdy,â 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 Bethâs gaze to Ripâs 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 weâre on the subject, Shea is included on our list of Yellowstone baby names because of Sam Elliotâs 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. Heâs 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 ânever dates cowboys.â
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, thatâs when you know itâs 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, theyâre simply no match for the womenâespecially 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. Sheâs 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 Duttonâs 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, Claireâs 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 rancherâs 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, Elsaâs 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 Jackâs mother and the widow of John Dutton Sr. in 1923.
Evelyn
Origin: British | Meaning: Desired
Yellowstone tie: A wildly popular girlâs 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 itâs clear a lot of faith went into making the Yellowstone Ranch what it is today, Faith Hillâs 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 âshining lightâ 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: Shipâs 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 Donât 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 canât 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.
Lynelle
Origin: Welsh | Meaning: Nymph
Yellowstone tie: Before John occupied the Office of the Governor, Lynelle Perry held the title. On top of that, she was a significant love interest of the Dutton patriarch for several seasons.
Margaret
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Pearl
Yellowstone tie: Faith Hillâs 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, Miaâs 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 âmountainousâ 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 âvaliantâ 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 youâve 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, Teonnaâs 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 âtrain station,â Wyoming is where the Duttons and ranch hands take unwanted problems.
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. Sheâs also The Everymomâs resident baby names and family movies expert!