240 Legendary Outlaw Names to Define Your Western Persona

In the rugged landscape of Western storytelling, outlaws stand as embodiments of rebellion against the confines of civilization.

With their weathered appearances—revolvers hanging low on their hips, eyes squinting against the harsh desert sun, and faces partially concealed by bandanas—these fugitives from justice make compelling protagonists and antagonists alike.

But what truly immortalizes an outlaw in the annals of Western lore often begins with their name.

This comprehensive collection of 240 outlaw names spans various styles and themes, from traditionally infamous to geographically inspired, and beyond.

Each name includes a brief meaning to inspire your character’s backstory and personality.

Whether you’re crafting a stone-cold gunslinger, a charismatic card shark, or a redemption-seeking former criminal, you’ll find the perfect name to define your next Western tale.

Understanding Outlaw Naming Conventions

Outlaws (fugitives from the law in Western tales) typically use three main types of names:

Physical Attribute Names: These highlight distinctive physical features, creating instant visual recognition. Examples include names like “One-Eyed Jack” or “Scarface Joe.”
Regular Names: Many outlaws use names from the towns or territories where they were raised. These help establish their origins and provide cultural context.
Reputation Names: Some outlaws earn names based on their infamous deeds or skills—like “Stagecoach Charlie” or “Quickdraw Quinn.”

Many outlaws choose names that reflect grit, danger, and notoriety—elements that mirror their often turbulent existence. Whether embracing their criminal legacy or attempting to forge a new path, an outlaw’s name carries weight and meaning.

Popular Outlaw Names

Whiskey Wes – Traditional male outlaw name meaning “emboldened by spirits”

Rattlesnake Rosa – Widely used, meaning “dangerous when provoked”

Tombstone Tex – Common among gunslingers, meaning “dealer of death“

Coyote Kate – Frequently chosen, meaning “cunning survivor”

Deadeye Dan – Popular among sharpshooters, meaning “unfailing accuracy”

Tumbleweed Tess – Trendy name meaning “rootless wanderer”

Bronco Bill – Popular among horse thieves, meaning “untameable spirit”

Sagebrush Sally – Common desert outlaw name meaning “master of the wasteland”

Quickdraw Quentin – Trendy gunslinger name meaning “fastest hands in the West”

Maverick Molly – Frequently chosen, meaning “rule-breaker”

Thunderbolt Theo – Popular among violent outlaws, meaning “strikes without warning”

Wildcat Wendy – Common among fierce female outlaws, meaning “untamed fighter”

Shotgun Sam – Trendy name meaning “close-range destroyer”

Dusty Rose – Widely used female name meaning “beautiful but hardened”

Lasso Luke – Popular among cattle rustlers, meaning “ensnarer of prey”

Calamity Jane – Common disaster-prone name meaning “trouble follows”

Sidewinder Silas – Trending name meaning “approaches unseen”

Pistol Peg – Widely used female name meaning “quick on the draw”

Mustang Mike – Popular horse thief name meaning “wild as the wind”

Bandit Belle – Common among female outlaws meaning “beautiful criminal”

Grizzly Gus – Trendy intimidating name meaning “ferocious as a bear”

Sunset Sarah – Popular name meaning “strikes at dusk”

Desperado Dave – Common wanted outlaw name meaning “without hope”

Tumbleweed Tina – Widely chosen name meaning “drifter with no roots”

Renegade Rory – Trending name meaning “betrayer of allegiances”

Cactus Cat – Popular among desert outlaws meaning “pretty but painful”

Outlaw Ollie – Common name meaning “born outside the law”

Bonanza Betty – Trendy prospector name meaning “seeker of fortune”

Gunsmoke Gabe – Widely used gunfighter name meaning “leaves death in his wake”

Prairie Pearl – Popular female outlaw name meaning “diamond in the rough”

Lone Wolf Logan – Trending solitary outlaw name meaning “hunts alone”

Saloon Sal – Common name meaning “queen of the watering hole”

Bronco Buster – Popular name meaning “tamer of wild things”

Wildfire Winnie – Widely used name meaning “spreads destruction rapidly”

Hangman Hank – Trendy intimidating name meaning “delivers final justice”

Legendary Female Outlaw Names

Scarlett “Red” Raven – Named for her fiery hair and swift escapes from justice

Whiskey Jane – Infamous for her love of strong spirits and even stronger heists

Calamity Rose – Brings disaster wherever her horse carries her

Pistol Penny – Quick on the draw with deadly accuracy that’s claimed many lives

Wildcat Willa – Fierce and unpredictable in a fight, with claws as sharp as her wit

Rattlesnake Rita – As dangerous as her namesake, striking without warning

Shotgun Sally – Never seen without her trusty scattergun, loaded for trouble

Maverick Molly – Plays by her own rules, defying even outlaw code

Dynamite Daisy – Explosives expert who leaves banks in smoking ruins

Quickdraw Quinn – Fastest gun in the West, undefeated in dusty street duels

Bronco Betty – Unbeatable horse thief with a supernatural connection to equines

Lasso Lily – Expert with a rope, capturing both cattle and lawmen with equal skill

Thunderbolt Tess – Strikes fear as quickly as lightning across the prairie

Cactus Kate – Tough as the desert plants she’s named after, and just as prickly

Sagebrush Sarah – Blends into the landscape like a ghost, ambushing unsuspecting travelers

Bandit Belle – Southern charm meets outlaw spirit, disarming victims with a smile

Tornado Trixie – Leaves destruction in her wake wherever the wind carries her

Gunsmoke Gina – Always found where bullets fly thickest in frontier battles

Outlaw Opal – Shines bright in the criminal underworld of the Wild West

Renegade Ruby – Rebel with a cause and a hefty bounty on her wanted poster

Desperado Daphne – Wanted in five states for daring robberies that baffle lawmen

Tumbleweed Tanya – Drifts from town to town, causing trouble with every arrival

Mustang Mabel – Wild and free, impossible to catch by even the best trackers

Rustler Ruth – Cattle thief extraordinaire with a talent for altering brands

Stagecoach Stella – Notorious for her daring coach robberies on lonely mountain passes

Bounty Bonnie – Turns the tables by hunting other outlaws for reward money

Wildfire Winnie – Spreads chaos as rapidly as a prairie fire in drought season

Coyote Clara – Cunning and elusive, always one step ahead of pursuing posses

Drifter Dolly – Mysterious wanderer with a dark past hidden beneath her dusty hat

Viper Vera – Her bite is as deadly as her aim, leaving victims with no chance for a doctor

Classic Male Outlaw Names

Black Jack McCready – A card shark turned outlaw known for his dark clothing and deadly poker games

Dynamite Dan Morrison – Earned his name blowing up bank safes and railroad bridges

Iron Will Cassidy – Never backed down from a fight or changed his mind once decided

Razor Jim Bradley – Known for his knife-fighting skills and clean shaves before kills

Thunder Pete Williams – His gunshots echoed like thunder across the plains

Snake Eyes Murphy – Got his name from his cold stare and lucky dice rolls

Dead Shot Davies – Never missed his target, whether man or beast

Wildfire Jake Thomson – Burned down three towns during his criminal spree

Bone Crusher Riley – Preferred using his bare hands over guns

Lightning Rod Johnson – Quick draw artist who attracted trouble like lightning

Steel Trap Morgan – Had a memory like steel and jaws that never let go

Gunpowder Griffin – Always smelled of sulfur and left explosions in his wake

Hellfire Hayes – A former preacher turned to the devil’s work

Tombstone Terry – Left so many dead, towns ran out of grave markers

Dusty Dave Henderson – Rode so hard across the desert, dust clouds announced his arrival

The Shadow Rider – Never seen clearly, always disappeared into darkness

Phantom Pete – Appeared and vanished like a ghost, leaving no trace

Ghost Walker Jackson – Moved so silently, victims thought they saw a spirit

Silent Sam Mitchell – Never spoke a word during his crimes

Whisper Wilson – His voice was barely audible, but his threats were deadly

The Midnight Marauder – Only struck during the darkest hours of night

Smoke Signal Stevens – Communicated with his gang through mysterious smoke patterns

Eclipse Eddie – Appeared when the moon covered the sun, vanished when it passed

The Desert Phantom – A figure seen shimmering in the heat, real or mirage?

Moonless Mike – Only operated on the darkest nights of the month

Vanishing Vince – Witnesses swore he could disappear into thin air

The Faceless Fox – Always wore a mask, true identity never known

Cipher Sullivan – Left coded messages that lawmen never cracked

The Nameless Stranger – Refused to give his real name to anyone

Riddle Richardson – Spoke only in puzzles and cryptic warnings

Rattlesnake Rick – Quick to strike and deadly as his reptilian namesake

Coyote Collins – Cunning pack hunter who howled before attacking stagecoaches

Wolf Harper – Led his gang like an alpha, hunting in coordinated packs

Badger Bill – Short, fierce, and would fight to the death when cornered

Hawk Harrison – Had sharp eyes that could spot prey from miles away

Bear Claw Benjamin – Massive man who could kill with his bare hands

Stallion Stone – Wild and untameable, broke out of every jail

Cougar Campbell – Stalked his victims silently before pouncing

Eagle Eye Edwards – Best tracker in three territories, never lost a trail

Fox Franklin – Clever and cunning, always one step ahead of the law

Longhorn Larry – Stubborn as a bull and twice as dangerous when angered

Wildcat Walker – Unpredictable and fierce, with razor-sharp reflexes

Mustang Miller – Loved horses so much he became the finest horse thief alive

Bronco Barnes – Nobody could stay on him once he started bucking

Jackrabbit Jenkins – Fastest runner in the territory, never caught on foot

A Treasury of Outlaw Name Ideas

“Six-Shot” Silas McGraw – Guardian of final bullets, perfect for those who never waste ammunition

“The Viper” Jesse Vaughn – Deadly striker, ideal for poisoners or those with lightning reflexes

“Dagger” Bill Dawson – Close-range specialist, suited for those who prefer silent kills to gunfire

“The Reaper” Wyatt Kane – Death bringer, fitting for notorious killers with high body counts

Grady “Blood Moon” Mercer – Tied to lunar cycles, good for outlaws who strike during specific times

“Deadeye” Harlan Briggs – Perfect aim, ideal for legendary marksmen who never miss their target

Cyrus “The Devil’s Hand” Tate – Favored by darkness, suited for those believed to be supernaturally lucky

Boone “Iron Grip” Slade – Unrelenting control, fitting for those who dominate their gangs with force

Jaxon “The Crimson Rider” Blackwood – Leaves bloody trails, good for particularly violent road agents

“Bad Luck” Quincy Malone – Misfortune magnet, perfect for those who survive against impossible odds

“Ghost” Ryder Calhoun – Appears from nowhere, ideal for ambush specialists who strike unseen

“Whisper” Jonah Graves – Death’s quiet herald, suited for assassins who kill before victims realize danger

“Phantom” Ezekiel Boone – Haunting presence, fitting for outlaws believed dead who return to crime

“Shade” Morgan – Shadow dweller, good for night raiders who operate under cover of darkness

Desmond “Dust Devil” Lee – Swirling destruction, perfect for unpredictable fighters with tornado-like tactics

Luther “Storm Rider” Hays – Thunder’s companion, ideal for those who appear with bad weather

“No Name” Caine Mercer – Identity forsaker, suited for those with mysterious pasts they’ve abandoned

Hollis “Black Mist” Tate – Visibility’s enemy, fitting for stagecoach robbers who attack in fog or smoke

Knox “The Midnight Rider” Walker – Darkness traveler, good for those who operate exclusively after sunset

“The Shadow” Cassius Holt – Unseen follower, perfect for trackers or stalkers with infinite patience

Fiona “Frontier” Fitzgerald – Wilderness tamer, ideal for women who’ve carved empires in untamed lands

“Reckless” Reno Jackson – Danger seeker, suited for thrill-seeking robbers who take unnecessary risks

“Maverick” Kane – Rule breaker, fitting for independent operators who refuse gang affiliation

“Lawless” Jack Callahan – Justice denier, good for those who specifically target lawmen or judges

“Hellbound” Cass Harper – Redemption refuser, perfect for those who embrace their villainous path

Tex “The Wild Shot” Vaughn – Unpredictable gunman, ideal for chaotic fighters who terrify with random fire

“Mad Dog” Cordell Shaw – Rabid fighter, suited for berserkers who fight with uncontrolled fury

“The Rogue” Hawk Sutherland – Independent agent, fitting for former lawmen turned to crime

Dustin “Outcast” Graves – Society reject, good for those driven to crime by community rejection

“Wildfire” Colton Nash – Spreading destruction, perfect for arsonists or those who leave nothing standing

Travis “Thunderhand” Rawlins – Loud gunfighter, ideal for those known for their distinctive weapon report

“Bullet” Brett Bowman – Lead deliverer, suited for dedicated gunfighters who live by the six-shooter

Scarlett “The Vixen” Monroe – Beautiful deceiver, fitting for confidence women or seductive robbers

“Bullet” Bonnie Sinclair – Fast as gunfire, good for quick-draw specialists who end fights before they begin

Lydia “Lady Death” Mercer – Elegant executioner, perfect for sophisticated assassins with cultured demeanor

Colorful Gang Names & Aliases

The Descriptions

Three-Finger Tony – Lost two fingers in a knife fight but kept fighting
Cross-Eyed Curtis – Poor vision didn’t stop him from being a deadly shot
Scar-Face Samuel – Bore the marks of a dozen knife fights across his cheek
Peg-Leg Patrick – Wooden leg slowed him down but not his trigger finger
One-Eyed Ollie – Patch over his eye made him look more menacing
Crooked-Nose Carson – Broken in so many fights it never healed straight
Hook-Hand Henry – Replaced his missing hand with a sharp metal hook
Glass-Eye George – False eye glinted in the sunlight, unnerving opponents
Limp-Along Louis – Old wound gave him a distinctive gait everyone recognized
Stuttering Steve – Spoke with difficulty but his actions were crystal clear
Nervous Ned – Twitchy and jumpy, but deadly when cornered
Shaky Shane – Hands trembled from old injuries but still drew fast
Twitchy Tim – Constant nervous energy made him unpredictable
Jumpy Jake – Started at every sound but had reflexes like a cat
Fidgety Frank – Never sat still, always moving, always watching

The Professions Gone Wrong

Doc Deadly – Former physician who used his medical knowledge to kill
Preacher Pain – Fallen minister who traded sermons for six-guns
Teacher Terror – Educated outlaw who planned elaborate crimes
Banker Bandit – Knew exactly how much money each bank held
Sheriff Sinner – Corrupt lawman who switched sides for profit
Judge Jury – Former judge who now held court in the street
Lawyer Lawless – Used legal loopholes to escape justice repeatedly
Merchant Mayhem – Traveling salesman who sold death and destruction
Blacksmith Blade – Forged his own weapons and armor for robberies
Carpenter Chaos – Built secret compartments and hidden rooms for gangs
Tailor Trouble – Sewed hidden pockets for concealed weapons
Baker Bandit – Used his ovens to destroy evidence and his flour to blind victims
Barber Blade – Steady hands with a razor made him deadly up close
Gambler Gold – Professional card player who always played for keeps
Saloon Sam – Former bartender who knew everyone’s secrets

Infamous Outlaws in History, Literature and Film

Historical Outlaws

Jesse James – Missouri bandit and Confederate guerrilla known for bank and train robberies
Billy the Kid – Young gunslinger who claimed 21 kills before his death at age 21
Butch Cassidy – Leader of the Wild Bunch gang, infamous for train robberies
Sundance Kid – Cassidy’s partner and expert marksman with legendary shooting skill
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow – Depression-era bank robbers who became media sensations
John Dillinger – Bank robber labeled “Public Enemy No. 1” in the 1930s
Al Capone – Prohibition-era gangster who controlled Chicago’s criminal empire
Pretty Boy Floyd – Depression-era bank robber known for destroying mortgage records
Ma Barker – Matriarch allegedly leading her sons in a crime spree across the Midwest
Black Bart – Gentleman bandit who left poems at his stagecoach robbery sites

Literary Outlaws

Robin Hood – Noble thief who stole from the rich to give to the poor
Jean Valjean – Bread thief turned moral exemplar in Les Misérables
Long John Silver – Duplicitous pirate with a complex moral code in Treasure Island
Arsène Lupin – Gentleman thief with style, charm, and exceptional skill
Artful Dodger – Young pickpocket with charisma beyond his years
Injun Joe – Vengeful criminal who haunted Tom Sawyer’s adventures
Raskolnikov – Intellectual murderer testing moral boundaries in Crime and Punishment
Mack the Knife – Charming cutthroat from The Threepenny Opera
Captain Ahab – Obsessive whaling captain who broke all laws in his vengeful quest
Fagin – Manipulative mentor to child thieves in Oliver Twist

Film Outlaws

Michael Corleone – Reluctant mafia don whose moral descent defines The Godfather saga
Tony Montana – Cuban immigrant who violently rises to power in Scarface
Hannibal Lecter – Sophisticated cannibal whose intellect makes him uniquely terrifying
Tyler Durden – Chaotic revolutionary challenging societal norms in Fight Club
Joker – Anarchic criminal whose unpredictability defines Batman’s greatest challenges
Darth Vader – Fallen hero whose intimidating presence enforces galactic tyranny
Hans Gruber – Sophisticated thief masquerading as terrorist in Die Hard
Keyser Söze – Mythic criminal whose very existence remains questionable in The Usual Suspects
Vito Corleone – Traditional mafia patriarch balancing family and criminal enterprise
Captain Jack Sparrow – Unpredictable pirate whose moral compass occasionally points true

Outlaw Name Generator

Tips for Creating Your Own Outlaw Names

Consider the Character’s Background

Think about where your outlaw comes from, their profession before turning to crime, and what makes them unique. A former preacher might be called “Hellfire” ironically, while a skilled marksman could earn “Dead Eye” or “Sure Shot.”

Mix and Match Elements

Combine a descriptive word with a common Western name: “Dangerous” + “Dan” = Dangerous Dan. Or pair an animal with a surname: “Coyote” + “Collins” = Coyote Collins.

Think About Their Crime Specialty

Safe crackers might get names like “Dynamite,” horse thieves could be called “Mustang,” and train robbers might earn “Iron Horse” as a moniker.

Consider Physical Traits

Scars, missing limbs, distinctive clothing, or unusual features often became part of an outlaw’s name in the Old West.

Make It Memorable

The best outlaw names roll off the tongue and stick in the memory. They should be easy to say but hard to forget.

Using These Names in Your Stories

Remember that in the Wild West, many outlaws had multiple aliases and nicknames. Your character might be known by different names in different towns, adding layers to their mystery and reputation.

Some names were earned through deeds, others through appearance, and still others were chosen to inspire fear or respect.

These names can serve as starting points for character development. Ask yourself: How did they earn this name? What story lies behind it? Does the character embrace their reputation or try to escape it?

Whether you’re writing about a lone gunslinger seeking redemption, a gang of train robbers, or a mysterious figure who appears in town just before trouble starts, the right name can set the tone for your entire story and help readers immediately understand the kind of character they’re meeting.

The Wild West was built on legends, and legends always start with a name worth remembering. Choose wisely, and let your outlaws ride into literary immortality.

Frequently Asked Questions – Outlaw Name Ideas

Q. Why are outlaw names important in Western stories?
A: Outlaw names help create memorable characters, set the tone for your story, and give readers a quick insight into a character’s personality or background.

Q. Can I use these names in my own writing?
A: Yes, these names are meant to inspire your writing. Feel free to use them as-is or as a starting point for creating your own unique outlaw names.

Q. What makes a good outlaw name?
A: A good outlaw name is memorable, evocative of the character’s personality or appearance, and fits well within the Western genre.

Q. How can I avoid clichéd outlaw names?
A: Research lesser-known historical figures, combine unexpected elements, or create names that subvert common Western tropes.

Q. Can I use these names for female outlaws?
A: Absolutely! Many of the names can be adapted for female characters, and there are specific female outlaw names included in the list.