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Popular bison names
Names with real frontier roots, from Buffalo Bill Cody to Teddy Roosevelt, who helped save the species.
Strong and rugged names for bulls
A mature bull can top two thousand pounds, and his name should carry the weight.
Names for bison cows
Gentler, old fashioned names for the females that anchor the herd.
Nature and prairie names
Drawn from the landscapes bison have roamed for thousands of years.
Funny bison names
Because a one ton lawn mower with a beard has earned a sense of humor.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a bison or a buffalo?
The animals roaming North America are American bison, while true buffalo live in Africa and Asia. That said, "buffalo" has been the everyday American word for centuries, which is why names like Bill and Cody, after Buffalo Bill Cody, are still classics. Either word works fine on a name.
Do ranchers actually name their bison?
Most commercial herds are identified by ear tag numbers, but nearly every operation ends up naming its standouts: the herd bulls, the bottle raised calves, and the cows with big personalities. If you keep records, a name plus a tag number is the easy system. You can track both on each animal's profile on Creatures.
How do I keep Native-inspired names respectful?
Stick to widely used place names and nature words, like Dakota, Cheyenne, or Tatanka, the Lakota word for bison made famous by film. Avoid sacred terms, tribal band names, or the names of real historical people. When in doubt, a nature name like Thunder or Teton honors the same landscape.
Should a bison calf get a permanent name right away?
Many owners wait a few weeks, since a calf's personality and build show up fast and often suggest the right name on their own. A gangly calf might grow into a Freight Train or stay a Tuffy. There is no harm in renaming a young animal, because bison respond to routine and handling rather than the word itself.