Bison are more than just symbols of strength and freedom—they carry a timeless connection to nature and history. Whether you’re fascinated by the rugged American bison, creating a story character, or naming a farm animal or a plush toy, finding the right name can bring personality and meaning to your mighty companion. That’s where this list of bison names with meaning comes in.

We’ve rounded up the best of the best, from famous bison names and funny bison names to cute, unique, and powerful male and female bison names. You’ll even find playful nods to pop culture and the wild plains where these iconic animals roam. Looking for something charming and sweet? Check out our pet bison names. Want something bold and nature-inspired? Dive into our American bison names for a touch of frontier spirit.

And if you’re not quite sure where to start, our built-in Bison Name Generator featured in this article can help spark inspiration. Just a few clicks and you’ll uncover a name that fits your bison’s vibe—whether they’re real, imagined, or animated!

Famous Bison Names

For those seeking a name with a touch of recognition or historical significance, these famous bison names draw inspiration from notable bison in history, legend, or popular culture. These names often carry a sense of power or a connection to the iconic status of the bison. These selections are perfect for a bison with a commanding presence.

1. Tatanka: Lakota word for buffalo (bison)
2. Big Bull: straightforward and classic
3. White Buffalo Calf Woman: sacred figure in Lakota mythology
4. Custer’s Buffalo: bison encountered by General Custer
5. Walking Buffalo: prominent Stoney Nakoda chief
6. Buffalo Bill’s Herd: bison in William Cody’s Wild West shows
7. Yellowstone Bull: iconic bison of Yellowstone National Park
8. Black Diamond: famous bison that inspired the Buffalo Nickel
9. Iron Tail: Lakota chief who posed for the Buffalo Nickel
10. Chief: common name for a dominant bull
11. Thunderhoof: evocative of their powerful gait
12. Old Cranky: for a bison with a grumpy demeanor
13. Patches: for a bison with a uniquely patterned coat
14. Spirit: captures their majestic nature
15. Guardian: reflects their role as a symbol of the plains
16. Legend: befitting their iconic status
17. Dakota Bull: referring to the Dakota territories
18. Montana Bull: referring to the state of Montana
19. Prairie King: signifying dominance of the grasslands
20. Wild West: evoking the era of the American West
21. American Majesty: highlighting their significance to the US
22. Buffalo Nickel: a nod to their depiction on currency
23. Great Plains: their primary habitat
24. Roamer: reflecting their nomadic tendencies
25. Strongheart: signifying courage and resilience
26. Wanderer: similar to roamer
27. Braveheart: suggesting courage
28. Freedom: symbol of the wild west
29. Heritage: representing their historical importance
30. Icon: a symbol of the American West
31. Journey: reflecting their long migrations
32. Landmark: significant symbol
33. Northwind: evoking the winds of the plains
34. Sentinel: watchful protector
35. Shadow Walker: for a dark-coated bison
36. Sky Bull: connecting them to the vast sky of the plains
37. Stalwart: strong and dependable
38. Trailblazer: those who forge paths
39. Untamed: reflecting their wild nature
40. Westward: direction of the American expansion
41. Wild One: simply wild
42. Yonder: distant and wild
43. Zenith: highest point, signifying their importance
44. Apex: highest point, similar to zenith
45. Bold: courageous and daring
46. Command: suggesting leadership
47. Dominion: signifying control of their territory
48. Empire: vast domain
49. Frontier: edge of the settled lands
50. Grizzly: powerful bear of the same regions (honorary)

Funny Bison Names

For those who appreciate a bit of humor in their herd, these funny bison names play on their size, appearance, or common associations. These selections are perfect for a bison with a particularly amusing or quirky personality.

1. Beefcake: muscular build
2. Fuzzybutt: descriptive of their rear
3. Moo-verick: play on “maverick”
4. Sir Loin: beef pun
5. The Great Buffalo: self-important
6. Bisononcé: play on Beyoncé
7. Buffalo Billfold: pun on wallet
8. Couch Potato: for a lazy bison
9. Hairball: large and hairy
10. Moo-ses: biblical pun
11. Buffy the Bison Slayer: humorous contrast
12. Butterball: round and stout
13. Chewbison: play on Chewbacca
14. Dozer: like a bulldozer
15. Fluffernutter: silly food combination
16. Hairy Potter: literary pun
17. Ironhide: Transformers reference
18. King of the Herd (Maybe): self-deprecating
19. Moo-donna: singer pun
20. Notorious B.I.G. Horns: rap pun
21. Oatmeal: textured and lumpy
22. Pancake: flat and wide
23. Sir Reginald Fluffington: formal and silly
24. The Fuzzy Fury: humorous contrast
25. Waffles: textured and large
26. Bisony Spears: pop star pun
27. Captain Fluffbeard: pirate pun
28. Dust Mop: hairy and drags on the ground
29. Fuzzy McSnout: descriptive and silly
30. Herd Immunity (the bison): pun on current events
31. Lord Hairy of the Plains: aristocratic and funny
32. Moo-ses Malone (again): basketball pun
33. Paddington (the bison): bear reference
34. Sir Stamp-a-Lot: pun on their gait
35. The Woolly Wanderer: descriptive and funny
36. Bisonhemian Rhapsody: song pun
37. Count Fluffenstein: monster pun
38. Dr. Woolly Mammoth (the bison): prehistoric pun
39. General Snort: descriptive sound
40. Hoof Hearted: pun on heartbroken
41. Major Moo-jor: military pun
42. Professor Hairyhead: academic pun
43. Sir Reginald the Hairy: formal and descriptive
44. The Great Hairy One: self-important
45. Woolly Nelson: singer pun
46. Bison Without Borders: play on organization name
47. Chief Hairy Bottom: silly and descriptive
48. Duke of the Dust Bowl: aristocratic and dusty
49. Lord Fluffington the Third: even more formal and silly
50. The Mighty Moo-hawk: hairstyle pun

Cute Bison Names

For those who find the young or smaller bison particularly endearing, these cute names capture their gentle and charming nature. These selections are perfect for a bison with a sweet or innocent demeanor.

1. Nugget: small and precious
2. Button: small and cute
3. Peanut: small and round
4. Pip: small and tiny
5. Fuzzy: soft and fluffy
6. Cubby: like a small bear cub
7. Lamb: gentle and soft (honorary)
8. Dotty: covered in small spots
9. Muffin: small and sweet
10. Sprinkles: small and colorful
11. Bean: small and round
12. Biscuit: small and comforting
13. Chip: small piece
14. Clover: small and lucky
15. Dolly: sweet and charming
16. Fawn: young deer (honorary)
17. Honey: sweet and golden
18. Itsy: very small
19. Jellybean: small and colorful
20. Kiki: playful sound
21. Lulu: sweet and charming
22. Mini: very small
23. Nibs: small bits
24. Ollie: friendly and cute
25. Pixie: small and magical
26. Rosie: sweet and gentle
27. Skipper: light and quick
28. Snuggles: fond of cuddling
29. Sweet Pea: small and sweet
30. Tiny: very small
31. Angel: pure and sweet
32. Bubbles: light and airy
33. Cherub: angelic being
34. Dimple: small indentation
35. Flicker: soft, unsteady light
36. Gigi: playful and cute sound
37. Happy: cheerful demeanor
38. Iggy: short and cute
39. Jewel: small and precious
40. Koko: sweet and simple
41. Lily: delicate flower (honorary)
42. Mochi: soft and round
43. Nunu: affectionate term
44. Pippin: small apple (honorary)
45. Ribbon: delicate and pretty
46. Sunny: bright and cheerful
47. Tilly: sweet and endearing
48. Winnie: gentle and sweet
49. Zuzu: playful and cute
50. Boo: endearing term

Good Bison Names

For those seeking names that are simply well-suited to their bison, these good bison names offer a range of strong, nature-inspired, and fitting options. These selections are ideal for a bison with a noble or dependable character.

1. Atlas: strong bearer
2. Boulder: large and sturdy
3. Clifford: strong and steady
4. Dakota: friend (Sioux)
5. Echo: resonant sound
6. Forrest: of the woods
7. Granite: strong rock
8. Horizon: vast expanse
9. Iron: strong metal
10. Jasper: strong gemstone
11. King: ruler
12. Lodge: sturdy dwelling
13. Major: of high rank
14. North: direction of the plains
15. Oak: strong tree
16. Pilot: leader
17. Ridge: elevated land
18. Sierra: mountain range
19. Stone: strong material
20. Timber: strong wood
21. Valor: courage
22. Winston: joy stone
23. Yukon: great river
24. Zephyr: gentle wind
25. Angus: strong
26. Baron: noble
27. Chief: leader
28. Dusty: of the plains
29. Eagle: powerful bird
30. Flint: strong rock
31. Glen: secluded valley
32. Hawk: keen-eyed bird
33. Indy: wild spirit
34. Kodiak: large bear (honorary)
35. Lobo: wolf (honorary)
36. Mesa: flat-topped hill
37. Nova: bright star
38. Onyx: strong black stone
39. Prairie: grassland
40. Ranger: protector
41. Scout: explorer
42. Titan: powerful being
43. Ukon: thunder god (honorary)
44. Viking: strong warrior
45. Wyatt: brave in war
46. Xanto: golden
47. Yogi: wise one (honorary)
48. Zane: God’s gracious gift
49. Arrow: straight and true
50. Blaze: strong fire

Male Bison Names

For those welcoming a male bison into their herd, these names often reflect their strength, size, and commanding presence. These selections are ideal for a bull with a powerful or noble character.

1. Angus: one choice, often associated with strong cattle
2. Baron: nobleman, signifying dominance
3. Brutus: heavy, dull, suggesting strength
4. Chief: leader, head of the herd
5. Duke: leader, noble rank
6. Goliath: giant, reflecting size
7. Iron: strong metal, symbolizing resilience
8. King: ruler, head of the herd
9. Magnus: great, signifying size and power
10. Odin: chief Norse god, powerful figure
11. Ragnar: warrior, judgment, suggesting strength
12. Thor: Norse god of thunder, powerful
13. Titan: giant, powerful being
14. Atlas: bearer of the heavens, strong
15. Bear: powerful animal of the same region (honorary)
16. Claw: strong feature of predators (honorary)
17. Fang: another strong feature (honorary)
18. Grizzly: powerful bear (honorary)
19. Hawk: strong bird of prey (honorary)
20. Jaguar: powerful feline (honorary)
21. Lion: king of beasts (honorary)
22. Panther: powerful feline (honorary)
23. Stag: strong male deer (honorary)
24. Tiger: powerful feline (honorary)
25. Wolf: strong pack animal (honorary)
26. Bandit: strong and roguish
27. Cannon: powerful force
28. Colossus: immense size
29. Dynamo: powerful generator
30. Emperor: supreme ruler
31. Gladiator: strong warrior
32. Hercules: mythological hero of strength
33. Juggernaut: massive force
34. Kaiser: emperor
35. Maverick: strong and independent
36. Paladin: strong defender
37. Rampage: powerful rush
38. Sultan: powerful ruler
39. Talon: strong claw (honorary)
40. Vanguard: leading force
41. Warrior: strong fighter
42. Zealot: strong and passionate
43. Apex: highest point, signifying dominance
44. Commander: one in charge
45. Dominator: one who rules
46. Frontier: strong and untamed
47. Guardian: strong protector
48. Landmark: strong symbol
49. Overlord: supreme ruler
50. Pioneer: strong leader

Female Bison Names

For those welcoming a female bison into their herd, these names often reflect their strength, nurturing nature, and connection to the land. These selections are ideal for a cow with a strong yet gentle character.

1. Dakota: friend (Sioux, can be gender-neutral)
2. Luna: moon, often associated with feminine energy
3. Prairie: grassland, their natural habitat
4. Willow: graceful and strong tree
5. Aurora: dawn, beautiful and strong
6. Sierra: mountain range, powerful landscape
7. River: flowing and life-giving
8. Sky: vast and powerful
9. Terra: earth, grounding and strong
10. Windy: evoking the powerful winds of the plains
11. Amber: warm and strong gemstone
12. Aspen: strong and resilient tree
13. Blossom: beautiful and strong
14. Cedar: strong and enduring tree
15. Dawn: beginning, full of potential
16. Echo: strong and resonant
17. Forrest: of the woods, strong and natural
18. Glacier: powerful and enduring ice
19. Hazel: strong and beautiful tree
20. Ivy: strong and clinging vine
21. Juniper: strong and resilient shrub
22. Lark: strong-voiced bird
23. Maple: strong and beautiful tree
24. Nova: bright and powerful star
25. Opal: strong and beautiful gemstone
26. Raven: strong and intelligent bird
27. Sage: wise and strong herb
28. Skylar: of the sky, vast and strong
29. Stella: star, bright and strong
30. Violet: beautiful and resilient flower
31. Wren: small but strong bird
32. Yarrow: strong and healing plant
33. Zephyr: gentle but persistent wind
34. Blaze: strong flame
35. Crystal: clear and strong
36. Diamond: strong and precious gemstone
37. Echo: strong and resonant sound
38. Flame: strong and vibrant
39. Garnet: deep red and strong gemstone
40. Haven: strong place of refuge
41. Indigo: deep and strong color
42. Jade: strong and precious stone
43. Lyric: strong and expressive
44. Mystic: strong and enigmatic
45. Nexus: strong central point
46. Onyx: strong black stone
47. Pulse: strong rhythmic beat
48. Radiant: strong and shining
49. Serene: strong and peaceful
50. Twilight: strong and beautiful time

Pet Bison Names

For those who have a particularly tame or beloved bison, these pet bison names offer a range of endearing and affectionate options. These selections are perfect for a bison that feels like a member of the family.

1. Buddy: friendly companion
2. Patches: for unique markings
3. Snuggles: affectionate term
4. Sweetheart: loving term
5. Tank: large but loved
6. Biscuit: comforting and sweet
7. Fuzzball: fluffy and round
8. Honeybun: sweet and round
9. Nugget: small and precious
10. Pumpkin: round and warm
11. Teddy: soft and cuddly (honorary)
12. Waffles: textured and loved
13. Angel: sweet and gentle
14. Boo: endearing term
15. Cupcake: sweet and small (relatively)
16. Dumpling: round and loved
17. Fido: classic pet name (honorary)
18. Giggles: happy sound
19. Hugs: affectionate term
20. Jojo: playful and sweet
21. Koko: simple and sweet
22. Lovie: affectionate term
23. Muffin: small and sweet
24. Nunu: affectionate term
25. Oreo: black and white markings
26. Peaches: sweet and soft
27. Snouty: affectionate for their nose
28. Sprinkles: for unique markings
29. Tater Tot: small and round
30. Wiggles: for their movements
31. Babe: gentle and beloved
32. Bubba: affectionate term for a large one
33. Cuddles: fond of affection
34. Doodle: unique and cute
35. Fluffy: soft coat
36. Gus: friendly and approachable
37. Happy: cheerful demeanor
38. Izzy: short and sweet
39. Jumbo: large and loved
40. Kisser: affectionate
41. Lovey: loving term
42. Marshmallow: soft and white (or light)
43. Nibbles: gentle eater
44. Patty: for unique markings
45. Roscoe: friendly sound
46. Scooter: moves around a lot
47. Snuggler: enjoys cuddling
48. Tootsie: sweet and cute
49. Winston: friendly and strong
50. Ziggy: energetic and unique

American Bison Names

For those who want to celebrate the iconic status of the American bison, these names directly reference their heritage, the landscapes they roam, and their significance to the United States. These selections are perfect for a bison that embodies the spirit of America.

1. America: straightforward
2. Dakota: US state and tribal name
3. Montana: US state
4. Wyoming: US state
5. Kansas: US state
6. Nebraska: US state
7. Colorado: US state
8. Texas: US state
9. Plains: their natural habitat
10. West: the American West
11. Freedom: symbol of America
12. Liberty: American ideal
13. Heritage: American heritage
14. Spirit: American spirit
15. Pride: American pride
16. Eagle: American national bird (honorary)
17. Buffalo Nickel: US currency
18. Frontier: American frontier
19. Homestead: American history
20. Land: American land
21. Nation: United States
22. Pioneer: American pioneers
23. Ranger: protectors of American lands
24. Sentinel: watchful over American lands
25. Trail: American trails
26. Union: United States
27. Yankee: American term
28. Acadia: US National Park
29. Antelope: American plains animal (honorary)
30. Badlands: US National Park
31. Canyon: American landscape
32. Everglades: US National Park
33. Glacier: US National Park
34. Grand Teton: US National Park
35. Yellowstone: US National Park
36. Zion: US National Park
37. Appalachia: US mountain range
38. Cascade: US mountain range
39. Denali: US National Park (Alaska)
40. Mojave: US desert
41. Olympia: US National Park
42. Shenandoah: US National Park
43. Smoky: Great Smoky Mountains NP
44. Acadia: US National Park
45. Arches: US National Park
46. Bryce: US National Park
47. Carlsbad: US National Park
48. Crater Lake: US National Park
49. Death Valley: US National Park
50. Joshua Tree: US National Park

Read More About Cow Names

Conclusion

Bison are strong, majestic creatures that deserve names as bold and unique as they are. Whether you’re naming a real-life bison, a character, a stuffed animal, or simply having fun, this guide offers a wide variety of name ideas—from funny and cute to noble and wild. With inspirations ranging from famous bison in pop culture to names rooted in nature and heritage, you’re sure to find one that captures the spirit of your bison perfectly. Don’t forget to explore the generator in this article if you need a little extra help landing on the right name!

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