Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Bronco since 1960
Babies named Bronco per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 8 |
| 2010s | 42 |
| 2020s | 68 |
Meaning & origin
Bronco is a rare American name drawn from the Spanish word for a wild horse. First recorded in 1960, it peaked in popularity in 2022, but remains extremely uncommon: in 2025 it ranked 6,143rd, with only about 1 in 122,005 boys receiving the name. Its trajectory has been stable over recent years, never gaining widespread use. The name carries a distinctly Western, rugged feel, appealing to parents looking for an outdoorsy or cowboy-inspired name. It has no strong ties to any particular region, appearing sporadically across the country without a dominant state.
Bronco derives directly from the Spanish word 'bronco,' meaning 'rough' or 'wild,' used in the American West to describe an untamed horse. As a given name, it likely emerged in the mid-20th century, reflecting a Western or cowboy-themed naming style. It remains rare and strongly associated with a rugged, outdoorsy image.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bron, Bronc
Variants: Bronko
Sibling names for Bronco
Names that share Bronco's style, for a brother or sister.
