'cowboy-inspired' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound of the noun 'cowboy' and the adjective 'inspired'. 'cowboy' comes from American English (a compound of 'cow' + 'boy'), and 'inspired' traces to Latin 'inspirare' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'spirare' meant 'to breathe'.

'cowboy' emerged in 19th-century American English as a compound of 'cow' + 'boy' referring to cattle herders; 'inspired' entered English via Latin 'inspirare' through Old French and Middle English (e.g. Middle English 'inspiren') to become modern 'inspire'. The compound 'cowboy-inspired' is a modern descriptive formation combining these elements.

Originally, 'inspire' literally meant 'to breathe into' (Latin), later developing the figurative sense 'to influence or fill with a creative or motivating quality.' In the compound 'cowboy-inspired,' the sense has evolved to mean 'influenced by cowboy/Western style or mood.'