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Maverick

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAV-er-ik /ˈmæv.ər.ɪk/High

Meaning: An independent-minded, nonconformist individual; originally an unbranded calfHigh

In 30 seconds: An American word name meaning 'independent nonconformist,' derived from Texas cattle rancher Samuel Maverick. It has rapidly entered the U.S. top 50 boys' names.
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Origin HighAmerican English
MeaningAn independent-minded, nonconformist individual; originally an unbranded calf
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 20,417

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719572017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Maverick is a word name derived from the surname of Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803–1870), a Texas politician and rancher. Because he did not brand his cattle, unbranded strays became known as 'mavericks.' The term evolved to mean any independent, unorthodox person who refuses to follow the herd.

As a given name, Maverick was essentially unused before the 21st century. It entered the U.S. top 100 boys' names around 2014 and has climbed to the top 50, driven by the appeal of its bold, independent meaning and cultural associations including the 1986 film Top Gun character.

Did you know? The word 'maverick' entered American English from Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803–1870), a Texas lawyer and rancher who refused to brand his cattle — leading neighboring ranchers to call any unbranded calf a 'maverick.' The word then shifted to mean any independent non-conformist.

Variations

MavrickMaverik

Nicknames

MavMavvyRick

Famous Bearers

  • ★Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803–1870)
    Texas rancher and politician whose name became a common English word.

If you like Maverick…

Wyatt— shares the rugged American Western heritage
Hunter— equally bold nature/occupation word name
Grayson— shares the modern American boys' name energy
Lincoln— another presidential/historical American surname name
Beckett— shares the same adventurous, surname-style modern feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maverick mean?

Maverick is an American word name meaning 'independent nonconformist,' from Texas rancher Samuel Maverick whose unbranded cattle made his name synonymous with independence.

How do you pronounce Maverick?

Maverick is said MAV-er-ik /ˈmæv.ər.ɪk/ — three syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Maverick a boy or girl name?

Maverick is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Maverick?

Maverick entered the U.S. top 50 boys' names by the early 2020s after a rapid climb from obscurity in the 2010s.