Pronunciation: [ m-AV-er-ihk ]
Born from a Texas rancher, now a symbol of going your own way
"independent thinker, non-conformist"
"unbranded cattle, one who stands alone"
"independent thinker, nonconformist"
"unbranded cattle (etymological origin)"
Maverick derives from the surname of Samuel Augustus Maverick, a 19th-century Texas rancher and lawyer who famously refused to brand his cattle. His unbranded cattle roaming free across the Texas range led neighboring ranchers to call any unbranded or stray animal a 'maverick.' Over time the word became an adjective meaning an independent, unorthodox person who does not follow the crowd — and eventually a given name.
Maverick entered the US top 100 boys' names around 2014 and has been climbing steadily, breaking into the top 40 by 2020. The 2022 release of Top Gun: Maverick starring Tom Cruise gave the name an additional cultural boost. It appeals to parents who want a name that signals their son will forge his own path.
The word 'maverick' has entered the political lexicon to describe independent politicians who don't follow their party line. In American culture, the concept of the maverick — the self-reliant frontier individualist — is a core element of the national mythology.
Athlete
1994
Spanish MotoGP motorcycle racing champion
Business
1980
American businessman and LeBron James's long-time business partner and best friend
Other
1803
Texas rancher and politician whose refusal to brand his cattle gave the English language the word 'maverick'
Other
Tom Cruise's character in the Top Gun films — a rule-breaking, high-flying Navy pilot
Maverick is also used as a girl name, ranked #2218.
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Maverick is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "independent thinker, non-conformist" in American English from Samuel Maverick Texas rancher .
Is Maverick a boy or girl name? Maverick is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #36 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,218. Maverick is more commonly used as a boy name.
Maverick is currently ranked #36 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Maverick has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-AV-er-ihk, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Maverick include Mav. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maverick include Maverik, Maven, Maveric . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.