"unbranded calf, one who doesn't follow the herd"
Origin: American English
Language: English
Maverick
Pronunciation: [ m-AV-er-ihk ]
Girl Name
#2,218 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A name that literally means 'refuses to be branded'
American
English
Australian
Bold
Modern
Unique
Playful
Strong
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the 1986 film Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, cementing a hyper-masculine image that may feel odd on girls for some parents
The Story of Maverick
Maverick is an Americanism derived from Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803–1870), a Texas lawyer and cattle rancher who famously refused to brand his cattle. Neighboring ranchers began calling any unbranded calf a 'maverick,' and by extension, the word evolved to mean any independent-minded person who refuses to conform to the rules. It's one of the rare names that came from a real person's quirky behavior becoming part of the language.
Maverick has been rising sharply as a given name since the 2010s, especially for boys, but is increasingly crossing over to girls as parents embrace word-names with attitude. The Top Gun franchise and cowboy chic aesthetic have kept it in the cultural spotlight.
In American culture, the 'maverick' archetype — the lone wolf, the self-reliant outsider — is a deeply romantic ideal tied to frontier mythology. Naming a daughter Maverick is a bold statement about independent spirit and refusal to be defined by convention.
Fun Facts
- The word 'maverick' entered the English language directly from a real Texas rancher who lived in the 1800s
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) was the highest-grossing film in Tom Cruise's career
- Samuel Maverick's grandson was the U.S. Congressman Maury Maverick, who coined the word 'gobbledygook'
Maverick in Other Languages
French
Maverick
German
Maverick
Spanish
Maverick
Japanese
マーヴェリック
Portuguese
Maverick
Famous People Named Maverick
S
Samuel Augustus Maverick
Other
1803
Texas rancher and politician whose refusal to brand cattle gave the English language a new word
P
Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell Fictional
Other
Tom Cruise's iconic fictional naval aviator in Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
B
Brett Maverick Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the classic 1957 Western TV series Maverick, a charming, reluctant gunfighter
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,218
- Total SSA Count
- 85
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mav
Mavvy
Ricki
Pairs Well With
Maverick Rose
Maverick Jane
Maverick Lee
Maverick Skye
Maverick Grace
Maverick Reese
Maverick Blake
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Maverick is also used as a boy name, ranked #36.
View Maverick as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (American)
Playground Safety
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maverick
What does the name Maverick mean?
"unbranded calf, one who doesn't follow the herd" (from American English). Maverick is an Americanism derived from Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803–1870), a Texas lawyer and cattle rancher who famously refused to brand his cattle. Neighboring ranchers began calling any unbranded calf a 'maverick,' and by extension, the word evolved to mean any independent-minded person who refuses to conform to the rules. It's one of the rare names that came from a real person's quirky behavior becoming part of the language.
What is the origin of the name Maverick?
Maverick has American English, American, English, and Australian origins. In American English, it means "unbranded calf, one who doesn't follow the herd".
Is Maverick a boy or girl name?
Maverick is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2218. As a boy name, it is ranked #36. Maverick is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Maverick?
Maverick is pronounced m-AV-er-ihk.
How popular is the name Maverick?
Maverick is currently ranked #2218 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maverick?
Common nicknames for Maverick include Mav, Mavvy, and Ricki.
What are good middle names for Maverick?
Popular middle name pairings include Maverick Rose, Maverick Jane, Maverick Lee, Maverick Skye, Maverick Grace, Maverick Reese, and Maverick Blake.
What are good sibling names for Maverick?
Names that pair well with Maverick as siblings include Rebel, Harlow, Jett, Ryder, Piper, Phoenix, Scout, and Crew.
How many syllables does Maverick have?
Maverick has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Maverick a common or rare name?
Maverick is an uncommon name, ranked #2218 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Maverick
Maverick is a girl name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "unbranded calf, one who doesn't follow the herd" in American English .
Is Maverick a boy or girl name? Maverick is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,218 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #36. Maverick is more commonly used as a boy name.
Maverick is currently ranked #2,218 in popularity for girl 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, Mavvy, and Ricki. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maverick include Maven, Mavery . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.