Maverick
Maverick is a boy name of American English origin meaning “Independent, unbranded”, pronounced MAV-rik. It ranked #49 in the United States in 2025, given to 5,894 babies, and peaked at #36 in 2024. Common nicknames: Mav, Rick.
How popular is Maverick in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Maverick mean, and where does it come from?
Maverick originated from the surname of Samuel Augustus Maverick, a 19th-century Texas rancher and politician who famously refused to brand his cattle, leading his name to become a generic term for anything unmarked or independent. Over the 20th century, "maverick" evolved into common English vocabulary describing an unorthodox, independent thinker who resists conformity. Its adoption as a given name accelerated dramatically after Tom Cruise's character "Maverick" in the 1986 film Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, cementing the name's association with boldness, individuality, and cool confidence. It has become one of the fastest-rising boy names in America in the past decade.
How is Maverick used around the world?
Maverick is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Maverick?
Famous People Named Maverick
- Samuel Augustus Maverick — Texas rancher and politician who inspired the word
- Maverick (Pete Mitchell) — character played by Tom Cruise in Top Gun
- Maverick Vinales — Spanish MotoGP racer
Similar Names to Maverick
If you like Maverick, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Maverick
Looking for names that pair well with Maverick? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Maverick mean?
Maverick is a boy name of American English origin meaning "Independent, unbranded." Maverick originated from the surname of Samuel Augustus Maverick, a 19th-century Texas rancher and politician who famously refused to brand his cattle, leading his name to become a generic term for anything unmarked or independent. Over the 20th century, "maverick" evolved into common English vocabulary describing an unorthodox, independent thinker who resists conformity.
How do you pronounce Maverick?
Maverick is pronounced MAV-rik. Common variations include Maverik, Maveric, Mavrick.
Is Maverick a boy name?
Yes, Maverick is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Mav, Rick.
