Maverick is an English name meaning an unbranded range animal, carrying connotations of individuality and stubborn independence. Parents searching through meanings of popular baby names frequently gravitate toward Maverick for its bold sound and adventurous spirit. Originally recognized as an English family name, it made a major transition to the first-name charts in the middle of the twentieth century. Today, it stands as a prominent choice for families who want a moniker that feels both grounded and spirited.
Meaning and Origin of Maverick
Maverick is both a surname and a male given name that represents a transferred use of the British surname. The surname dates as far back as the 1500s in Devon, England. Its meaning is a matter of conjecture, with connections to the name Maurice being unprovable.
In wider usage, a maverick is a term used for an unbranded range animal. This term reportedly originated with Texas financier Samuel Maverick, a rancher who neglected to brand cattle he received as repayment for a debt. Because of this background, the name carries strong connotations of individuality and stubborn independence.
The name has also been popularized across popular culture, including sports teams. Television viewers became familiar with the moniker through Bret Maverick, the title character of the 1957 to 1962 television series Maverick. It gained further global recognition through movie characters such as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell from the 1986 film Top Gun and its 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
Pronunciation of Maverick
Maverick is most commonly pronounced with three syllables as MAV-er-ik. The first syllable rhymes with have, the second syllable rhymes with her, and the third syllable rhymes with pick. Stress falls naturally on the first syllable.
In casual conversation, many English speakers shorten the name to two syllables, pronouncing it as MAV-rik. In this shorter version, the first syllable rhymes with have, and the second syllable rhymes with tick.
Popularity in the United States
The name Maverick first appears on the national charts in 1957, having not been in the list in 1950. Use remained rare for decades, with the name ranking at number 3,195 with 14 babies in 1980, rising to number 864 with 184 babies in 2000, and reaching number 507 with 509 babies in 2010. Momentum surged over the next decade as Maverick climbed to number 50 with 6,139 babies in 2020, eventually achieving its peak rank of number 36 in 2024. By 2025, Maverick held rank number 49 with 5,894 babies, bringing the total number of US boys given the name since 1957 to 70,604. Across all years of use, Maverick has been most often given to boys, while about 1.1% were girls.
| Year | US rank (boys) | Babies named Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | not in the list | – |
| 1980 | #3,195 | 14 |
| 2000 | #864 | 184 |
| 2010 | #507 | 509 |
| 2020 | #50 | 6,139 |
| 2025 | #49 | 5,894 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames for Maverick
Parents who choose Maverick often use short forms that match the energy of the full name. Common nicknames include:
- Mav: A concise, single-syllable short form.
- Mave: A smooth variation with a softer finish.
- Rick: A straightforward diminutive drawn from the final syllable.
- Ricky: A playful, approachable option that works well for children.
- Mavy: An affectionate and upbeat short form.
Famous People Named Maverick
Several notable public figures carry Maverick as their personal name:
- Maverick Carter: An American sports marketing executive, media producer, and chief executive who directs prominent entertainment initiatives.
- Maverick Viñales: A Spanish motorcycle racer who won the 2013 Moto3 World Championship and competes in the MotoGP championship.
- Maverick McNealy: An American professional golfer who competed in collegiate golf at Stanford University before joining the PGA Tour.
Middle and Sibling Names
Handsome middle names for Maverick include James, Cole, Alexander, Chase, and Roman.
Complementary sibling names include Savannah, Wyatt, Hazel, Silas, and Ezra.
FAQ
In what year did the name Maverick first appear for American newborns?
The name Maverick first appeared for American newborns in 1957. It was not on the national charts in 1950, making 1957 its inaugural year of measurement for newborn boys in the United States.
How many American boys have been named Maverick in total?
A total of 70,604 American boys have received the name Maverick since 1957. That count covers every boy given the name over that entire period, during which about 1.1% of children with the name were girls.
How does Maverick’s highest ranking compare with its latest position?
Maverick reached its peak rank of number 36 in 2024, compared to its latest position of number 49 in 2025. In that latest year, 5,894 baby boys received the name, keeping it firmly near the top fifty nationwide.
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