The name carries a distinct energy: it is energetic, brave, and unwilling to follow the herd. While it owes some of its current stratospheric rise to Tom Cruise’s return to the cockpit, it stands on its own as a strong choice for a leader.
Verdict: Maverick is a high-flying choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “cool factor” of names like Jett or Ace but with the substance and history of a classic surname. It is perfect for parents who want to raise a child who confidently blazes their own trail.
Maverick Overview
- Meaning: Maverick means non-conformist or wildly individual.
- Gender: The name can be given to both, but it is primarily male.
- Origin: After Samuel Maverick refused to follow the norms of his time, rule-breakers became known as mavericks. The film Mavericks increased the name’s popularity.
- Pronunciation: Maverick is pronounced “MAV-rik.”
- Popularity: Maverick is very popular in the United States but not in other countries.
- Nicknames: Eric, Mac, Mav, Mavy, Ricky
- Variations: Mavrick, Maveric, Maverik, Maveryck, Maveryc, Maveryk, Mavryk
- Namesakes: Maverick Carter, a personal friend of Lebron James.
What Does Maverick Mean?
At its core, the name Maverick represents “wild independence” and “non-conformity.” Unlike ancient names derived from virtues like “strength” or “grace,” Maverick is a vocabulary word turned into a name. It specifically refers to an independent-minded person who refuses to follow the customs or rules of a group.
The definition carries a sense of free-spirited autonomy. It is not just about breaking rules for the sake of it; it is about charting a unique path. In American English, calling someone a “maverick” implies they are a trailblazer, an innovator, and a free thinker (1).
Where Does the Name Maverick Come From?
Maverick is a prime example of last names as first names. Its etymology is fascinating because it can be traced back to a single historical figure: Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803, 1870).
Samuel Maverick was a Texas land baron, signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and a rancher. Unusually for the time, he refused to brand his cattle. There are conflicting theories on why he did this, some say it was humanitarian, while others suggest he was simply uninterested in ranching. Regardless of the reason, unbranded calves found on the range came to be known as “mavericks.”
Over time, the term migrated from cattle to people. By the late 19th century, a “maverick” was any person who roamed apart from the herd.
As for the surname Maverick itself, it likely predates Samuel. One theory suggests it has Welsh roots, potentially derived from “mawr rwyce,” meaning “great hero.” Another theory links it to the Hebrew word “maberiq,” meaning “shiny” or “brilliant,” though the Texas cattle origin is the direct source of its usage as a given name today.
How Popular is the Name Maverick?
Maverick is currently a “Modern Hit.” If you look at the trajectory of this name, it is nothing short of a vertical takeoff.
Before the mid-20th century, the name was virtually unheard of as a first name. It began to see a very slow trickle of usage in the late 1950s due to the TV western Maverick. However, the name truly entered the American consciousness in 1986 with the release of the movie Top Gun.
In recent years, Maverick has graduated from a “cool, rare middle name” to a mainstream favorite. It broke into the Top 100 in the U.S. in 2017 and has continued to climb, fueled by a general trend toward “cowboy cool” names and the massive success of the 2022 film sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. It is no longer an obscure choice; it is a defining name of this generation.
How Do I Pronounce Maverick?
The phonetic pronunciation is “MAV-er-ik.”
However, in casual American speech, the middle syllable is almost always dropped or swallowed, resulting in a two-syllable pronunciation: “MAV-rik.”
Is Maverick a Boy or Girl Name?
Maverick is overwhelmingly used as a boy’s name. It ranks highly on male popularity charts and carries a traditionally masculine, rugged “Western” energy.
That said, the trend of using traditionally masculine surnames for girls is rising. While rare, you will occasionally see a baby girl named Maverick, perhaps nicknamed “Mavi” or “Mae.” Currently, however, over 98% of babies given this name are boys.
Variations of Maverick
Because Maverick is an English surname turned vocabulary word, it does not have traditional variations in other languages (like Juan for John). However, modern parents have created several spelling variations to differentiate their child’s name.
- Mavrick: A streamlined American spelling that matches the phonetic pronunciation.
- Maverik: A common variation, sometimes associated with the gas station chain in the Western U.S.
- Mavric: A shortened version appearing in English and American records.
- Mavrik: A sharp, modern spelling.
Nicknames for Maverick
One of the best features of this name is the potential for cool, punchy nicknames.
- Mav: The most common and effortless short form.
- Rick: A classic option hidden at the end of the name.
- Ricky: A playful, younger variation.
- Mavi: A softer, affectionate nickname, sometimes used for girls or young toddlers.
- Ace: A creative nickname playing on the “pilot” connection.
- Tex: A nod to the name’s origin in the Lone Star State.
Names Similar to Maverick
If you love the vibe of Maverick but want to explore other options, consider these names that share a similar rugged, adventurous, or stylistic appeal.
- Avery: Shares the phonetic “v” sound but feels softer and more unisex.
- Eric: A classic Nordic name that forms the ending sound of Maverick.
- Maddox: Shares the strong “M” start and “X” ending energy; a very popular modern alternative.
- Phoenix: Like Maverick, this is a high-energy word name with a cool “X” factor.
- Sawyer: Another surname-as-first-name with a distinct Mark Twain/Americana literary vibe.
- Ryder: Captures the same active, on-the-move spirit.
- Gunner: A slightly more aggressive occupational name that appeals to similar parents.
- Wilder: A preppy-meets-outdoorsy name that shares the “untamed” meaning.
- Axel: A rock-and-roll name that carries the same “cool kid” weight.
Middle Names for Maverick
Because Maverick is a three-syllable powerhouse, it pairs best with middle names that ground it.
Classic & Strong
These names provide a timeless anchor to the modern first name.
Short & Punchy
One-syllable names create a rhythmic “hero” sound when paired with Maverick.
- Maverick Jett
- Maverick Jude
- Maverick Fox
- Maverick Cole
- Maverick Zane
Nature & Place Names
Lean into the cowboy/rancher vibe with these earthy choices.
Sibling Names for Maverick
If you have a Maverick, you need sibling names that can hold their own. You generally want names that feel modern, American, and slightly spirited.
For a Brother
- Levi: A biblical name that has become a cowboy classic.
- Finn: Short, energetic, and adventurous.
- Zane: Shares the Western author connection (Zane Grey).
- Wyatt: Perhaps the perfect brother name for Maverick; it screams Wild West lawman.
- Maddox: Shares the modern, edgy consonant sounds.
- Waylon: A musical outlaw name that pairs perfectly.
For a Sister
- Madison: A surname name that mirrors Maverick’s “M” sound and popularity.
- Eleanor: A vintage choice that offers a sophisticated contrast.
- Lila: Short and feminine, providing a nice balance to the longer Maverick.
- Josephine: A classic name with spunky nicknames (Joey, Josie) that fit the vibe.
- Victoria: A strong, royal name that stands up well next to a bold brother.
- Harper: Like Maverick, this is a surname that has become a modern staple.
Famous People Named Maverick
While the name is booming now, there are already several notable figures and celebrity children sporting the name.
- Maverick Carter: An influential American sports-marketing businessman and longtime business partner of LeBron James.
- Maverick McNealy: An American professional golfer, proving the name fits in the country club as well as the ranch.
- Maverick Viñales: A Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle racer, fittingly living life in the fast lane.
- Maverick Sabre: An English-Irish singer-songwriter and rapper known for his soulful voice.
- Maverick Baker: A popular American content creator and TikTok personality.
Maverick in Pop Culture
Pop culture is the primary engine behind this name’s success.
- Pete “Maverick” Mitchell: The protagonist of the films Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022), portrayed by Tom Cruise. This character single-handedly defined the name as “cool pilot.”
- Bret and Bart Maverick: The card-playing brothers from the 1950s TV series Maverick, played by James Garner and Jack Kelly.
- Dallas Mavericks: The NBA team based in Dallas, Texas, often referred to simply as “The Mavs.”
- Maverick: A tactical role-playing character in the X-Men universe (comics and cartoons).
FAQs About the Name Maverick
Is Maverick a Biblical Name?
No, Maverick is not found in the Bible. It is a secular name of English/Welsh origin that originated as a surname and later a vocabulary word for an independent person. If you want a Biblical name with a similar strong sound, you might look at Malachi or Micah.
What Name Is Maverick Short For?
Maverick is a standalone name, not a nickname. It began as a surname and transitioned to a full first name. It is not short for Maurice or Rick, though Rick is sometimes used as a nickname for it.
Is Maverick Positive or Negative?
The name is overwhelmingly positive today. While a “maverick” can technically imply someone who is unmanageable, modern usage celebrates the “innovator” and “free-thinker” aspects of the definition. It suggests leadership rather than rebellion.
What Is a Maverick Personality?
A “maverick personality” describes someone who thinks outside the box. They are often unafraid of controversy, willing to take risks to achieve a goal, and prefer to lead rather than follow the crowd.
Why Is the Name Maverick So Popular Right Now?
The name’s popularity is driven by a “perfect storm” of trends. It fits the “Cowboy/Western” trend (like Wyatt and Dutton), the “Action Hero” trend (like Legend and Ace), and has been heavily influenced by the enduring popularity of the Top Gun movie franchise.
Does Maverick Mean Unbranded Calf?
Technically, yes. In ranching terminology, a maverick is a calf that does not carry a brand. However, when used as a human name, it has evolved to metaphorically mean a person who does not “wear the brand” of society, someone who is unique and independent.
Is Maverick a Good Name for a Girl?
While it is statistically a boy’s name, Maverick can be a bold, edgy choice for a girl. Parents who choose it for a daughter often view it as a virtue name, hoping she will be independent and strong. The nickname “Mavi” also helps soften it for a girl.
What Is the Spanish Version of Maverick?
Because Maverick is an English surname, there is no direct Spanish translation or equivalent. However, the Spanish motorcycle racer Maverick Viñales has helped popularize the name in Spanish-speaking cultures, where it is used in its original English form.
Can Maverick Be a Middle Name?
Absolutely. If you feel Maverick is too bold for a first name, it makes an excellent middle name. It adds a spark of personality to traditional first names, such as William Maverick or James Maverick.
