Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Maverick
BoyAmerican (modern coinage), English· “independent person; from a surname”
- Meaning
- independent person; from a surname
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), English
- Pronunciation
- MAV-ur-ik
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #49
- US babies 2025
- 5,894
- Best rank
- #36 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Maverick
Maverick is an American (modern coinage) and English name that means “independent person; from a surname”.
Maverick comes from the surname of Samuel Maverick, a nineteenth-century Texas lawyer and landowner who was known for not branding his cattle. Unbranded calves came to be called mavericks, and the word soon widened to mean an independent-minded person who goes their own way. As a given name it combines a real surname with that vivid dictionary meaning, and it gained visibility from film and television characters. Maverick sounds bold, adventurous and unconventional, which is exactly why parents choose it. It is a thoroughly American name with an easygoing cowboy edge, and Mav or Rick can serve as nicknames.
Popularity over time
Maverick first appears in US Social Security records in 1957. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 34 different years, starting in 1958. Its best national rank was #36 in 2024, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 7,049 were named Maverick. In 2025, 5,894 babies were named Maverick, and it ranked #49 nationally. That is 159% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,195 in 1980, #864 in 2000, #507 in 2010, and #49 in 2025. Of the 70,604 US boys named Maverick since records began, 56% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 25,964 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ezekiel, Leo, Asher, Kai, and Walker.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maverick ranked highest in South Dakota, Indiana, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #10 | 38 |
| Indiana | #12 | 192 |
| West Virginia | #13 | 55 |
| Montana | #14 | 35 |
| Alaska | #16 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Maverick over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Maverick is usually pronounced MAV-ur-ik, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with M and ends in “-ck”.
Middle names for Maverick
A few middle names that flow with Maverick: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maverick
Similar names
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Lists that include Maverick
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maverick mean?
Maverick is an American (modern coinage) and English name that means “independent person; from a surname”.
What is the origin of the name Maverick?
Maverick has modern American and English roots. Maverick comes from the surname of Samuel Maverick, a nineteenth-century Texas lawyer and landowner who was known for not branding his cattle.
Is Maverick a popular name?
Yes. Maverick ranked #49 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Maverick a boy or girl name?
Maverick is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Maverick over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Maverick?
Maverick is usually pronounced MAV-ur-ik. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings