Maverick is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin, derived from the Spanish word "maverick", which originally referred to an unbranded calf or yearling that had become separated from its mother. The term was popularized in the United States by Western cattle culture during the late 19th century.
The name Maverick gained significant popularity following the release of the film "Top Gun" in 1986, which featured a character named Maverick played by Tom Cruise. Although the film did not originate the name, it brought it to widespread attention and contributed to its rise in usage as a given name in the years that followed.
Prior to its appearance in popular culture, Maverick was rarely used as a personal name. However, since the 1980s, it has become increasingly popular, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Maverick entered the top 1000 baby names for boys in the United States in 2006 and has continued to rise in popularity ever since.
The meaning of the name Maverick is often associated with independence, uniqueness, and nonconformity, reflecting its origins as a term used to describe unbranded cattle. This interpretation has contributed to its appeal as a given name, particularly for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
In summary, Maverick is an American given name of Spanish origin that gained popularity following its appearance in popular culture. Its meaning is often associated with independence and uniqueness, reflecting its historical use as a term describing unbranded cattle. Despite its recent rise in usage, Maverick remains a distinctive and uncommon name, setting it apart from more traditional options.
The statistics show a significant increase in the popularity of the name Maverick over time in the United States. From only five babies being named Maverick in 2006, this number grew steadily year by year, reaching a peak of 98 births each in both 2021 and 2022. This consistent rise indicates that more parents are choosing the name Maverick for their newborns, suggesting that it has become quite popular in recent years.
Additionally, when considering the total number of babies named Maverick since 2006 up to 2023 (625), we can see that this name has been chosen a considerable amount of times. This popularity is further evidenced by the fact that there were more than 90 births each year for Maverick between 2018 and 2022 inclusive.
While it's important to note that these statistics only reflect births in the United States, they nonetheless provide valuable insight into the growing trend of parents choosing the name Maverick for their children. It is likely that this popularity will continue into the future as more babies are named Maverick each year.