The Art of Naming: Middle Names for Maverick

You might be tempted to think of a card shark or the movie Top Gun when you think of the name Maverick, and for good reason. The two movies brought a lot of popularity to the name, and while the movies were entirely different, both characters shared one similar attribute which actually went hand-in-hand with their names. For those in love with the name, what is a good middle name for Maverick? To aid you, it might help to know more about the name first.

Name Meaning

The name Maverick is an English name meaning independent, but it was coined after an American cattle rancher in the 1800s refused to brand his cattle, despite all the surrounding ranchers choosing to do so. Because of this, a person with the name of Maverick, like the characters in the two movies, is almost expected to go against the grain and refuse to conform.

In the beginning, Maverick was more of a term than a name. Calling a person a maverick was essentially labeling them as a sort of rebel. In fact, in the movie Top Gun, Tom Cruise’s character was nicknamed Maverick due to his rebellious and wild flying style.

In recent years, movies and pop culture have allowed Maverick to transcend from its humble beginnings as a mere adjective into a name that can perfectly capture the essence of a free-spirit. Due to this influence, the name has risen drastically in popularity in recent years, rising from the 507th spot in 2010 to the 70th in 2018.

With such a strong social impression behind the name, how do you choose a middle name for Maverick?

Wild Western Style

Since Maverick originated in Western America, a name that originated or was commonly used during that time period and location would naturally work together very well.

Many names used during the “Wild West” era of American history were Biblical names, and some, like the name Colt, were drawn from the daily lives of Western settlers. 

Combinations like Maverick Colt, Maverick Jacob, Maverick Levi, Maverick Bronson, Maverick Clint, and Maverick Zane work well because the middle names have fewer syllables than the three-syllable Maverick.

If your last name is one with more syllables, choosing a shorter middle name may make for less of a mouthful when announcing your baby, but if your last name is shorter, names like Maverick Remington, Maverick Winchester, or even Maverick Augustus might be a good choice.

Modern “Country” Style

Maybe you like the country sound that the name Maverick gives, but would like to make it more modern by using another, more modern-sounding Southern or Western name.

Similar to the names from above, names with three or fewer syllables work well with the name Maverick. 

Names like Maverick Sawyer, Maverick Ryder, Maverick Lee, Maverick Carter, Maverick Austin, Maverick Kaine, Maverick Cash, or Maverick Gage might be good options.

If you are looking for a longer middle name, consider Maverick Weston, Maverick Paxton, or Maverick Killian.

Independence Style

Because the name Maverick means independent, choosing a name whose meaning relates to that idea is another interesting way to name your baby.

Names like Maverick Cayden, Maverick Alexander, Maverick Ethan, Maverick Wyatt, Maverick Boone, Maverick Emory, Maverick Duke, Maverick Garrett, Maverick Andrew, Maverick Lowell, or Maverick Neal might be a good choice. All of the meanings of these names correspond to strong character traits that associate well with independence.

Maverick Alexander, for example, would be “Independent Defender of Man,” and Maverick Duke would be “Independent Leader.”

While many parents still choose to name their children based on the way a name sounds, more and more parents are also looking to instill their children with names that can give them a sense of pride as well as a sense of self, which may be possible by giving their children names that hold a deep meaning.

Family Style

Nothing can hold a deeper or truer meaning to a parent or child than knowing that they were named after a loved one.

Whether sharing the name of a father, grandfather, uncle, or even a very close friend, giving your child the middle name of a loved one is a wonderful way to show how much you care for both parties. 

If he shares the name with his father, it can instill a deeper bond between the two of them, and if named after another loved one, your child can enjoy hearing the tales of why you chose to name him after his relative.

Giving a family name isn’t necessary to create a strong family bond with your child, but providing a backstory on a family name can give your child a glance at the history of his family and can help shape his future.

Conclusion

There are so many potential matches that can work with a strong name like Maverick, and many even offer the opportunity to transcend the “sounding cool” parts of naming by providing a deeper, more meaningful middle name. Whichever way you choose to go, Maverick is the perfect name for an independent, free-spirited child.