What does Maynard mean and where does it come from?
Maynard is traditionally a male name but has seen some adoption as a female name in modern times, particularly in the United States. The name's origins trace back to Old German, where 'may' refers to strength and 'hard' means brave. Maynard has a historical context, with notable figures bearing the
Cultural significance
Maynard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of brave strength.
Peak popularity
Reached #4282 in 1919 — currently #1054 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maynard?
Maynard works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maynard Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maynard Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maynard Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maynard Claire
French influence · crisp
Maynard Jane
Literary · strong
Maynard Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maynard right now?
Holding steady — currently #1054 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1054 | 1,146 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1059 | 1,126 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1064 | 1,096 | ▲ up 3512 · +21820% births |
| 1930 | #4576 | 5 | ▼ down 160 · -17% births |
| 1920 | #4416 | 6 | — |
The story of Maynard
Maynard entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. A total of 14,876 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4416 in 1920 to #1054 in 2023. Maynard is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maynard in 1919:
Maynard by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 69 | |
| 1890s | 176 | |
| 1900s | 316 | |
| 1910s | 2,273 | |
| 1920s ★ | 3,658 | |
| 1930s | 3,102 | |
| 1940s | 2,092 | |
| 1950s | 1,305 | |
| 1960s | 671 | |
| 1970s | 416 | |
| 1980s | 253 | |
| 1990s | 181 | |
| 2000s | 191 | |
| 2010s | 156 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
What are good nicknames for Maynard?
What names sound and feel like Maynard?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maynard also consider these
How is Maynard written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maynard
What does the name Maynard mean?
Maynard means "Brave strength" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Maynard?
Maynard is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Maynard?
Maynard originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Maynard?
Maynard is a two-syllable name pronounced M EY1 N ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maynard a common or rare name?
Maynard is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.