maverick

Where does the word "maverick" come from? It comes from English Samuel Maverick, and was adopted directly into English (1880s).

Maverick’s story begins in English: Samuel Maverick meant “a rancher's name.” A Texas rancher who famously left his cattle unbranded, unlike his neighbors. It reached English by 1880s as maverick. Broadened from an unbranded stray calf to any independent-minded person. Today, maverick means an unconventional or independent-minded person who doesn't follow the group.

1. Stage 1 · English · 1840s Samuel Maverick "a rancher's name", a Texas rancher who famously left his cattle unbranded, unlike his neighbors.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1880s maverick "an unconventional, independent-minded person", broadened from an unbranded stray calf to any independent-minded person.