Maynard

Maynard is both a surname and a given name of English origin. As a given name, it has long been used in English-speaking countries and continues to occur as a first or middle name. The etymology is not certain, but it is generally associated with Old French or Germanic roots and is commonly interpreted as meaning something akin to “manly” or “brave” and “hardy.” As a surname, Maynard appears in English genealogies and has spread to other regions through migration and settlement.

Notable people with the given name Maynard include Maynard James Keenan (born 1964), an American musician known for his work with the bands Tool and A Perfect Circle. The name also appears as a middle name in John Maynard Keynes (1883–1946), the influential British economist, illustrating its cross-cutting use in various forms of naming.

Geographically, Maynard is used as a place name in the United States, most prominently Maynard, Massachusetts, a town in Middlesex County.

In cultural and contemporary contexts, the name Maynard appears in various fictional characters and in brand or corporate name references, reflecting its enduring presence in naming practices.