The name Maynard is of Old German origin,. When used as a first name is supposed to mean hard strength or brave and is a name reserved for boys. The word is pronounced as MAY-nerd. The name is also used as a surname and in this role is believed to have been derived from the first name of the same spelling. It generally conveys the same meaning and was brought over to England by the Normans during their conquest. Several famous people bore this name including Maynard Ferguson a jazz trumpeter of legendary standing, Don Maynard a football player from America, Bill Maynard a British comedian etc. There are also three distinct places in Massachusetts, Arkansas and Minnesota called Maynard.