Major is an English given name that often causes confusion with the military rank of the same name. While the rank evokes authority and hierarchy, the name Major has a distinct etymological origin. It is primarily derived from the English surname Major, which itself originated from the given name Mauger. Mauger is a Norman French form of the Germanic name Malger, meaning "council spear". However, due to its identical spelling and pronunciation to the military rank, the name is also sometimes chosen purely for its prestigious association with the rank.