What does JJ mean in Outer Banks? (Does JJ stand for anything?)

The highly anticipated new season of Outer Banks has arrived, bringing with it a brand new batch of episodes for fans to enjoy as they follow their favorite Pogues on a wild new adventure! Like in past seasons, there is a lot to love about the new season including the amazing new stories and character development for all of our favorite characters.

Among the characters we get to see even more of this season is JJ Maybanks, a fan-favorite character and part of one of the show’s most beloved ships. He is a member of the Pogues, best known for his tough exterior, quick temper, and reckless behavior, but beneath the surface, he is a loyal and caring friend.

JJ’s difficult upbringing, which includes an abusive father, has left him with emotional scars that he struggles to hide. He often turns to reckless behavior as a coping mechanism, but his friends always stand by him and help him through his struggles. JJ’s loyalty and willingness to protect his friends, even at great personal risk, make him a beloved character among fans of the show. Despite his flaws, JJ just wants to do the right thing, and his journey throughout the series is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Fans’ love for the character is one that often leads them eager to know everything there is to know about the character as well as actor Rudy Pankow, who brings JJ to life with his brilliant, scene-stealing performance. Among the questions that fans have found themselves asking while watching the show’s new season is a mystery that has been ongoing since the show’s series premiere: the meaning of JJ’s name!

What does JJ stand for in Outer Banks?

JJ is often an abbreviated name that is commonly used as a shortened form of a first name, usually when the person’s name contains two “J” letters in a row. For example, someone with the name “John Jacob” might go by “JJ” as a nickname. However, it can also be used as a standalone name which is what appears to be the case in Outer Banks. 

From the moment we’re first introduced to JJ, he’s introduced as JJ Maybanks and across the show’s first three seasons JJ is only ever referred to by this name — with no one at any point, ever referring to his name as an abbreviated or shortened form of a longer first name.

There are some theories circulating around social media and Reddit that JJ could be short for another name, no one on the cast or creative team has ever indicated JJ’s name standing for anything. It’s also noted that Rudy Pankow is only ever credited as playing JJ Maybanks via the show credits and the credits on IMDB, further suggesting that JJ is simply a standalone name with no hidden meaning.

Outer Banks season 3 is streaming now on Netflix.