Log in · Sign up

Max Boy

Popularity: #170 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmaks / /mæks/

Latin; Germanic

Meaning

Latin: greatest; Germanic: strong

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Max has its roots in the Latin name Maximus, which means "greatest." The name Maximus was commonly used in ancient Rome, often as a title of honor. It derives from the Latin root "magnus," meaning "great." The name transitioned into various forms as it spread through different cultures, including the Greek form Maximios, and later into Old French as Maximien before entering the English language as Max, typically as a diminutive or short form of Maximilian or Maximus.

Historically, the name Max has been borne by several notable figures. In the early Christian era, Saint Maximus of Turin, a bishop in the 4th century, contributed to the spread of Christianity in the region that is now Italy. The name gained further prominence through the Roman Emperor Maxentius, who ruled in the early 4th century. Additionally, the name has been associated with various monarchs and saints throughout the Middle Ages, solidifying its presence in European history.

Culturally, the name Max has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing strength and greatness due to its etymological roots. It has appeared in literature and popular culture, reinforcing its significance as a name associated with valor and leadership. The diminutive form Max is frequently used in familial and friendly contexts, reflecting a sense of affection and familiarity. Overall, the name Max carries a rich historical and cultural legacy, rooted in notions of greatness and honor.

Trend Summary

Max has consistently been a popular name in the United States, ranking within the top 50 names for boys in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Maxim
  • Maximilian

International Variants

  • Maxime (French)
  • Maksim (Russian)
  • Maximiliano (Spanish)
  • Maks (Slavic)

Famous people named Max

Max Planck is a physicist best known for quantum theory, Planck's constant, and the Planck length.

Max von Sydow is an actor best known for The Exorcist, The Seventh Seal, and Game of Thrones.

Max Baer Jr. is an actor and director best known for The Beverly Hillbillies, Macon County Line, and The Wild McCullochs.

Max Martin is a music producer and songwriter best known for his work with Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry.

Max Irons is an actor best known for The Host, The White Queen, and Red Riding Hood.

Max Lucado is an author and pastor best known for his inspirational books and works like You Are Special, and Grace for the Moment.

Fictional characters named Max

Max is a fictional character from the animated film The Secret Life of Pets. He is a lovable terrier who navigates the challenges of life in a New York City apartment after his owner leaves for work.

Max is a fictional character from the book and film series Where the Wild Things Are. He is a young boy who sails to an island inhabited by wild creatures and becomes their king.

Max Rockatansky is a fictional character from the Mad Max film series. He is a former police officer turned lone wanderer in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Max DeCosta is a fictional character from the film Elysium. He is a factory worker who seeks to access a luxurious space habitat to save his life after being exposed to a lethal dose of radiation.

Max is a fictional character from the TV series The Maxx. They are a superhero who lives in a dream world and protects a woman named Julie from various threats.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Max was first seen in the United States in 1880. Max has ranked as high as #177 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Indiana. In the past 5 years the name Max has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Max (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 272
14%
NY 186
9%
TX 172
9%
FL 146
7%
PA 93
5%
IL 92
5%
MA 68
3%
OH 56
3%
MI 54
3%
WA 53
3%
NC 51
3%
VA 50
3%
GA 47
2%
UT 45
2%
MO 38
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188052
188166
188274
188375
188480
188571
188673
188773
1888118
188983
189099
189191
189295
1893107
189499
189595
1896145
1897122
1898132
1899127
1900141
1901110
1902133
1903110
1904134
1905140
1906156
1907197
1908218
1909228
1910277
1911360
1912734
1913897
19141,159
19151,434
19161,493
19171,511
19181,536
19191,458
19201,561
19211,558
19221,518
19231,440
19241,397
19251,385
19261,254
19271,227
19281,405
19291,336
19301,181
19311,183
19321,154
19331,124
19341,335
19351,283
19361,248
19371,106
19381,164
1939979
1940952
1941931
1942971
1943875
1944780
1945803
1946841
1947869
1948743
1949761
1950755
1951805
1952763
1953725
1954743
1955724
1956748
1957740
1958736
1959691
1960670
1961652
1962573
1963549
1964525
1965422
1966448
1967395
1968414
1969375
1970486
1971409
1972390
1973434
1974413
1975415
1976410
1977403
1978414
1979459
1980486
1981501
1982463
1983531
1984632
1985761
1986923
19871,453
19881,386
19891,606
19901,791
19911,829
19921,877
19931,887
19941,624
19951,565
19961,488
19971,698
19982,157
19992,298
20002,355
20012,404
20022,319
20032,460
20042,481
20052,494
20062,643
20072,882
20083,372
20093,958
20103,848
20113,956
20123,696
20133,520
20143,497
20153,419
20163,423
20173,145
20182,877
20192,752
20202,484
20212,410
20222,388
20232,201
20242,120