Max Boy
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 272 | |
NY | 186 | |
TX | 172 | |
FL | 146 | |
PA | 93 | |
IL | 92 | |
MA | 68 | |
OH | 56 | |
MI | 54 | |
WA | 53 | |
NC | 51 | |
VA | 50 | |
GA | 47 | |
UT | 45 | |
MO | 38 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 52 |
1881 | 66 |
1882 | 74 |
1883 | 75 |
1884 | 80 |
1885 | 71 |
1886 | 73 |
1887 | 73 |
1888 | 118 |
1889 | 83 |
1890 | 99 |
1891 | 91 |
1892 | 95 |
1893 | 107 |
1894 | 99 |
1895 | 95 |
1896 | 145 |
1897 | 122 |
1898 | 132 |
1899 | 127 |
1900 | 141 |
1901 | 110 |
1902 | 133 |
1903 | 110 |
1904 | 134 |
1905 | 140 |
1906 | 156 |
1907 | 197 |
1908 | 218 |
1909 | 228 |
1910 | 277 |
1911 | 360 |
1912 | 734 |
1913 | 897 |
1914 | 1,159 |
1915 | 1,434 |
1916 | 1,493 |
1917 | 1,511 |
1918 | 1,536 |
1919 | 1,458 |
1920 | 1,561 |
1921 | 1,558 |
1922 | 1,518 |
1923 | 1,440 |
1924 | 1,397 |
1925 | 1,385 |
1926 | 1,254 |
1927 | 1,227 |
1928 | 1,405 |
1929 | 1,336 |
1930 | 1,181 |
1931 | 1,183 |
1932 | 1,154 |
1933 | 1,124 |
1934 | 1,335 |
1935 | 1,283 |
1936 | 1,248 |
1937 | 1,106 |
1938 | 1,164 |
1939 | 979 |
1940 | 952 |
1941 | 931 |
1942 | 971 |
1943 | 875 |
1944 | 780 |
1945 | 803 |
1946 | 841 |
1947 | 869 |
1948 | 743 |
1949 | 761 |
1950 | 755 |
1951 | 805 |
1952 | 763 |
1953 | 725 |
1954 | 743 |
1955 | 724 |
1956 | 748 |
1957 | 740 |
1958 | 736 |
1959 | 691 |
1960 | 670 |
1961 | 652 |
1962 | 573 |
1963 | 549 |
1964 | 525 |
1965 | 422 |
1966 | 448 |
1967 | 395 |
1968 | 414 |
1969 | 375 |
1970 | 486 |
1971 | 409 |
1972 | 390 |
1973 | 434 |
1974 | 413 |
1975 | 415 |
1976 | 410 |
1977 | 403 |
1978 | 414 |
1979 | 459 |
1980 | 486 |
1981 | 501 |
1982 | 463 |
1983 | 531 |
1984 | 632 |
1985 | 761 |
1986 | 923 |
1987 | 1,453 |
1988 | 1,386 |
1989 | 1,606 |
1990 | 1,791 |
1991 | 1,829 |
1992 | 1,877 |
1993 | 1,887 |
1994 | 1,624 |
1995 | 1,565 |
1996 | 1,488 |
1997 | 1,698 |
1998 | 2,157 |
1999 | 2,298 |
2000 | 2,355 |
2001 | 2,404 |
2002 | 2,319 |
2003 | 2,460 |
2004 | 2,481 |
2005 | 2,494 |
2006 | 2,643 |
2007 | 2,882 |
2008 | 3,372 |
2009 | 3,958 |
2010 | 3,848 |
2011 | 3,956 |
2012 | 3,696 |
2013 | 3,520 |
2014 | 3,497 |
2015 | 3,419 |
2016 | 3,423 |
2017 | 3,145 |
2018 | 2,877 |
2019 | 2,752 |
2020 | 2,484 |
2021 | 2,410 |
2022 | 2,388 |
2023 | 2,201 |
2024 | 2,120 |