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Maximilian Boy

Popularity: #505 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmak-SIM-ee-an / /mækˈsɪmɪən/

Latin; German

Meaning

Latin: greatest; German: the greatest

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Maximilian originates from the Latin name Maximilianus, which is derived from the Latin word "maximus," meaning "greatest." The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was used as a cognomen. The name gained prominence in the Roman Empire and later evolved into various forms across different languages, including the Old French "Maximilien," which eventually made its way into English as Maximilian during the Middle Ages.

Historically, Maximilian has been borne by several notable figures, including Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, who reigned from 1493 to 1519. His reign marked significant developments in the political landscape of Europe, and he is often credited with laying the groundwork for the Habsburg dynasty's influence. The name also appears in religious contexts, with Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar who was martyred during World War II, further solidifying its cultural significance in Christian traditions.

The name Maximilian has resonated through various cultures, often symbolizing strength and nobility. It has been associated with leadership and valor, making it a favored choice among royalty and nobility in various European countries. In literature, the name appears in works such as Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure," where it is used to convey themes of justice and morality. Additionally, the diminutive form "Max" has emerged as a common short form, reflecting a more informal and affectionate usage of the name throughout history.

Trend Summary

Maximilian has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Max
  • Maxi

International Variants

  • Massimiliano (Italian)
  • Maximiliano (Spanish)
  • Maksymilian (Polish)
  • Maximilien (French)

Famous people named Maximilian

Maximilian Schell is an actor and director best known for Judgment at Nuremberg, The Man in the Glass Booth, and The Black Hole.

Maximilian von Schenkendorf is a poet best known for his contributions to German Romanticism and his works in the early 19th century.

Fictional characters named Maximilian

Maximilian is a fictional character from the animated film The Emperor's New Groove. He is a loyal and intelligent llama who serves as the main character's companion and guide throughout the story.

Maximilian Veers is a fictional character from the video game series Ace Combat. He is a skilled pilot and a key figure in the game's narrative, often involved in significant aerial battles.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Maximilian was first seen in the United States in 1907. Maximilian has ranked as high as #774 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Maximilian has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Maximilian (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 73
18%
TX 53
13%
NY 34
8%
FL 33
8%
IL 21
5%
VA 19
5%
OH 18
4%
MA 17
4%
PA 13
3%
MI 13
3%
NC 13
3%
GA 11
3%
MD 9
2%
IN 9
2%
WA 9
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19075
191412
19157
19169
191711
19189
19196
192010
19217
19229
19247
19266
19356
19396
19425
19587
19595
19605
19628
19638
19649
19656
196612
196714
196822
196918
197026
197118
197213
197326
197419
197528
197632
197736
197832
197931
198039
198138
198241
198360
198460
198582
1986116
1987166
1988146
1989180
1990170
1991193
1992206
1993206
1994253
1995280
1996285
1997331
1998402
1999435
2000492
2001493
2002481
2003486
2004474
2005498
2006498
2007512
2008593
2009574
2010632
2011631
2012590
2013676
2014668
2015698
2016717
2017652
2018672
2019571
2020595
2021533
2022523
2023517
2024485