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Max
Pronounced MAKS /mæks/High
Meaning: Greatest, most excellent — short form of Maximilian or Maxwell, from Latin <em>maximus</em> (greatest)High
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Max is a short form of Maximilian (from Latin maximus, greatest, plus the Germanic name Aemilian) or of Maxwell (an Old English place-name). The root maximus is a Latin superlative meaning greatest or most excellent. Maximilian was popularized by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I and has remained in use across Europe since the 15th century.
Max has been used as a standalone given name since the 19th century and is extremely popular across the English-speaking world. It has been in the U.S. top 100 boys names for much of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its appeal is simple: one syllable, clear meaning, universal recognition, and easy to say in nearly every language.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1459-1519)Holy Roman Emperor who greatly popularized the name Maximilian across Europe.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Max mean?
Max is short for Maximilian or Maxwell, from Latin maximus meaning greatest or most excellent.
How do you pronounce Max?
Max is pronounced MAKS /mæks/ — one syllable.
Is Max a boy or girl name?
Max is used primarily as a boys name, though it can occasionally be a nickname for Maxine for girls.
How popular is Max?
Max has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys name for decades and remains one of the most popular short names.