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Maxine

♀ Girl

Pronounced mak-SEEN /mækˈsiːn/High

Meaning: Feminine form of Maximus, from Latin 'maximus' meaning greatest or largest; a superlative adjective used as a Roman cognomen and now as a given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Maxine is a bold Latin name meaning 'the greatest,' the feminine form of Maximus. It carries vintage Hollywood glamour and confident, mid-century charm, and has been making a stylish comeback as a retro classic.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFeminine form of Maximus, from Latin 'maximus' meaning greatest or largest; a superlative adjective used as a Roman cognomen and now as a given name
U.S. rank (2025)#497 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births597 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 115,607

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418842025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Maxine is the feminine form of Maximus, from the Latin superlative adjective maximus meaning 'greatest' or 'largest.' Maximus was a common Roman cognomen and later a papal name. The French feminine form Maxine developed through the standard French feminization pattern and was used in English-speaking countries from the 19th century.

Maxine was popular in the United States in the 1920s–1940s and has the warm patina of a Golden Age Hollywood name. After decades of lower use, it has been reviving in the 21st century as parents discover its punchy, confident sound and vintage flair. It now ranks in the U.S. top 300 girls' names.

Did you know? Maxine Waters — the long-serving U.S. Congresswoman from California — has been one of the most prominent bearers of this name in public life, while the comic strip character Maxine (created by John Wagner in 1986) made the name synonymous with outspoken, feisty humor.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Maxine — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MaxinaMaximina

Nicknames

MaxMaxiMaxie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Maxine Waters (1938–present)
    American politician, long-serving U.S. Representative from California

If you like Maxine…

Max— the short form of the same name, equally bold and confident
Beatrix— shares the vintage confidence and Latin roots with the same retro glamour
Dorothea— shares the Golden Age feel and the same retro-revival appeal
Harriet— shares the vintage strength and the same rediscovered classic quality

Frequently Asked

What does Maxine mean?

Maxine means 'the greatest' or 'the largest,' from the Latin superlative 'maximus.' It is the feminine form of Maximus, a Roman name meaning supreme greatness.

How do you pronounce Maxine?

Maxine is pronounced mak-SEEN /mækˈsiːn/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Maxine a vintage name?

Yes. Maxine peaked in popularity in the 1920s–1940s and has a distinctly vintage, Hollywood-era character. It has been experiencing a warm modern revival.

Is Maxine growing in popularity?

Yes. Maxine now ranks in the U.S. top 300 girls' names as part of the broader revival of vintage names with punch and personality.