All about the name

Maxence

Male

« Maxence is a French given name of Latin origin, derived from Maximus, meaning "greatest". It was popularized by Saint Maxence during the Middle Ages. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Maxence is a French given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Maximus, which means "greatest" or "most excellent." The name Maxence is composed of two elements: "maximus," meaning "greatest," and "-ce," a diminutive suffix. Thus, Maxence can be interpreted as "little greatest." The name Maxence has been used in France for centuries and was popularized during the Middle Ages by Saint Maxence, who was a bishop of Amiens in the 4th century. He is revered as a saint by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Maxence. One such example is Maxence Van der Meersch, a Belgian novelist known for his works in French, including "Alouette, je te plumerai" (1930) and "La Maison dans la dune" (1932). Another prominent figure is Maxence Charlety, a French entrepreneur who founded the sports complex Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris. The name Maxence has also been used by several monarchs and noble figures throughout history. For instance, Maxence II was the Frankish king of Burgundy from 864 to 877, while Maxence III ruled as the Duke of Aquitaine from 935 to 942. In recent years, Maxence has become increasingly popular in France and other French-speaking countries. According to statistics from the French government, Maxence was one of the most popular boys' names in France during the early 2000s. Today, it continues to be a well-liked choice among parents for their sons. Overall, Maxence is a name rich in history and meaning, with roots tracing back to ancient Roman times. Its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries but remains a timeless and distinguished choice for parents looking for a French-inspired name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Maxence since 1880

Total births
66
Total since 1880
Peak year
2006
8 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+117%
vs previous 5 years