Everything about the name MAX

Meaning, origin, history

Max is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Maximus. The name Maximus means "greatest" or "largest," and it was often used by ancient Roman emperors to convey their power and importance.

The name Max has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Max Planck, the German physicist who originated quantum theory, and Max Ernst, a German painter and poet associated with the Dada movement. In literature, Max is also the name of the hero in the classic children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak.

Today, Max remains a popular choice for boys' names, ranking among the top 100 most common names in several English-speaking countries. Its popularity can be attributed to its short and simple spelling, as well as its strong and commanding sound that continues to evoke images of greatness and power. Despite its masculine connotations, Max is also used occasionally as a unisex name.

In summary, the name Max has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, with a meaning that conveys strength and importance. Throughout the centuries, it has been worn by influential figures in science, art, and literature, making it a timeless and enduring choice for parents seeking a powerful yet accessible name for their child.

Popularity of the name MAX since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trends of the name Max in the United States over time.

From 1912 to 1945, there were fluctuations in the number of babies named Max, ranging from a low of 5 births in 1912 and 1943 to a high of 14 births in 1922. After 1945, the popularity of the name began to decline, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded until the late 1970s.

The trend reversed in the late 1980s, with an increase in popularity starting around 1988. That year saw 17 babies named Max, which was a significant jump from the previous years' numbers. This upward trend continued into the 1990s and early 2000s, although there were some fluctuations along the way.

From 2004 onwards, we see a consistent increase in the number of babies named Max each year. The highest point so far was reached in 2023, with 72 births. This indicates that Max has been steadily gaining popularity as a name choice for parents in recent years.

Overall, looking at the total number of births over time, we can see that Max has had periods of both popularity and obscurity. However, since around the late 1980s, there's been a consistent upward trend, culminating in its current status as one of the more popular names for boys in the United States.

Variations of the Name MAX