All about the name

Maxwell

Female

« Maxwell is an English boys' name with Scottish origins, derived from the surname Maxwell meaning 'large'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Maxwell is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the surname Maxwell, which is believed to have originated from an Old Scottish word "Makel", meaning "large". The name Maxwell is thought to have been brought to Scotland by Normans who settled there after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The name Maxwell was originally a surname, but it has since become popular as a given name for boys. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Maxwell was one of the top 50 most popular boy names in the United States in recent years. There are several notable people who have borne the name Maxwell throughout history. One of the most famous is James Clerk Maxwell, a Scottish mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of electromagnetic theory. Another well-known figure with the name Maxwell is the actor and comedian Maxwell Smart, who was portrayed by Don Adams on the television show "Get Smart". Overall, the name Maxwell has a rich history and an interesting origin story. Whether you are considering naming your child Maxwell or simply have an interest in names and their meanings, this unique and meaningful name is definitely worth learning more about.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Maxwell since 1880

Total births
692
Total since 1880
Peak year
2017
66 births
in 2023
44
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+40%
vs previous 5 years