What does Maximilian mean and where does it come from?
Maximilian is derived from the Latin name Maximus, meaning 'the greatest'. It has been borne by several Holy Roman Emperors, which contributed to its popularity in Germany and other European countries. The name has seen resurgence in the modern era and is often shortened to Max. Regions such as Bava
Cultural significance
Maximilian has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the greatest.
Peak popularity
Reached #429 in 2013 — currently #590 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maximilian?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maximilian?
Maximilian works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maximilian Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Maximilian John
One syllable · timeless choice
Maximilian Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Maximilian Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Maximilian Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Maximilian Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Maximilian right now?
Holding steady — currently #590 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #590 | 497 | ▼ down 3 · +2% births |
| 2024 | #587 | 487 | ▼ down 25 · -6% births |
| 2023 | #562 | 517 | ▲ up 5 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #567 | 523 | ▼ down 19 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #548 | 533 | ▼ down 57 · -10% births |
| 2020 | #491 | 592 | ▼ down 53 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #438 | 698 | ▼ down 3 · +10% births |
| 2010 | #435 | 632 | ▲ up 62 · +27% births |
| 2005 | #497 | 497 | ▼ down 19 · +1% births |
| 2000 | #478 | 491 | ▲ up 138 · +76% births |
| 1995 | #616 | 279 | ▲ up 161 · +64% births |
| 1990 | #777 | 170 | ▲ up 232 · +107% births |
| 1985 | #1009 | 82 | ▲ up 543 · +110% births |
| 1980 | #1552 | 39 | ▲ up 212 · +39% births |
| 1975 | #1764 | 28 | — |
The story of Maximilian
Maximilian entered American naming records in 1907 and has been in use for over 117 years. A total of 16,359 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3177 in 1915 to #562 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maximilian in 2013:
Maximilian by decade
Maximilian peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 54 | |
| 1920s | 39 | |
| 1930s | 12 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 12 | |
| 1960s | 101 | |
| 1970s | 262 | |
| 1980s | 926 | |
| 1990s | 2,756 | |
| 2000s | 5,099 | |
| 2010s ★ | 6,496 | |
| 2020s | 1,576 | |
What are good nicknames for Maximilian?
Famous people named Maximilian
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Maximilian (Roman senator or statesman)
Maximilian held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Maximilian (historical Roman figure)
Maximilian carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
M(
Maximilian (Roman senator or statesman)
Maximilian held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Maximilian?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maximilian also consider these
How is Maximilian written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Maximilian?
Common questions about the name Maximilian
What does the name Maximilian mean?
Maximilian means "the greatest" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Maximilian?
Maximilian is currently ranked #562 as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Maximilian?
Maximilian originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Maximilian?
Maximilian is a 5-syllable name pronounced maks-im-IL-ee-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Maximilian?
Maximilian pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.