What does Maxine mean and where does it come from?
Maxine is derived from the Latin name Maximilianus, meaning 'the greatest'. It has been adopted into various languages including English and French. The name became fashionable in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One notable figure is Maxine Waters, a prominent American politician serving in
Cultural significance
Maxine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greatest.
Peak popularity
Reached #76 in 1923 — currently #514 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maxine?
Maxine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maxine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maxine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maxine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maxine Claire
French influence · crisp
Maxine Jane
Literary · strong
Maxine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maxine right now?
Rising fast — up 101 spots — currently #514 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #514 | 590 | ▲ up 101 · +22% births |
| 2022 | #615 | 483 | ▲ up 88 · +18% births |
| 2021 | #703 | 410 | ▲ up 31 · +11% births |
| 2020 | #734 | 369 | ▲ up 369 · +58% births |
| 2015 | #1103 | 234 | ▲ up 318 · +45% births |
| 2010 | #1421 | 161 | ▲ up 86 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #1507 | 138 | ▼ down 364 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #1143 | 178 | ▼ down 125 · -2% births |
| 1995 | #1018 | 181 | ▲ up 29 · +6% births |
| 1990 | #1047 | 171 | ▲ up 46 · +29% births |
| 1985 | #1093 | 133 | ▲ up 107 · +21% births |
| 1980 | #1200 | 110 | ▼ down 229 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #971 | 128 | ▼ down 339 · -51% births |
| 1970 | #632 | 262 | ▼ down 170 · -38% births |
| 1965 | #462 | 425 | — |
The story of Maxine
Maxine has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. Its peak popularity was #76 in 1923. More than 113,300 babies have been named Maxine since 1884. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1008 in 1885 to #514 in 2023. Maxine is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maxine in 1923:
Maxine by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 21 | |
| 1890s | 173 | |
| 1900s | 1,409 | |
| 1910s | 17,854 | |
| 1920s ★ | 33,873 | |
| 1930s | 20,596 | |
| 1940s | 16,133 | |
| 1950s | 9,748 | |
| 1960s | 4,312 | |
| 1970s | 1,542 | |
| 1980s | 1,357 | |
| 1990s | 1,881 | |
| 2000s | 1,567 | |
| 2010s | 2,465 | |
| 2020s | 369 | |
What are good nicknames for Maxine?
What names sound and feel like Maxine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maxine also consider these
How is Maxine written in other languages?
Gender variants of Maxine
Common questions about the name Maxine
What does the name Maxine mean?
Maxine means "Greatest" — a name rooted in England 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 Maxine?
Maxine is currently ranked #514 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maxine have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maxine?
Maxine originates from England tradition. England 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 Maxine?
Maxine is a two-syllable name pronounced M AE0 K S IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maxine trending right now?
Maxine is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.