Maximilian: A Name of Greatness

Posted on

Maximilian: A Name of Greatness

The name Maximilian carries with it an air of history, sophistication, and strength. It’s a name that has resonated through centuries, borne by emperors, saints, and artists. But what does it mean, and how popular is the name Maximilian today? Let’s delve into the details.

The image associated with the name is of a confident young boy.

Maximilian Name Popularity

How popular is the name Maximilian? Here’s a comprehensive look at its historical and current trends. The data clearly shows an increase in popularity in recent decades.

Historically, the name saw sporadic usage in the early 20th century. Examining the Social Security Administration (SSA) data, we see that Maximilian was virtually absent from the top baby names lists in the United States for much of the early to mid-1900s. It wasn’t until 1917 that it registered with 6 births, ranked at 1,316. For many years after it hovered around the lower ranks.

The late 1980s marked the beginning of a gradual climb. By the 1990s, Maximilian was steadily gaining traction, breaking into the top 1000. The upward trend continued into the 21st century.

Currently, Maximilian sits comfortably within the top 600 baby names in the United States. In 2023, Maximilian ranked 552nd with 486 births recorded, indicating a solid and growing presence. This suggests a modern resurgence of this classic name. The peak popularity in recent years shows that parents are increasingly drawn to its strong sound and distinguished history. In the District of Columbia, it appears to have 5-8 babies per year on average since 1968.

Name Birth Data Table:

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1968 1,459 6 0.0004%
1975 1,211 17 0.0013%
1986 792 83 0.0055%
1995 611 239 0.0159%
2005 496 459 0.03%
2015 430 669 0.046%
2020 493 542 0.0426%
2021 551 479 0.0392%
2022 564 484 0.0367%
2023 552 486 0.0376%

Data via SSA.gov

The Meaning and Origin of Maximilian

The name Maximilian originates from the Latin name Maximilianus, a derivative of Maximus, meaning "greatest." This powerful meaning imbues the name with connotations of strength, ambition, and leadership. Throughout history, individuals named Maximilian have often lived up to this grand meaning, leaving their mark on the world.

Names Like Maximilian

If you are drawn to the sound and feel of Maximilian, here are some related names that you might consider:

Diminutives:

  • Max: A classic and widely used short form.

Variants:

  • Mac/Mack: Gaelic origin, means "son of"
  • Maks: (Latin origin)
  • Maksim: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maksym: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maksymilian: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Massimiliano: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Massimo: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maxemilian/Maxemilion: Emphasizing the "Emil" sound, (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maxey/Maxie: More casual and friendly options.
  • Maxim/Maxime: Short and sophisticated variations.
  • Maximiliano: The Spanish version.
  • Maximilianus: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maximilien: The French version.
  • Maximillian: A slightly different spelling.
  • Maximino: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maximo/Maximos: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maxy: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".
  • Maxymilian/Maxymillian: (Latin origin) Means "greatest".

Conclusion

Maximilian is a name with a rich history, a powerful meaning, and a growing popularity. Its blend of classic elegance and modern appeal makes it a compelling choice for parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and timeless. Whether shortened to Max or embraced in its full form, Maximilian is a name that is sure to make a statement.