Max
Max is a boys' name of Latin origin meaning “greatest.” It ranked #180 in the United States in 2025. A short form of Maximilian or Maxwell, derived from Latin 'maximus' meaning greatest.
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how do you pronounce Max?
MAKS
where does the name Max come from?
A short form of Maximilian or Maximus, from the Latin maximus, meaning greatest — the superlative of magnus. It also serves as a short form of Maxwell, which is unrelated, being a Scottish place name meaning Mack's stream.
It has long been a popular standalone name across Europe and North America for its strong, punchy simplicity.
the history of Max
Maximus was a Roman cognomen, and Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor from 1493, is said to have been named by his father from a blend of Maximus and Aemilius. Max has been used independently across Germany, Britain and America for over a century, and its brevity has kept it in fashion while longer forms moved in and out.
how popular is this name?
Max has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #96 in 2011, and ranked #180 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #180 |
| 2024 | #175 |
| 2023 | #163 |
| 2022 | #157 |
| 2021 | #160 |
| 2020 | #147 |
| 2019 | #137 |
| 2018 | #136 |
| 2017 | #128 |
| 2016 | #118 |
| 2011 | #96 |
| 2010 | #98 |
| 2000 | #164 |
| 1990 | #171 |
| 1980 | #362 |
| 1970 | #368 |
| 1960 | #297 |
| 1950 | #240 |
| 1940 | #165 |
| 1930 | #143 |
| 1920 | #112 |
| 1910 | #114 |
| 1900 | #149 |
| 1890 | #143 |
| 1880 | #225 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Max fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Max?
- Max (Where the Wild Things Are character)
- Max Verstappen (F1 driver)
- Max Brooks (author)
what are the nicknames and variants of Max?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Max?
what names go well with Max?
Sibling names that share Max's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Max
What does the name Max mean?
Max means “greatest”.
What is the origin of the name Max?
Max comes from the Latin naming tradition. Related forms include Maximilian, Maks and Maxim.
How popular is the name Max?
Max ranked #180 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2011, at #96, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Max a boy or girl name?
Max is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Max?
Max is pronounced MAKS, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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