"greatest"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Maxine
Pronunciation: [ m-aks-EEN ]
Does Maxine flow with your last name?
A bold Latin name meaning the greatest
English
American
French
Vintage
Bold
Sophisticated
Strong
Classic
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"the largest, supreme"
Origin: Latin
Language: French
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The Story of Maxine
Maxine is the feminine form of the Latin name Maximus, meaning 'greatest' or 'the largest,' from the superlative of 'magnus' (great). The name traces back to the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus, nicknamed 'the Delayer' for his cautious strategy against Hannibal that saved Rome. Maxine became a popular feminine coinage in the late 19th century, peaking in English-speaking countries in the 1920s-40s.
Maxine peaked in the US in the 1930s-40s, giving it vintage Hollywood glamour. It is currently experiencing a strong revival among parents seeking powerful, distinctive female names, alongside Max for boys.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters made Maxine synonymous with fierce, unapologetic political advocacy. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands brought the name royal international glamour. The Hallmark Maxine cartoon character gave it a sassy, irreverent personality.
Historical Record
Maxine first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 25,317 babies have been named Maxine in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maxine is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #521 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, born in Argentina, is one of the world's most glamorous royals
- The Maxine cartoon character by Hallmark became an icon for irreverent humor about aging
Maxine in Other Languages
Dutch
Máxima
Latin
Maxima
French
Maxine
Italian
Massima
Spanish
Máxima
Popularity Over Time
#521
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maxine
Q
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands
Royalty
1971
Argentine-born Queen consort of the Netherlands, wife of King Willem-Alexander, known for her warmth and fashion
M
Maxine Waters
Politician
1938
Long-serving US Congresswoman from California, known for her passionate advocacy for civil rights and economic justice
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Compare Maxine with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #521
- Total SSA Count
- 591
- Cultural Origins
- English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Max
Maxi
Maxie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maxine
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Maxine is also used as a boy name, ranked #11265.
View Maxine as a boy name →Similar Names
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"curly-haired"
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Hebrew via Mary origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maxine
What does the name Maxine mean?
"greatest" (from Latin). "the largest, supreme" (from Latin). Maxine is the feminine form of the Latin name Maximus, meaning 'greatest' or 'the largest,' from the superlative of 'magnus' (great). The name traces back to the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus, nicknamed 'the Delayer' for his cautious strategy against Hannibal that saved Rome. Maxine became a popular feminine coinage in the late 19th century, peaking in English-speaking countries in the 1920s-40s.
What is the origin of the name Maxine?
Maxine has Latin, English, American, and French origins. In Latin, it means "greatest". In Latin, it means "the largest, supreme".
Is Maxine a boy or girl name?
Maxine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #521. As a boy name, it is ranked #11265. Maxine is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Maxine?
Maxine is pronounced m-aks-EEN.
How popular is the name Maxine?
Maxine is currently ranked #521 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maxine?
Common nicknames for Maxine include Max, Maxi, and Maxie.
What are good middle names for Maxine?
Popular middle name pairings include Maxine Rose, Maxine Jane, Maxine Claire, Maxine Louise, Maxine Marie, Maxine Pearl, and Maxine Elise.
What are good sibling names for Maxine?
Names that pair well with Maxine as siblings include Josephine, Vivienne, Genevieve, Theodore, Augustus, Beatrice, and Clement.
How many syllables does Maxine have?
Maxine has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maxine a common or rare name?
Maxine is moderately common, ranked #521 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Maxine
Maxine is a girl name with English, American, and French origins . The name means "greatest" in Latin .
Is Maxine a boy or girl name? Maxine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #521 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #11,265. Maxine is more commonly used as a girl name.
Maxine is currently ranked #521 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maxine has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-aks-EEN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maxine include Max, Maxi, and Maxie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis