"greatest"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Max
Pronunciation: [ m-AKS ]
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The greatest — short, strong, universally loved
English
German
American
Scandinavian
Classic
Strong
Bold
Minimalist
Timeless
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Max
Max is a short form of Maximilian (from Latin 'Maximilianus,' meaning greatest) or Maxwell (from Old English meaning Maccus's well). It ultimately derives from the Latin 'maximus' meaning greatest. The name was used by the Habsburg rulers and became popular across German-speaking Europe before spreading globally as a standalone name with irresistible simplicity.
Max has been consistently popular across the English-speaking world and Germany for decades. As standalone names grew in fashion in the late 20th century, Max emerged as a supremely confident one-syllable choice that works equally well in many languages without modification.
In German-speaking countries, Max has been a top-10 name for decades. In Scandinavian countries, it's similarly beloved. The name's pan-European appeal makes it one of the few names that truly crosses cultural boundaries unchanged. Max the Wild Thing in Where the Wild Things Are is one of children's literature's most iconic characters.
Historical Record
Max first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 116,746 babies have been named Max in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Max is a steady classic , currently ranked #175 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Max has been a top-10 name in Germany for decades
- Max is the boy in Maurice Sendak's beloved Where the Wild Things Are (1963)
- Mad Max (1979) spawned a franchise that made the name synonymous with post-apocalyptic grit
Max in Other Languages
French
Max
German
Max
Italian
Massimo
Russian
Макс
Spanish
Maximo
Swedish
Max
Japanese
マックス
Popularity Over Time
#175
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Max
M
Max Verstappen
Athlete
1997
Dutch Formula 1 world champion, multiple-time title winner for Red Bull Racing
M
Max Planck
Scientist
1858
German physicist and founder of quantum theory, Nobel Prize winner in Physics 1918
M
Max (Where the Wild Things Are) Fictional
Other
Fictional young protagonist of Maurice Sendak's beloved 1963 picture book, a childhood icon
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Compare Max with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #175
- Total SSA Count
- 2,120
- Cultural Origins
- English German American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Max
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Max is also used as a girl name, ranked #3494.
View Max as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Hebrew origin
"Yahweh has been gracious"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Max
What does the name Max mean?
"greatest" (from Latin). Max is a short form of Maximilian (from Latin 'Maximilianus,' meaning greatest) or Maxwell (from Old English meaning Maccus's well). It ultimately derives from the Latin 'maximus' meaning greatest. The name was used by the Habsburg rulers and became popular across German-speaking Europe before spreading globally as a standalone name with irresistible simplicity.
What is the origin of the name Max?
Max has Latin, English, German, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Latin, it means "greatest".
Is Max a boy or girl name?
Max is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #175. As a girl name, it is ranked #3494. Max is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Max?
Max is pronounced m-AKS.
How popular is the name Max?
Max is currently ranked #175 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Max?
Popular middle name pairings include Max Alexander, Max William, Max Theodore, Max Benjamin, Max Elliott, Max Harrison, and Max Oliver.
What are good sibling names for Max?
Names that pair well with Max as siblings include Leo, Mia, Luna, Oscar, Elsa, Finn, and Sophie.
How many syllables does Max have?
Max has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Max a common or rare name?
Max is a popular name, ranked #175 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Max?
Are there other spellings for Max?
About the Name Max
Max is a boy name with English, German, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "greatest" in Latin .
Is Max a boy or girl name? Max is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #175 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,494. Max is more commonly used as a boy name.
Max is currently ranked #175 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Max has 1 syllable and is pronounced m-AKS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Max include Maxwell, Maximiliano, Maximus, Maximilian, Maximo . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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