Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Max is a name of Latin origin meaning 'greatest', evolving from the name Maximus through history. It reflects strength and modernity, has no biblical relevance, and has gained popularity in the 20th century. Notable people with this name include Max Planck and Max Verstappen.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/mæks/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
Max is derived from the Latin name 'Maximus', meaning 'greatest'.
Meaning
greatest
Language Evolution
Maximus, Max, Maxim
Historical Usage
Max gained popularity as a short form of Maximilian and became widely used in English-speaking countries in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Maxim, Maxie, Maxine
Modern Popularity & Image
Max is generally perceived as a strong and modern name, appealing to parents for its simplicity and positive connotation.
Famous People
Max Planck, Max Verstappen, Maxine Waters
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,969 peak births in 2009
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 115th of 7545 | 23,625 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 156th of 6773 | 19,810 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 268th of 7552 | 13,613 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 389th of 10718 | 6,773 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 223rd of 16616 | 20,317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 140th of 24088 | 45,021 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 137th of 23106 | 34,236 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3444th of 9107 | 125 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3722nd of 9204 | 109 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7175th of 12526 | 47 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14367th of 19264 | 16 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8942nd of 27321 | 116 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11045th of 35406 | 135 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3542nd of 30306 | 530 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
6.21% 88th/1416 |
6.89% 95th/1379 |
9.13% 216th/2366 |
7.53% 86th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.70% 119th/1546 |
13.30% 207th/1556 |
7.31% 172nd/2353 |
8.92% 138th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
9.83% 219th/2227 |
14.20% 345th/2430 |
10.76% 307th/2853 |
8.86% 246th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
11.54% 339th/2937 |
11.28% 393rd/3483 |
13.08% 460th/3518 |
7.94% 321st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
5.21% 192nd/3685 |
3.15% 141st/4475 |
6.03% 313th/5194 |
3.28% 207th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.75% 126th/4582 |
1.92% 99th/5164 |
2.65% 194th/7313 |
1.94% 145th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
3.34% 133rd/3984 |
2.21% 99th/4487 |
2.71% 185th/6822 |
1.85% 116th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.92% 3184th/3984 |
64.61% 2899th/4487 |
84.54% 5767th/6822 |
42.91% 2693rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 115th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 156th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 268th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 389th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 223rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 140th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 137th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3444th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3722nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7175th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 14367th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8942nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11045th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3542nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.