Maxwell Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Maxwell is a Scottish name that means 'great stream', originating from the River Maxell. It evolved from the name Maccus and has been used as both a surname and a first name. Maxwell is commonly perceived as a sophisticated name with positive traits. It has no biblical relevance and became popular as a first name in the 19th century.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Maxwell"
Pronunciation
/ˈmækswɛl/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Maxwell is derived from a place name in Scotland, specifically from the River Maxell in the area known as 'Maccus' and 'well', meaning 'Maccus' spring or stream.
Meaning
Great stream
Language Evolution
Maccus, Maxwell
Historical Usage
Maxwell gained popularity as a surname in Scotland during the medieval period and became more widely used as a first name in the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Max, Maxie, Maxy
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Maxwell is viewed as a sophisticated and timeless name, often associated with intelligence and creativity.
Famous People
Maxwell Smart, Maxwell Caulfield, Maxwell House
📊 Maxwell Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,773 peak births in 2014
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 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Maxwell" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Maxwell". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Maxwell" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Maxwell"
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 of "Maxwell"
"Maxwell" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 504th of 7545 | 2,333 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 724th of 6773 | 1,355 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 904th of 7552 | 1,286 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 841st of 10718 | 1,493 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 239th of 16616 | 18,082 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 131st of 24088 | 47,798 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 138th of 23106 | 34,232 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 8382nd of 9107 | 8 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12462nd of 27321 | 62 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 14712th of 35406 | 80 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3357th of 30306 | 570 |
Regional Popularity of "Maxwell" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
34.60% 490th/1416 |
25.67% 354th/1379 |
33.56% 794th/2366 |
76.36% 872nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
51.88% 802nd/1546 |
34.19% 532nd/1556 |
33.32% 784th/2353 |
73.11% 1131st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
49.80% 1109th/2227 |
33.33% 810th/2430 |
36.94% 1054th/2853 |
34.56% 959th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
27.95% 821st/2937 |
25.21% 878th/3483 |
32.92% 1158th/3518 |
19.81% 801st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.78% 176th/3685 |
3.84% 172nd/4475 |
7.09% 368th/5194 |
3.80% 240th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.03% 93rd/4582 |
1.98% 102nd/5164 |
2.73% 200th/7313 |
2.17% 162nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
2.64% 105th/3984 |
2.27% 102nd/4487 |
2.84% 194th/6822 |
2.31% 145th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Maxwell" by Generation for 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
91.88% 6719th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.92% 3184th/3984 |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
64.04% 4369th/6822 |
53.70% 3370th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Maxwell"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Maxwell" 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 of "Maxwell" in the United States
The name Maxwell is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Maxwell has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too 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, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Maxwell' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 504th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 724th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 904th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 841st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 239th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 131st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 138th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 8382nd out of 9107 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12462nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14712th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3357th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Maxwell' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.