Max

Max is a short form of the name Maximilian, which has its origin in the Latin Maximilianus and traces back to the Roman surname Maximus.

What does the name Max mean?

The name Max is derived from Maximilian and has its roots in the Latin word maxĭmus, which means 'the greatest'. Originally, it comes from the adjective magnus, which means 'big' and 'significant'. Max is not only a short form of Maximilian but has also established itself as an independent name. The well-known picture story 'Max and Moritz' by Wilhelm Busch, published in 1865, brought the name great fame. By the end of the 19th century, it was widely used in Germany and reached high popularity in the 20th century as well. In recent years, especially since the turn of the millennium, the name Max has regained popularity and is among the most common boys' names. Internationally, Max is also popular, especially in English-speaking countries, where it is often used as a short form of Maxwell. Additionally, 'Max' is also used as an abbreviation for the word 'maximum' in both languages.

Where does the name Max come from?

The origin of the name Max lies in the short form of Maximilian, which comes from the Latin Maximilianus. The origin of the name is the Latin word 'maximus', which means 'the greatest'.

How do you pronounce Max?

The pronunciation of Max is simple and memorable. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Max' [maks], with the consonant combination '-ks' forming a powerful ending. The central short vowel provides a direct effect. Max conveys a dynamic, compact, and modern feeling.

When is the name day of Max?

The most significant name days for Max (Maximilian) are March 12 (Maximilianus of Numidia), August 14 (Maximilian Kolbe), and October 12 (Maximilian of Celeia).

Popularity

In the late 19th century, the name Max was among the top first names in Germany. Between 1882 and 1894, it consistently ranked in the top 10, reaching 8th place in 1885 and 1882, as well as 9th place in 1886. In 1894, it was still well positioned at 11th place, and in 1905 it ranked 12th. In the first half of the 20th century, Max remained in the top 25 to 60. Particularly between 1930 and 1955, it was often found in the top 50.

Nicknames & pet names

Dax / Gax / Hamix / Haxi / Lax / Ma / Maexchen / Maexi / Maggi / Mahgs / Max-Dachs / Maxdome / Maxe / Maxel / Maxelinchen / Maxi / Maxi-king / Maxien / Maxile / Maxilein / Maxim / Maximal / Maximator / Maximum / Maximus / Maximän / Maxinator / Maxine / Maxipaxi / Maxklacks / Maxl-King / Maxman / Maxolomeus / Maxschine / Maxstar / Megges / Mux / Mäx / Mäxchen / Mäxl / Mäxle / Mäxselchen / Pax / Schmax / Wax

Similar first names

Famous people

• Fritz Max Hofmann-Juan (German painter)
• Max (character) (character from the animated film 'Pets (2016)')
• Max Alberti (German actor and musician 'Jamaram')
• Max Altglass (Polish opera singer (tenor) and vocal pedagogue)
• Max Apple (American writer and screenwriter)
• Max Baumbach (German sculptor)
• Max Biaggi (motorcycle racer)
• Max Born (German mathematician and physicist, co-founder of modern quantum mechanics and Nobel Prize winner in Physics)
• Max Brooks (American writer)
• Max Brown (writer from New Zealand)
• Max Bruch (composer)
• Max Buskohl (singer)
• Max Carl Friedrich Beckmann (artist & writer)
• Max Cavalera (Brazilian musician)
• Max the Brown Bear (song by Alma from the Bielefeld Zoo)
• Max Douy (French film architect)
• Max Emilian Verstappen (F1 driver)
• Max Ernst (artist & Dadaist)
• Max Frisch (Swiss writer)
• Max Gautier (father of Mylène Farmer)