Maximilian

Greatest — a boy name of Latin origin

GenderBoy
OriginLatin
MeaningGreatest
Pronunciationmak-suh-MIL-yun

Popularity of Maximilian in the United States

#590Rank in 2025
497Births in 2025
#429 in 2013Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Maximilian

Maximilian derives from the Latin "Maximilianus," an elaboration of "maximus," meaning "greatest." The name was reportedly coined by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III for his son, the future Emperor Maximilian I, by combining the names of two Roman generals, Fabius Maximus and Scipio Aemilianus. It became a staple of the Habsburg dynasty, borne by multiple Holy Roman Emperors and the ill-fated Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. The name carries an air of imperial grandeur and intellectual sophistication, and it offers the fashionable short form Max while retaining a formal, distinguished full name.

Maximilian Around the World

Maximilian is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 18+ international variants.

Languages
GermanEnglish
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
MiksaHungarian
MassimilianoItalian
MaksymilianPolish
MaximilianoSpanish
MaxItalian
MaksPolish
MaksimilijanCroatian
Maximillian
MaksimRussian
MaximusLatin
MaximilianusLatin
Maxie
Maxmilián
MaximiliaanDutch
Maksimilian
MaximiliàValencian
MaximilienFrench
Maxmilian

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Maximilian

MaxMaxi

Famous People Named Maximilian

  • Maximilian I — Holy Roman Emperor
  • Maximilian Schell — Austrian-Swiss actor
  • Maximilian of Mexico — 19th-century Emperor of Mexico

Similar Names to Maximilian

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Sibling Name Ideas for Maximilian

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Maximilian mean?

Maximilian is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Greatest." Maximilian derives from the Latin "Maximilianus," an elaboration of "maximus," meaning "greatest." The name was reportedly coined by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III for his son, the future Emperor Maximilian I, by combining the names of two Roman generals, Fabius Maximus and Scipio Aemilianus.

How do you pronounce Maximilian?

Maximilian is pronounced mak-suh-MIL-yun. Common variations include Maximillian, Maximiliano, Massimiliano.

Is Maximilian a boy name?

Yes, Maximilian is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Max, Maxi.

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