Maximus

Greatest — a boy name of Latin origin

GenderBoy
OriginLatin
MeaningGreatest
PronunciationMAK-suh-mus

Popularity of Maximus in the United States

#276Rank in 2025
1,249Births in 2025
#187 in 2016Peak 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 Maximus

Maximus is the Latin word for "greatest," used as a name and title throughout ancient Rome, including by several emperors and generals. Its modern revival owes a great deal to the 2000 film Gladiator, in which Russell Crowe's heroic general Maximus Decimus Meridius captured audiences worldwide, giving the name a powerful, larger-than-life association with courage and honor. Since then, Maximus has climbed steadily on baby name charts in the United States, appreciated by parents seeking a bold, commanding classical name that stands firmly on its own without needing to be shortened.

Maximus Around the World

Maximus is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.

Languages
Latin
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
MaksimilijanCroatian
MassimilianoItalian
Maximillian
MaksymilianPolish
MaximilianoSpanish
MaximilianGerman
MaximilienFrench
MaximiliaanDutch
Maxmilián

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

Nicknames for Maximus

MaxMaxi

Famous People Named Maximus

  • Maximus Decimus Meridius — fictional Roman general in the film Gladiator
  • Saint Maximus the Confessor — 7th-century Christian theologian
  • Maximus — the horse character in Disney's Tangled

Similar Names to Maximus

If you like Maximus, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:MagnusCassius

Sibling Name Ideas for Maximus

Looking for names that pair well with Maximus? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Maximus mean?

Maximus is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Greatest." Maximus is the Latin word for "greatest," used as a name and title throughout ancient Rome, including by several emperors and generals. Its modern revival owes a great deal to the 2000 film Gladiator, in which Russell Crowe's heroic general Maximus Decimus Meridius captured audiences worldwide, giving the name a powerful, larger-than-life association with courage and honor.

How do you pronounce Maximus?

Maximus is pronounced MAK-suh-mus. Common variations include Maximos, Maksimus, Maximo.

Is Maximus a boy name?

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

Need More Name Ideas?

Like Maximus? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.

Try Baby Name Generator