A distinguished Scottish surname that makes a nice compromise
between the swiftness of Max and the lengthy drama of Maximilian.
|
Origin: |
A Scottish surname, derived from a place name, literally meaning "Mack's stream". Mack, which is the Scottish diminutive of Magnus, Latin for "great", is combined with the Old English wella "stream". |
|
Usage: |
Maxwell is found in fairly consistent, moderate usage at the beginning of the 19th century and became quite popular at the turn of the 20th century. As it was primarily a surname, it was occasionally used a first name for girls as well. The name has never made it into the top 100 in the last century, but has cruised just below it, making it a familiar but not overly popular choice. It ranked #145 in 2010 with 412 births, consistent with its 2009 rank of #144. Maxwell is the most popular of all the 'Max' names that ranked last year -- not counting Max itself -- which include Maximilian, Maximus, Maxim, Maximo, Maxime, Maxen, Maxton, Maxence and Maxfield. |
|
Famous Bearers: |
* James Clerk Maxwell was a Scottish physicist and mathematician. * Maxwell Kogan was a Canadian RCAF pilot during WWII who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. * Maxwell Scherrer Cabelino Andrade is a Brazilian football player. Maxwell's Silver Hammer is a song by the Beatles. |
|
Possible diminutives: |
Mac, Max, Mal, Mel, Axel, Lex |
|
Sibling Names: |
Annabel Esme Tessa Evelyn Felicity Lilias |
|
Name Lists: |
|
If you like Maxwell you may also like: |
,
