Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Maxim

Maxim and Maksim are both transcriptions of the Russian Максим which is equivalent to the Latin Maximus. Maximus originated as a Roman cognomen (nickname) in ancient times from the Latin word for “the greatest”. In ancient Rome’s naming structure, known as the tria nomina, the cognomen was the third name given to men and the last element of the full Roman name (it was preceded by the given name and clan name). Originally reserved for the aristocracy, the cognomen usually referred to a moral or physical attribute distinct to the family. Maximus is obviously one of the least modest of such nicknames. Quintus Fabius Maximus was an early bearer of the name in the 3rd century B.C. and came from a long line of early Roman Consuls (the highest elected political office of the Roman Republic). Q. Fabius Maximus was notable for his dictatorship during the Second Punic War against Carthage and their leader Hannibal. Having recently suffered a massive defeat, the senate elected Q. Fabius Maximus in a panic and willingly let him assume a dictatorship role. The military strategy employed by Fabius Maximus is known as “war of attrition” whereby the enemy is worn down over a prolonged period of time. He knew Hannibal’s army was superior so it was actually the smartest course of action. The only problem was that the ancient Romans expected heroic battles on a large scale and saw the “Fabian tactics” as cowardly. In any case, Maximus was a name adopted by the Russians thanks to the importance of a few early saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church (Russians have a long tradition of naming children off a pre-approved list of saints given to parents compliments of the Russian Orthodox Church). Maxim Gorky, born Alexei Maximovich Peshkov, was a notable Russian citizen and strong literary voice to emerge around the time of the Russian Revolution. Maxim (Максим) is currently a Top 10 most common baby boy's name in Russia and the Ukraine. It is also a top choice in Belgium, Belarus and Moldova.

All About the Baby Name – Maxim

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MAXIM

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MAXIM

The “greatest” Max names are getting some notice in the United States today. Maxim appeared on the American male naming charts for the first time in the year 2000 and has so far shown upwards momentum in usage. Even Maksim has recently come to join the party. Max, Maximus, Maximilano, Maximilian and Maximo are all in circulation today. Maxim and Maksim are the Russian transliterations of this ancient Roman name, but Maxim also makes us think of the sexy men’s magazine.

Quick Facts

ON MAXIM

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Russian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

729

PRONUNCIATION:

MAK-sim (English); mahk-SEEM (Russian)

SIMPLE MEANING:

Greatest

Characteristics

OF MAXIM

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Maxim

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MAXIM

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Maxim

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MAXIM

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Maxim


Popular Songs

ON MAXIM

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Maxim


Famous People

NAMED MAXIM

Maxim Gorky (Russian playwright)
Maxim of Bulgaria (head of the Bulganian Church)
Maxim Staviski (Bulgarian figure skater)
Maxim Trankov (Russian figure skater)
Maxim Marinin (Russian figure skater)
Maxim Afinogenov (Russian hockey player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MAXIM

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Maxim

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MAXIM

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Maxim