Maximiliano

Maximiliano is the Portuguese and Spanish form of Maximilian, from the Latin “Maximilianus” which is a form of “Maximus” meaning “greatest” (the Spanish version of Maximus is Maximo). Maximilian became a traditional name among the royal Habsburg family members in Austria-Hungary as well as the royal house of Bavaria. It is thought that Maximilian comes from the blending of two names, in homage to the classical Roman generals – Fabius Maximus and Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus. Fabius Maximus lived in the 3rd century B.C. and made a name for himself during the Second Punic War (Roman Republic vs. Carthage). He was given the nickname “Cunctator” meaning “delayer” because of his “war of attrition” strategy on the Italian battlefield (known as “Fabian Tactics”). The idea was to wear down the enemy over a long period of time rather than through pitched, confrontational battles. He also prevented Carthage’s army (led by Hannibal) from receiving needed resources while preserving the strength of his own Roman forces. The Romans found this approach rather un-heroic and Fabius Maximus was relieved of his dictatorship. Later, when the Roman army resumed the pitched battle strategy losses were severe and the “Fabian Tactics” were vindicated. Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus was a leading general of the Roman army during the Third Punic War and commanded the final siege of Carthage (present day Tunisia) in the 2nd century B.C. This resulted in the complete destruction of Rome’s long time enemy. Together, the names of these two remarkable Roman generals formed the word for “greatness”. Maximilian is currently the #2 male name in Austria (2011) and ranked in 9th place in Germany (2012). The Spanish form of Maximiliano is more common in Latin American than the Iberian Peninsula, but it’s especially favored in Chile right now. Apparently Chileans don’t shy away from “greatness”.