Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Maximus

Maximus started out as a Roman cognomen in ancient times and is the Latin word for ‘greatest’. The cognomen was the third name given to men and the last element of the full Roman name (the tria nomina as it was called). Originally reserved for the aristocracy, the cognomen usually referred to a moral or physical attribute distinct to the family. Maximus is an example of one of the least modest of such families. Quintus Fabius Maximus was an early bearer of the name in the 3rd century B.C. and from a long line of early Roman Consuls (the highest political office of the Roman Republic). Q. Fabius Maximus was notable for his dictatorship during the Second Punic War against Carthage and Hannibal. Having recently suffered a massive defeat, the senate elected a dictator in a panic. Fabius Maximus’ strategy was to wear down Hannibal’s army through a prolonged war of attrition rather than heroic battles, a strategy that is still referred to as “Fabian tactics” today. Maximus was a popular name in Antiquity but less so in the Middle Ages. Its use as a given name in the English-speaking world is recent.

All About the Baby Name – Maximus

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MAXIMUS

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MAXIMUS

The name Maximus first debuted on the U.S. popularity charts in 2000. Not coincidentally, that was the same year a historical epic film called “Gladiator” was released to high box-office receipts. In the movie, which focuses on ancient Roman times, General Maximus Decimus Meridius (played by Russell Crowe), is the heroic and morally upstanding protagonist. Obviously, this character had an immediate impact on future American parents, because the ancient name Maximus jumped onto the U.S. charts for the first time ever. By the next year (2002), Maximus advanced another 539 positions and landed in 311th place, giving this old name relatively moderate usage. Since then, Maximus has more or less remained at this level. Maximus is currently the 3rd most popular “Max” name on the charts, after Max and Maxwell. Maximus (like Maximilian) is probably the most fancy of these “greatest” of names.

Quick Facts

ON MAXIMUS

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Latin

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

200

PRONUNCIATION:

MACK-si-mus

SIMPLE MEANING:

Greatest

Characteristics

OF MAXIMUS

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Maximus

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MAXIMUS

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MAXIMUS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Maximus


Popular Songs

ON MAXIMUS

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


Famous People

NAMED MAXIMUS

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Maximus.

Children of Famous People

NAMED MAXIMUS

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MAXIMUS

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