Maximilian
mak-sih-MIH-lee-uhn
Maximilian is a name coined in the 15th century by Emperor Friedrich III, who combined the Roman names Maximus (“greatest”) and Aemilianus (from the gens Aemilia) to name his son. The resulting creation became a Habsburg dynasty staple.
Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) made the name famous across Europe. It later spread to Mexico through Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico (1832–1867), the ill-fated Habsburg archduke placed on the Mexican throne by Napoleon III.
Maximilian ranked No. 587 in 2024 with 485 births. It peaked at No. 429 in 2013 with 676 births, showing moderate but consistent appeal over the past decade.
What the name Maximilian means
The name offers multiple built-in nicknames: Max, Maxi, and Ian all emerge naturally. This versatility appeals to parents who want a grand formal name with casual everyday options.
Five syllables — mak-sih-MIL-ee-un — make it one of the longest names on the charts. The length gives it a stately, aristocratic presence that shorter names cannot match.
In Germany and Austria, Maximilian has been a top-10 name for years. American usage, while more modest, reflects the same appreciation for its historical grandeur.
Parents choosing Maximilian over the simpler Max often want the full imperial weight of the name. It carries 500 years of European royal history in its syllables.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Maximilian
Maximilian - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity