Maximus
MAK-suh-muhs
Maximus is a Latin name meaning “greatest,” the superlative form of magnus (“great”).
In ancient Rome, Maximus served as a cognomen - a third name indicating a personal characteristic or military achievement - and was borne by generals, emperors, and senators.
Several notable Romans carried the name, including Quintus Fabius Maximus (died 203 BC), the general whose cautious strategy of avoiding direct battle against Hannibal during the Second Punic War earned him the epithet “the Delayer” and ultimately
What the name Maximus means
helped save Rome.
The name’s modern revival traces directly to the 2000 film Gladiator, in which Russell Crowe played the fictional general Maximus Decimus Meridius. The film grossed over $450 million worldwide and introduced the name to a new generation of parents.
Maximus entered the US top 1,000 shortly after the film’s release and climbed steadily for 16 years. It peaked at No. 187 in 2016 with 2,129 births. In 2024, it ranked No. 330 with 1,043 births, below its peak but still well-established.
The name offers a maximalist alternative to the popular Max, which ranks considerably higher. Parents choosing Maximus tend to embrace its grandeur rather than automatically defaulting to the shorter form as a nickname.
Maximus belongs to a group of ancient Latin names - alongside Augustus, Atticus, and Felix - that have found new life in the 21st century as parents look beyond English and Celtic traditions for distinctive options.
At 3 syllables with a strong opening and decisive “us” ending, Maximus has a commanding sound. Its literal meaning of “greatest” makes it one of the most aspirational names available on the charts.
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 Maximus
Maximus - similar names
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