Maxine
mak-SEEN
Maxine is a French feminine form of Max, itself a short form of the Latin Maximus, meaning “greatest.” The -ine suffix follows the French pattern of feminizing masculine names.
The name rose in the early 20th century alongside a generation of French-influenced feminine names including Pauline, Josephine, and Nadine. Maxine became a staple of the 1920s and 1930s American naming landscape.
Maxine reached No. 76 in 1923 with 3,603 births, placing it firmly in the upper tier. In 2024, it ranks No. 520 with 591 births, buoyed by vintage-name revival trends.
What the name Maxine means
Congresswoman Maxine Waters kept the name in public awareness for decades. Hallmark’s Maxine greeting card character gave it a humorous, irreverent popular-culture dimension.
Two syllables—mak-SEEN—pack a punchy, confident sound. The sibilant stress on the second syllable gives it energy and forward motion uncommon in gentler vintage names.
Today’s parents rediscover Maxine for its boldness and retro appeal. It pairs well with the nickname Max, which adds a unisex edge that modern families appreciate.
Related forms include Maxima (Latinate), Maximiliane (German), and the diminutive Maxie. The masculine equivalents Max, Maxim, and Maxwell share the same superlative Latin root.
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 Maxine
Maxine - similar names
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