Max
Max first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2009, when 3,958 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,025.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Max popular?
Declining Max is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2009 peak.
| 2020s | 13,641 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 34,141 | |
| 2000s | 27,368 | |
| 1990s | 18,216 | |
| 1980s | 8,741 | |
| 1970s | 4,231 | |
| 1960s | 5,023 | |
| 1950s | 7,430 | |
| 1940s | 8,526 | |
| 1930s | 11,757 | |
| 1920s | 14,081 | |
| 1910s | 10,859 | |
| 1900s | 1,567 | |
| 1890s | 1,112 | |
| 1880s | 765 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Max mean?
A short form of Maximilian or Maximus, from the Latin maximus, “greatest.”
Names like Max
Latin names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Max
Popular Latin names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Max
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Max mean?
Max means Greatest. A short form of Maximilian or Maximus, from the Latin maximus, “greatest.”
What is the origin of the name Max?
Max is of Latin origin.
How do you pronounce Max?
Max is pronounced “MAKS.”
Is Max a boy or a girl name?
Max is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Max a popular name right now?
Max is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2009 peak.
How popular is the name Max?
In 2025, Max ranked #180 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Max most popular?
Max was most popular in 2009, when about 3,958 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Max?
Names similar to Max include Maximilian, Leo, Felix, Milo.
What names go well with Max?
Latin names that pair well with Max include Mark, Amanda, Emily, Olivia, Ava.