What does Max mean?
A short form of Maximilian or Maximus, from the Latin maximus, “greatest.”
What does August mean?
August comes from the Latin augustus, “great, venerable.”
Max vs August
Which is more popular?
August is more popular than Max today: about 3,958 US babies were given the name August in 2025, compared with 2,025 named Max.
| Max | August | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Greatest | Great, venerable |
| Origin | Latin | Latin |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | MAKS | AW-gust |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2009 (3,958) | 2025 (3,958) |
| In 2025 | 2,025 | 3,958 |
| Trend | Declining | Near its peak |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Max
August
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Max | August |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 13,641 | 20,323 |
| 2010s | 34,141 | 15,827 |
| 2000s | 27,368 | 3,859 |
| 1990s | 18,216 | 2,153 |
| 1980s | 8,741 | 1,153 |
| 1970s | 4,231 | 1,044 |
| 1960s | 5,023 | 1,234 |
| 1950s | 7,430 | 1,841 |
| 1940s | 8,526 | 2,434 |
| 1930s | 11,757 | 3,208 |
| 1920s | 14,081 | 5,277 |
| 1910s | 10,859 | 4,869 |
| 1900s | 1,567 | 1,245 |
| 1890s | 1,112 | 1,703 |
| 1880s | 765 | 2,012 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Max or August more popular?
August is more popular than Max today: about 3,958 US babies were given the name August in 2025, compared with 2,025 named Max.
What is the difference between Max and August?
Max means Greatest (Latin origin), while August means Great, venerable (Latin origin).
Which name is older, Max or August?
In US records, Max first appears in 1880 and August in 1880, so Max has the longer recorded history.