Names That Mean Greatest
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- Magnus
Origin:
Scandinavian from LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Magnus is a Latin name, literally meaning "greatest," that has a Scandinavian feel. It dates back to Charlemagne being called Carolus Magnus, or Charles the Great. Norwegian king Magnus I, named after Charlemagne, introduced it to his culture, and thus Magnus was the name of six early kings of Norway and four of Sweden. It is still a highly popular name in Denmark and Norway.
- Max
Origin:
English and German diminutive of Maximilian or MaxwellMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Max was derived from Maximilian, a Latin name that originated from the Roman family name Maximus. The character name Max in the children's classic Where the Wild Things Are had an impact on baby namers. Max is a widely used name internationally.
- Maxine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
With the success of all names Max, from Max itself to Maxwell to Maxfield to Maximilian, it's just possible that Maxine could be lured away from her mah-jongg game at the clubhouse and into the nursery. She's already been chosen by hip musician Nick Hexum for his daughter, sister to Echo.
- Maximilian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
This name once seemed a bit grand and pompous for an American baby boy, but a significant number of parents are now preferring it as a substantial platform for the nickname Max, among them Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, who chose it for their twin son.
- Maximus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
The powerful name of the powerful character played by Russell Crowe in the 2000 film Gladiator first appeared on the popularity charts that same year. Max to the max. One time considered a "too much name" name, Maximus has entered the realm of possibility.
- Macsen
Origin:
Welsh variation of Maximus, LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Macsen may sound like a modern invention, cousin to Jackson and Maxon, but it's a longtime Welsh variation of Maximus with evocative roots in legend. Macsen Wledig is another name for the Roman emperor Magnus Maximus, was played an important role in Welsh history and was further immortalized in a poem celebrating his dream about his lover Elen. Macsen also appears in Arthurian legend.
- Maxim
Origin:
French variation of MaximusMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Although often connected to the men's magazine title, Maxim is a chic and powerful name for a little boy. It's proving moderately popular too, having been in the Top 1000 in the US since the year 2000.
- Massimo
Origin:
Italian variation of MaximusMeaning:
"the greatest"Description:
Massimo is a Latin charmer, much more appealing than the old-fashioned Mario, and is a charismatic member of the Maximus/Magnus family.
- Max
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
If Sam can make it as a girl's name, why not Max? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's eldest daughter Maxima goes by Max, but you could also use it as a short form for Maxine, Maximilienne or even Margaux.
- Maxton
Origin:
English surname, elaboration of Max, Latin,"Maccas's homestead; greatest town"Meaning:
"Maccas's homestead; greatest town"Description:
Maxton is a new member of the ever-expanding Max clan of baby names, hitting the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2011. It joined newfangled Maxon and stylish cousin Paxton, though it did drop out of the charts in 2023.
- Maxence
Origin:
French form of Latin MaximusMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
A cute and fresh way to get to Max, this was the name of a sixth century saint. Maxence is a Top 100 boys' name in France, but largely unknown in the US where it is given to only a handful of baby boys each year.
- Azami
Origin:
Japanese; PersianMeaning:
"thistle flower; greatest"Description:
Azami has a prickly image and feel — reinforced by the thistle's image in Eastern mythology as one of defiance. A name that spans two widely divergent cultures, Azami might make the perfect international choice, at once unusual and easy to comprehend.
- Maxon
Origin:
American invented name, literary name, elaboration of Max, LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
The newly-styled Maxon takes its cue from Jaxon, another elaboration of a classic name on the rise. Maxon is not bad, as invented names go, yet it's hard for us to advocate for Maxon over Maxwell, Maxfield, Maximus, or just plain Max.
- Magnús
Origin:
Icelandic variation of Magnus, LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
The Icelandic form of the internationally popular Magnus, currently ranked in the Top 50 over there.
- Maximiliano
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
This is a Spanish variation of Maximilian that has begun to gain some popularity. It has a luxurious feel -- maybe it's the suggestion of "millions"? -- but this is one of those Spanish baby names that come with Anglicized nicknames that can make it work across cultures.
- Maxi
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Diminutive of Maxine, Maxima or Maximiliane
- Manus
Origin:
Irish variation of MagnusMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
This is an old Irish name associated with such heroes as the seventeenth century chieftain, scholar and poet Manus O'Donnell. In this country, though, parents would not find Manus as pleasing or impressive as Magnus.
- Maxentius
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
An even more dramatic derivative of the Latin name Maximus, which belonged to a Roman emperor as well as a 6th century French saint. An adventurous route to Max.
- Maximillia
Origin:
Feminine of MaximillianMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Slightly weightier alternative to Maxine
- Massima
Origin:
Italian, from LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
Massima's meaning makes it a high-pressure boastful choice, even in Italian.