Maxine is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "maximus," which means "greatest." The name was initially used as a masculine name but has since evolved into a popular choice for girls in many English-speaking countries.
The name Maxine first appeared in literary works in the late 19th century. It was used as a character name in several novels and plays, contributing to its popularity among women's names in the early 20th century. Some notable figures who bear this name include American jazz singer and actress Maxine Andrews (best known as a member of The Andrews Sisters) and Canadian-American actress Maxine Bahns.
Despite its Latin origins, Maxine is not typically associated with any specific religious or cultural traditions. It is simply considered an attractive and strong-sounding name that has gained popularity due to its unique spelling and pronunciation, as well as its connection to successful women throughout history.
Overall, Maxine is a distinctive and powerful feminine given name that combines Latin roots with modern sensibilities, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful yet unique name for their daughters.
The name Maxine experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years based on these birth statistics. It started with a low of 6 births in 1885 and gradually increased to a peak of 588 births in 2023, with a total of 114414 births recorded over the 139-year period from 1884 to 2023. The name's popularity seemed to rise steadily around the early 1900s, peaking in the late 1910s and early 1920s with over 3000 births per year. After a decline in the mid-20th century, it saw another resurgence in recent years, reaching an all-time high in 2023.