Maxwell is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Scottish surname Maxwell, which itself comes from the Old Norse personal name Mac Val, meaning "son of Wal". The name Wal means "stranger" or "foreign".
The name Maxwell first appeared as a given name in Scotland during the Middle Ages. However, it was not until the 19th century that it began to be used as a male given name outside of Scotland. Today, Maxwell is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for boys.
One notable historical figure with the surname Maxwell was James Clerk Maxwell, a Scottish physicist and mathematician who formulated classical electromagnetic theory in the mid-19th century. His work is celebrated worldwide and has had a significant impact on the fields of physics and mathematics.
Overall, Maxwell is a strong and distinctive name that carries a rich history and an intriguing meaning. It is a great choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Maxwell experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable increase starting around the late 1970s and peaking in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. From just 11 births in 1912, Maxwell's popularity grew exponentially, reaching an all-time high of 3739 births in 2014. However, it has since declined, with only 1983 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there were a total of 104761 births with the name Maxwell from 1880 to 2023.