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.
Based on the statistical data provided regarding the name Maxwell in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends over time.
From 1880 to around 1950, the number of births with the name Maxwell fluctuated between a low of 6 births per year and a high of 78 births in 1954. During this period, the name's popularity remained relatively stable, with no significant peaks or valleys.
Starting in 1955, there was an increase in the number of babies named Maxwell. This trend continued throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s, with a peak of 72 births in 1968. However, this popularity did not last long, as the number of births with the name Maxwell began to decline again in the early 1970s.
From the mid-1970s onwards, there was another significant increase in the popularity of the name Maxwell. This trend reached its zenith in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a peak of 3643 births in 2013. Since then, the popularity of the name has seen a gradual decline, with 1983 births recorded in 2023.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there were 104761 babies named Maxwell born in the United States. This data highlights the fluctuating popularity of the name over time and demonstrates that while Maxwell has experienced periods of significant popularity, it remains a relatively uncommon name compared to other popular choices.
Overall, this statistical analysis provides an informative look into the historical trends of the name Maxwell in the United States, allowing us to understand how its popularity has changed over more than a century.