Maxene is a unique and captivating female given name with an intriguing history and meaning. Originating from the Occitan language of France, Maxene translates to "the greatest" or "the most excellent." This moniker shares its roots with the male name Maxence, which is derived from the Roman family name Maximus.
The name Maxene has a rich historical background, particularly within French literature and arts. In the 19th century, it was used by French writer Alexandre Dumas fils in his novel "Les Bas-bleus," referring to a young woman who aspired to intellectual pursuits typically reserved for men at that time. This portrayal showcases Maxene's association with strength, intelligence, and independence.
Maxene has also been embraced by various cultures throughout the years. While it remains relatively uncommon in many English-speaking countries, it enjoys popularity in France and some Spanish-speaking nations, such as Argentina and Mexico. In these regions, Maxene is often used as a feminine form of Maximus or Maxence, conveying a sense of power, elegance, and uniqueness.
In terms of its sound, Maxene offers a delightful blend of musicality and sophistication. The soft, flowing vowels paired with the crisp consonants create a harmonious rhythm that is pleasing to the ear. This audible appeal has contributed to its popularity among parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names for their daughters.
Ultimately, Maxene stands out as an exceptional choice for parents who desire a name that combines historical significance, cultural adaptability, and aesthetic charm. Its meaning of "the greatest" or "the most excellent" sets high expectations, making it an ideal selection for a child destined to achieve greatness in her own unique way.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Maxene has experienced fluctuating popularity over the past century in the United States. The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names in 1914 with only 6 births recorded that year. However, its popularity grew rapidly in the following years, reaching a peak of 29 births in 1923.
The highest frequency of the name Maxene occurred between 1915 and 1927, with the number of births ranging from 14 to 30 each year. During this period, the name was at its most popular, as indicated by the consistently higher numbers of births per year.
After 1927, the popularity of the name Maxene began to decline. Between 1928 and 1950, the number of births with this name ranged from 7 to 13 each year, indicating a significant decrease in its popularity compared to the previous decade.
There was a gap of over four decades without any recorded births of the name Maxene in the United States. However, since 1993, the name has reemerged with a small but steady number of births each year. Between 1993 and 2019, there were an average of 5 births per year for the name Maxene.
In total, over the course of more than a century (1914-2019), there have been 498 recorded births with the name Maxene in the United States. This data provides insight into the changing trends and popularity of the name over time.