Maxence is a French given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Maximus, which means "greatest" or "most excellent." The name Maxence is composed of two elements: "maximus," meaning "greatest," and "-ce," a diminutive suffix. Thus, Maxence can be interpreted as "little greatest."
The name Maxence has been used in France for centuries and was popularized during the Middle Ages by Saint Maxence, who was a bishop of Amiens in the 4th century. He is revered as a saint by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Maxence. One such example is Maxence Van der Meersch, a Belgian novelist known for his works in French, including "Alouette, je te plumerai" (1930) and "La Maison dans la dune" (1932). Another prominent figure is Maxence Charlety, a French entrepreneur who founded the sports complex Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris.
The name Maxence has also been used by several monarchs and noble figures throughout history. For instance, Maxence II was the Frankish king of Burgundy from 864 to 877, while Maxence III ruled as the Duke of Aquitaine from 935 to 942.
In recent years, Maxence has become increasingly popular in France and other French-speaking countries. According to statistics from the French government, Maxence was one of the most popular boys' names in France during the early 2000s. Today, it continues to be a well-liked choice among parents for their sons.
Overall, Maxence is a name rich in history and meaning, with roots tracing back to ancient Roman times. Its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries but remains a timeless and distinguished choice for parents looking for a French-inspired name for their child.
Statistics on the given name Maxence in the United States show a fluctuating trend over time. Between the years 2001 and 2023, there were a total of 66 babies born with this name.
The peak years for births with the name Maxence occurred in recent times. In both 2021 and 2022, there were 6 births each. Additionally, there were 7 births recorded in both 2020 and 2023. This indicates that the name Maxence has seen a slight increase in popularity in more recent years.
However, it's worth noting that there were fewer births with this name in earlier years. Between 2001 and 2009, there was an average of about 5 births per year with the name Maxence. The lowest recorded number of births for this name occurred in 2001, with only 5 babies named Maxence.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Maxence has varied over time, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names in the United States. Nonetheless, its recent uptick suggests that it may continue to be chosen by parents for their children in the coming years.