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 has a rich history of usage in the United States, with records dating back to the late 19th century. Between 1884 and 1967, there were significant fluctuations in the number of babies named Maxine each year. The earliest record shows that only 8 girls were named Maxine in 1884, but this number increased steadily over time.
The peak years for the name Maxine were between 1905 and 1924, with a particularly high point in 1923 when 3603 babies were named Maxine. This was the highest recorded number of births for the name during this period. Interestingly, the popularity of the name Maxine remained relatively stable from 1920 to 1952, with an average of around 1000 births per year.
However, starting in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Maxine. In 1967, only 288 girls were given this name, marking a dramatic decrease from previous decades.
From the 1970s onwards, the popularity of the name Maxine began to fluctuate once again. There were brief periods of increased usage in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with peaks of 143 births in 1978 and 199 births in 1991. However, overall, the name Maxine remained relatively uncommon during this time.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Maxine. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of babies named Maxine increased significantly, reaching an all-time high of 588 births in 2023. This recent trend suggests that the name Maxine may be experiencing a renaissance among parents in the United States.
In total, between 1884 and 2023, there were 114,414 babies named Maxine in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a significant choice for parents naming their daughters throughout American history.