Last Name Maxence

The origin of the last name "Maxence" is likely French, as it is a variant of the French given name "Maxence." The name Maxence itself is derived from the Latin name "Maxentius," which was originally a Roman family name. Maxentius was also the name of a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 306 to AD 312. Over time, the name Maxence became a surname, and it is often found in France and French-speaking regions.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Maxence

The surname Maxence has its origins in France. It is derived from the Latin name Maxentius, which was a given name in ancient Rome. The name Maxentius itself has two components: "maximus," meaning "greatest," and "entius," a common suffix used in Roman names. Therefore, Maxence can be interpreted as "the greatest one" or "the most important one." The prevalence of the surname Maxence can be attributed to its historical significance and popularity as a given name. Names such as Maxentius were often bestowed upon individuals who were considered powerful or influential in ancient Roman society. Over time, these given names evolved into surnames and continued to be passed down through generations. As is the case with many surnames, Maxence may have variations or spellings depending on geographical locations and individual preferences. However, regardless of the spelling, the name Maxence still maintains its original meaning of greatness or importance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maxence

The last name Maxence is derived from the given name Maxentius, which has origins in the ancient Roman Empire. Today, the geographical distribution of the last name Maxence is primarily found in France. France has the highest concentration of individuals with this surname, particularly in the regions of Île-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Occitanie. The surname is also present albeit in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Belgium and Switzerland due to migration and historical ties. In recent years, with increased mobility and globalization, individuals with the last name Maxence have ventured beyond Europe and can now be found in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia. Although the surname is not as widespread as some other French surnames, its distribution reflects the historical and contemporary patterns of migration from France and the influence of global movement on surname dispersal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maxence

The last name Maxence has a few variations and potential spellings, showcasing the intricacies of name evolution and regional influences. One common variation is "Maxant," which maintains a similar phonetic structure while incorporating an alternate ending sound. Another variation is "Maxens," which alters the final vowel and replaces it with a softer "ens" sound. Similarly, the spelling "Maxance" substitutes the "e" with an "a" while keeping the overall pronunciation intact. Additionally, "Maxence" can occasionally be spelled as "Maxanse" or "Maxensse," which add a distinct flair to the original name. These diverse spellings and variations reflect the historical and geographical roots of the name, adapting to different linguistic preferences or regional accents across various communities. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the name Maxence signifies a connection to a particular heritage or lineage, serving as a testament to the historical development and individuality within family names.

Famous people with the last name Maxence

Maxence Van der Meersch was a renowned French writer and journalist. He gained international recognition for his novel "Corps et âmes" (Body and Souls), which won the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 1936. Van der Meersch was known for his powerful storytelling and ability to depict complex human emotions. His works often explored socio-political themes and the impact of war on individuals and society. Another notable figure with the last name Maxence is Michèle Maxence, a French actress who was active in the 1940s and 1950s. Maxence appeared in several films, including "La Beauté du diable" (The Beauty of Devils) directed by René Clair. Though not widely recognized outside of France, both Van der Meersch and Maxence have left a lasting impression in their respective fields, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of their nation.

Genealogical research on the last name Maxence

The last name Maxence is a relatively uncommon surname with origins that can be traced back to France. The etymology of the name suggests that it may have originated from the Old French personal name “Maxence,” which has its roots in the Latin name “Maxentius.” Maxentius was a popular name during the time of the Roman Empire, and it means "greatest" or "greatest achiever." Historical records indicate that individuals bearing the last name Maxence were primarily concentrated in the regions of Normandy and Brittany in France. Over the years, some branches of the Maxence family may have migrated to other parts of France and even other countries. Genealogical research suggests that the Maxence surname has remained relatively rare, with a limited number of individuals carrying the name today. Further research into specific family trees and historical records could potentially provide more detailed insights into the Maxence surname, offering a deeper understanding of its origins and distribution.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "maxence"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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