Last Name Maxfield

The surname Maxfield is of English origin and is primarily found in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in northern England. It is a locational surname, derived from the Old English words "mæx" meaning "midge" (a type of small fly) and "feld" meaning "field." The name Maxfield likely originally referred to a field or area where midges were abundant. Over time, individuals who lived or worked in this area may have adopted Maxfield as a surname to indicate their connection to that specific location. Variations of the name include Maxfeild and Macsfield.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maxfield

The meaning and origin of the last name Maxfield

The surname Maxfield is of English origin and its meaning can be traced back to its Old English roots. The name Maxfield is derived from two elements: "mæx," meaning "midge" or "gnat," and "feld," which translates to "field" or "open land." Combined, these elements suggest that Maxfield could be interpreted as "field or land inhabited by midges" or possibly "gnat-infested field." This interpretation might have referred to a specific location with a particular presence of midges or simply served as a descriptive nickname for someone who lived or worked in a marshy or insect-prone area. As surnames were often derived from occupations or descriptions of people or their surroundings, Maxfield could have originally indicated an individual's connection to or location in such an environment. Over time, this surname has likely evolved and been passed down through generations, preserving its historical connection to a specific geographical feature or characteristic.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maxfield

The surname Maxfield has a relatively small geographical distribution, primarily concentrated in the English-speaking countries. In the United States, it is most commonly found in the New England states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine. Additionally, there are significant concentrations of Maxfield families in Idaho, Utah, and California. The name can also be found in Australia and New Zealand, where it was likely carried by British immigrants. In the United Kingdom, Maxfield is primarily found in the county of Lancashire, specifically around the towns of Bolton and Bury. Due to the limited information available, it is difficult to ascertain the precise geographical distribution of the surname Maxfield worldwide. However, it is clear that the name has its strongest presence in the areas mentioned above, suggesting an English origin and subsequent dispersal through migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maxfield

The last name Maxfield has several variations and possible spellings. Variations include Maxfeld, Maxfild, Maxfeeld, Maxfielde, Maxfielt, and Maxfild. These variations are mainly derived from different ways of pronouncing the name or regional influences. Additionally, there may be alternative spellings based on personal preferences or clerical errors during record-keeping. Some individuals may have changed the spelling intentionally to distinguish themselves or to make their name more phonetically accurate. For example, Maxfeld might be spelled as such to reflect a Germanic pronunciation. Other variations could be the result of transliteration or phonetic approximations when migrating to different countries or dealing with language barriers. Therefore, the surname Maxfield, although relatively straightforward, can have various iterations due to historical, cultural, and individual factors.

Famous people with the last name Maxfield

There are not many famous individuals with the last name Maxfield, but one notable figure is James Maxfield. He is a renowned American economist and expert in public finance. Maxfield is known for his research on the economic impacts of government policies, particularly in the areas of taxation and public spending. Throughout his career, he has published numerous influential papers and served as a professor at prestigious universities, enlightening countless students with his expertise. Maxfield's work has significantly contributed to our understanding of how government actions affect the economy and has been widely cited by fellow economists. While there may not be many Maxfields in the limelight, James Maxfield has undoubtedly made a name for himself in the field of economics, leaving a lasting impact through his research and teaching.

Genealogical research on the last name Maxfield

The surname Maxfield has English origins, deriving from the pre-7th century compound name "Maccus" and "feld", meaning "Maccus's open country", or alternatively, "Maccus' field". This suggests an association with land ownership or occupation. The surname's earliest known record dates back to Yorkshire in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over time, the Maxfield family spread to various regions of England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire. Throughout the centuries, branches of the family migrated to other parts of the British Isles and eventually to North America, particularly the United States. Notable individuals bearing the Maxfield name include Thomas Maxfield, an organist and composer who lived during the 17th century. Modern-day descendants with the Maxfield surname can be found worldwide, with many still residing in England and the United States, upholding the family's long-standing history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maxfield"
• 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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