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Last Name Maximino

What is the origin of the last name Maximino?

The surname Maximino is believed to have origins from the Latin given name "Maximinus," which means 'greatest' or 'maximum.' This name was commonly used among early Christians and was later adopted as a surname in several countries, including Spain and Portugal. It underwent various transformations in spellings due to phonetic changes and local dialects over time. In some cases, it may have also been a variation of other similar names like Maximo or Macias. However, it's important to note that surnames can often have multiple origins and variations, so further research might be needed for specific lineages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maximino

The meaning and origin of the last name Maximino

The surname Maximino is of Latin origin, specifically derived from the Roman name Maximinus. It was originally a given name, composed of the elements 'maximus' meaning 'greatest' or 'biggest', and '-inus', a diminutive suffix. Over time, it evolved into a patronymic surname, signifying that it was either borne by the son of someone named Maximinus or indicating that the individual was born in a place named after this Roman name. The name is popularly found among Portuguese, Spanish, and Filipino families due to historical ties with these regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maximino

The surname Maximino is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, due to its origin from the Latin word "Maximinus," meaning great or mighty. In Portugal, it is more common in the northern regions, such as Minho, Douro, and Ave, and in the autonomous region of Madeira. In Brazil, it is widely distributed throughout the country, with high concentrations in the Southeast, especially in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It also appears in smaller numbers in other countries where Portuguese immigrants have settled, such as Angola, Mozambique, and the United States. In these diaspora communities, the surname is often found among families that emigrated from Portugal or Brazil during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maximino

The last name Maximino can have several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, or personal preference. Some common variants include Maximeno, Maximo, Macimino, and Maxymin. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it may be spelled as Maximiano or Maximíneo. In Spanish-speaking regions, it could also be spelled as Máximo or Máximiano. The name, originating from Latin, means "the greatest" or "the maximum." It is a popular surname in countries with significant Portuguese and Spanish influence, such as Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and some parts of Africa and the Americas.

Famous people with the last name Maximino

Notable individuals with the surname Maximino include:

1. Manuel Maximino (born 1946), Angolan politician who served as Prime Minister from 1992 to 2002.
2. Jorge Maximino (born 1957), Angolan businessman and former chairman of Sonangol, the state oil company of Angola.
3. Ana Maximino (born 1986), Portuguese actress, best known for her role in the television series Morangos com Açucar.
4. Rui Maximino (born 1965), Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Porto and Benfica, and the Portugal national team.
5. Carlos Maximino (born 1970), Angolan lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Justice from 2014 to 2016.

Genealogical research on the last name Maximino

The surname Maximino originates from Portugal, specifically from the Minho region where it is believed to have been first documented in the 13th century. One of the earliest records of this name is that of Martinus Maxeminu from the town of Guimarães in 1258. Over time, the surname spread across Portugal and its territories, including Brazil, due to migration. In Brazil, the name became particularly prevalent in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro as a result of the colonial period and subsequent population growth. Notable individuals bearing the name Maximino include Portuguese poet Antero de Quental (1840-1891) and Brazilian politician Aécio Neves (born 1960). The Maximino family tree shows various branches, some tracing their roots to the Iberian Peninsula while others have origins in South America.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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