Last Name Maximo

The surname Maximo is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from the Latin word "maximus" meaning greatest or largest, a title often given to high-ranking Roman officials like consuls and emperors. Over time, this title evolved into a surname in Hispanic and Lusophone cultures. The surname Maximo is also found among Sephardic Jewish families who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and settled in Portugal or other countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maximo

The meaning and origin of the last name Maximo

The surname Maximo originates from the Spanish language, derived from the word "máximo," which means "highest" or "greatest." It is often used as a surname and can be traced back to Spain, where it was traditionally given to individuals who were considered exceptional or prominent in some way. Over time, the name has spread beyond Spain, being adopted by people of various ethnicities due to immigration and cultural exchange. As a surname, Maximo is relatively uncommon but still occurs frequently among Spanish-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maximo

The surname Maximo has its roots in various countries, predominantly Spanish-speaking regions due to its derivation from the Latin word "maximus" meaning greatest or largest. In Spain, it is most common in the region of Galicia, particularly in cities such as Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña. The name also has a significant presence in Portugal, especially in the north, reflecting its historical connection to the Iberian Peninsula. Beyond Europe, Maximo can also be found in Latin American countries like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba, where it is often associated with individuals of Spanish or Portuguese descent. In the United States, states with a high concentration of people bearing the name include Florida, New York, and California. Globally, Maximo is not as common compared to other surnames, but its geographical distribution reflects a rich history and cultural exchange between Europe and the Americas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maximo

The surname Maximo can be found with various spellings and variations across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include:

1. Maximus: This is the original Latin form of the name, which means "greatest."
2. MacMaximoff: A Scottish Gaelic variation that translates to "son of the greatest."
3. Maksimovich: A Slavic variation, derived from Maximus, typically found among Eastern European populations.
4. Maksimoff: Another Slavic variation, similar to MacMaximoff in its meaning and structure.
5. Maksymchuk: A Ukrainian variation that combines elements of the original Latin name with Slavic naming conventions.
6. Máximo: The Spanish equivalent of Maximus, which is quite common among Hispanic populations.
7. Maximo-Lawson: This variation results from a combination of two last names, though it still maintains the core of the original name Maximus.
8. Maksimovic: A Serbian and Croatian variation, similar to Maksimovich but using the local alphabet.
9. Maksimow: A Polish version of Maksimovich, also spelled Maksimau or Maksimowicz in some cases.
10. Maxime: The French equivalent of Maximus, often found as a given name as well as a surname.

Famous people with the last name Maximo

Maximo is a surname shared by several renowned individuals across various fields and generations. One prominent figure is Jose Maximo Hernandez, a Filipino historian, academic, and National Artist for Historical Writing in the Philippines. Another notable person is Luis Maximo Praeli, a Peruvian economist who served as the Minister of Economy and Finance from 2016 to 2018. In sports, there's Juan Carlos Ollaga Maximo, a retired Ecuadorian footballer known for his time at Barcelona and the Ecuador national team. Lastly, in music, there is José Maximo Ramos, also known as Joey Maximo, an American pianist and composer who has worked with various artists such as Roy Hargrove and Common. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, reflecting the diverse talents associated with the surname Maximo.

Genealogical research on the last name Maximo

The surname Maximo is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word 'maximus' meaning 'greatest.' It is commonly found in countries that were once under Spanish rule, particularly in the Philippines, due to colonization in the 16th century. Notable persons with this last name include Maximo Kalaw, a Filipino jurist and politician who served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines; and Maximo Ramos, a Filipino general who played a significant role during the Philippine Revolution against Spain. In genealogical records, variations such as Maximoff, Maximo-Lopez, and Maximo-Reyes can be found due to name changes or misspellings over time. The Maximo family history is richly intertwined with the Philippine national struggle for independence and the development of their country's legal system.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maximo"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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