Last Name Maxon

The surname Maxon is of Old French origin, derived from the given name Maximus, which means "greatest" in Latin. It was introduced into England by the Normans after 1066 and has since been found in various spellings such as Maksun, Makson, MacSweeney, and MacShane, among others. The name is common in English-speaking countries like England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maxon

The meaning and origin of the last name Maxon

The surname Maxon is an English-origin name that derives from two possible sources: the Old French "Maxence" or the medieval Latin "Maximus." In both cases, it is a diminutive form of names derived from the Latin word "maximus," meaning 'greatest.' The name was likely brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066. Over time, variations such as Maxen, Maxson, and Machen emerged due to phonetic changes and regional dialects. As a patronymic surname, it may have initially been used to denote a son of a man named Maxence or Maximus. Today, the name is relatively uncommon but can be found in English-speaking countries around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maxon

The surname Maxon is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, notably in England and the United States. In England, it is most concentrated in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. Its highest occurrence can be traced to the city of Preston, Lancashire. In the United States, the highest density of the Maxon surname can be found in states such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Additionally, smaller concentrations are present in Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, indicating a potential diaspora from England to these regions. However, the surname is not exclusive to these areas and may be found sparsely in other parts of the world as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maxon

The surname Maxon has several variations and spellings, including Maxon, Maxone, Maxonn, Maksan, Makson, and Maksone. Each variation may have originated from different regions or time periods, reflecting the diversity of the name's historical usage. For example, "Maxone" could be a variant of the original surname, while "Maksan" might represent an adaptation in a non-English speaking region. It is important to note that these variations may lead to confusion when researching family history or genealogy, as the same name can appear differently in different records. In such cases, it is helpful to investigate the geographical and historical context of each occurrence to determine if they are related.

Famous people with the last name Maxon

Notable individuals with the surname Maxon include:

1. John Maxon (1896-1974), an American architect who designed the United States Capitol Annex, the headquarters for the Architect of the Capitol.

2. Randy Maxon (born 1953), an American basketball coach and former professional player, who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a power forward for five seasons with the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers.

3. Trey Maxon (born 1986), an American football cornerback, who was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He also played for the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts.

4. William Maxon (1753-1825), an American military officer during the American Revolutionary War, who served under General George Washington. He was aide-de-camp to Alexander Hamilton and participated in several major battles.

5. Alice Maxon (1897-1950), an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of variable stars and was the first woman elected to the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's Board of Directors.

These individuals have left indelible marks in their respective fields, demonstrating the diversity and accomplishments of people bearing the surname Maxon.

Genealogical research on the last name Maxon

The surname Maxon is primarily of English origin and is believed to have derived from various locations in Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was Robert de Massei, who lived during the reign of Henry III (1235-1272), suggesting a Norman influence on the surname. Over time, the spelling evolved to Maxon, Maxom, Masson, and Massen, reflecting regional variations in pronunciation and scribal errors. The family migrated to the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant populations settling in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Notable descendants include George Maxson (1740-1823), who served as a Continental Army officer during the American Revolution, and John Wesley Maxon (1833-1905), an American botanist and naturalist. The Maxon lineage continues to be traced through genealogical research and DNA testing among families bearing this name in Europe, North America, and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maxon"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends