Maxine

Maxine as a name

Maxine is a female given name of Latin origin, meaning “greatest” or “most excellent”. It is derived from the name Maximus, which was a popular Roman cognomen (a third name used to distinguish individuals) meaning “the greatest”. Maxine has been used as a given name since the 19th century, and it became particularly popular in the United States in the early 20th century.

Famous people named Maxine include Maxine Waters, an American politician; Maxine Peake, a British actress; and Maxine Hong Kingston, an American author. The name has also been used in popular culture, including the comic strip character Maxine by John Wagner and the song “Maxine” by Donald Fagen.