Max as a stand-alone name

thomas&lynn · March 2010

If you met a baby/toddler named Max would you ask if it was short for Maxwell/Maxmilian?

Maxmilian is not really my style but I do like Maxwell as a "full name". However, our last name sounds similar to White (and begins with a W). Don't you slow down/have to over annunciate even just the slightest when you say Maxwell White? I feel like that stumble is there and while not huge, eh, I also just don't think I'd call him Maxwell ever.

And Max, alone, is still suitable for a baby or a grown man in many one-day professions so I don't really see the need to have a longer given name.

Thoughts?

streamtrax41 · March 2010

You could always go with Maksim (from Dancing with the Stars), lol. He goes by Maks.

I see your point with Maxwell White, I definitely don't like the two together. I don't think there's anything wrong with Max as a full first name. People may ask if it's short for something else, but so what? My uncle's name is Tony NOT Anthony and people ask if my name (Kerri) is short for something else. Personally I like the name Maddox with the nn Max, but that may not be your style. Maddox White sounds better than Maxwell White, IMO. I don't like Maxmillian at all. If you really like Max, I say go for it!

nycitylove · March 2010

My ds is Maxwell and we call him Maxwell. I chose it because we love the name Max and intended to call him that, but also like formal names. Maxwell also sounds better with our LN. I know a lot of kids that are just Max. Now I actually view them as two different names.

If you like just Max then name him Max. It is a name on its own and agree that it sounds better with your LN than Maxwell.

starlight8323 · March 2010

thomas&lynn:

If you met a baby/toddler named Max would you ask if it was short for Maxwell/Maxmilian?

Maxmilian is not really my style but I do like Maxwell as a "full name". However, our last name sounds similar to White (and begins with a W). Don't you slow down/have to over annunciate even just the slightest when you say Maxwell White? I feel like that stumble is there and while not huge, eh, I also just don't think I'd call him Maxwell ever.

And Max, alone, is still suitable for a baby or a grown man in many one-day professions so I don't really see the need to have a longer given name.

Thoughts?

Remember Max Power from the Simpsons? haha

"Max Power. He's the man whose name you'd love to touch. But you mustn't touch. His name sounds good in your ear. But when you say it, you mustn't fear. 'Cause his name can be said by anyone..."

You could always go with Maximus.

I have a friend who works at Blockbuster. His favorite movie is "Gladiator", and he says he will only marry a girl if she agrees that their first son will be named Maximus.

BwayDani · March 2010

It's fine !!! Tons of babies are being named "just Max" these days so it won't be strange at all. If Max is the name you like, name him Max.

Lurksgirl · March 2010

I am not a fan of the NN being the given name. IMHO a child should be given the proper name and then called by the NN.

I totally loved Massamiliano, which is the italian for Maximillion. But we ended up having a girl and we've decided on english names for our potential (future) little ones.

LittleDucky · March 2010

My cousin's son is named just Max, not short for anything, and I've met other people who also have the name Max. I think it is just fine without being short for anything.

CutieBean79 · March 2010

I consider nns as fns on a case-by-case basis. In this case, I think Max is fine as a stand alone name.

aldyn · March 2010

Lurksgirl:

I am not a fan of the NN being the given name. IMHO a child should be given the proper name and then called by the NN.

Same here. My husband's name is Magnus and I know some people are using that name and using Max for a nickname (remember Maximus from Gladiator? That and Magnus share the same meaning in latin: "great" or "big" - so I think because they share the same latin roots, folks think Max can be short for Magnus). Anyway, I mainly say this to point out there are longer forms for Max other than what you most commonly hear.

JayandTay09 · March 2010

I like Max, just Max...

J+R · March 2010

I like it as a stand alone. Just Max

it's cute

thomas&lynn · March 2010

aldyn:

Same here. My husband's name is Magnus and I know some people are using that name and using Max for a nickname (remember Maximus from Gladiator? That and Magnus share the same meaning in latin: "great" or "big" - so I think because they share the same latin roots, folks think Max can be short for Magnus). Anyway, I mainly say this to point out there are longer forms for Max other than what you most commonly hear.

I could only think of Maxwell and Maxmilian at first but Maximus did come to mind after the post due to the Gladiator movie. And now I know there is Magnus as well so thank you I honestly just feel that all with the exception of Maxwell are such big names. Well, one (or some) even mean 'big' lol. By that I mean, gee, he'll have such a powerful name to live up to. I guess that's actually pretty damn cool but for some reason I just don't see a Literary professor or a Chef named Maximus

I can't seem to find other Max names that are a little toned down on the 'great' factor if anyone has any ideas!

Mitzie · March 2010

"So I asked him if it was short for Maxwell or Maxamillyin and he said 'No, just plain Max'... What kind of Meshugenah name is that!?"

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