Origin & Meaning of the Maxwell Surname
What does the last name Maxwell mean?
The surname Maxwell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 67,961 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Maxwell ranks as the #490 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Maxwell come from?
The Maxwell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Maxwell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Maxwell trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Maxwell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #490 |
| US Count (2010) | 67,961 |
| Per 100K People | 23.04 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Maxwell
According to the US Census, the Maxwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 67,961 Americans with the Maxwell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.22% |
| Black | 20.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.74% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.64% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Maxwell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Maxwell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Maxwell surname increased by 2,182 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maxwell
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