Maxwell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Maxwell come from? What does the surname Maxwell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Maxwell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Maxwell Origin: What does the last name Maxwell mean?
The surname Maxwell is of Scottish origin, deriving from a location near Melrose in Roxburghshire, Scotland. First recorded in 1144 as Mackeswell, it translates to "Mack's spring (or stream)" in Old English. The surname Maxwell is also common in Ulster, where it is sometimes used as an alternative form of the Irish surname Miskell. The name has historical roots in Scotland and has spread globally over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Maxwell surname in Scotland dating back to the early 12th century. The surname's prevalence increased significantly in the United States from the 17th century onwards, surpassing its volume in Scotland by the 18th century. Today, the Maxwell surname can be found in various countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and Germany, reflecting its widespread global presence and rich historical significance.
Maxwell Last Name History: Where did the last name Maxwell come from?
Origin of Maxwell Surname: Where does the last name Maxwell originate from?
The earliest records of the surname Maxwell in the YourRoots database trace back to Scotland, United Kingdom, around the early 12th century. It's important to note that this data pertains specifically to the Maxwell surname as it's spelled today and doesn't include other sources or potential variations of the same surname.
History of the Last Name Maxwell: What does the Maxwell surname history look like in the early days?
YourRoots data shows that the Maxwell surname was closely associated with Scotland, United Kingdom, from the 12th through the 16th century. The prevalence of the Maxwell surname started to increase significantly in the United States from the 17th century onwards, indicating the surname's spread beyond its Scottish origins.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Maxwell surname today?
From the 17th century onwards, the Maxwell surname saw a significant rise in frequency in the United States, eventually surpassing the volume in Scotland, United Kingdom, by the 18th century. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The Maxwell surname remains prominent in the United States today, but it also appears in other regions worldwide. The Maxwell surname has been found in records from a variety of countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and Germany, illustrating the widespread global presence of this surname.
Explore Maxwell last name heritage and Maxwell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Maxwell Surame?
Ghislaine Maxwell
Ghislaine Noelle Marion Maxwell (December 25, 1961) is a British former socialite and convicted sex offender. She was involved in child sex trafficking with Jeffrey Epstein and sentenced to twenty years in prison in 2022. Born to media mogul Robert Maxwell and Holocaust researcher Elisabeth Maxwell, Ghislaine was a prominent figure in London's social scene. She later moved to New York City and founded a non-profit organization for ocean protection. Maxwell faces further charges related to Epstein's crimes and maintains both French and British citizenship.
Robert Maxwell
Ian Robert Maxwell (Ján Ludvík Hyman Binyamin Hoch) (June 10, 1923 – November 5, 1991) was a Czechoslovak-born British media proprietor, politician, and fraudster. Maxwell built Pergamon Press into a major academic publisher and later acquired Mirror Group Newspapers and Macmillan Publishers. He led a lavish lifestyle, owning a luxury yacht named after his daughter. Maxwell's controversial life ended tragically when his body was found in the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the collapse of his publishing empire due to financial scandals. Despite his achievements in the publishing industry, Maxwell's legacy is overshadowed by his fraudulent activities and embezzlement of pension funds.
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn James Maxwell (born 14 Oct 1988) is an Australian cricket player known for his unorthodox batting and off-break deliveries. He has represented Australia in all formats of the game, excelling in ODIs and T20Is. Maxwell has played for Victoria, Melbourne Stars, and various T20 franchises globally. He holds records for the fastest half-century in Australian one-day cricket and the quickest century in a Cricket World Cup match. With a reputation for inventive shot-making, he has scored centuries in all international formats and holds the record for the most T20I centuries. Maxwell's dynamic play style and versatility have made him a standout player in modern cricket.
Vernon Maxwell
Vernon Maxwell (September 12, 1965) is a former professional basketball player known for his clutch three-point shooting in the NBA. He played for teams like the Houston Rockets, helping them win their first championship in 1994. Maxwell set records for scoring, including a 51-point game in 1991. Despite his on-court success, Maxwell faced off-court challenges, like a suspension for punching a fan and legal issues. His nickname "Mad Max" reflects his intense playing style and memorable moments on the court.
Stella Maxwell
Stella Maynes Maxwell (May 15, 1990 - ) is a Northern Irish model known for her work as a former Victoria's Secret Angel and face of Max Factor cosmetics. Born in Brussels to diplomat parents, she later moved to Australia and New Zealand. Maxwell has walked for top designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Dolce & Gabbana, and has appeared on Vogue covers worldwide. Fluent in English and French, she is openly queer and has been in high-profile relationships with Miley Cyrus and Kristen Stewart. Maxwell's diverse career also includes music video appearances and collaborations with fashion brands.
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