The name Max is a masculine given name with its origins in the Roman family name Maximus, meaning "the greatest" in Latin. It is derived from the Latin root "magnus," which translates to "great." The name gained popularity during the Roman Empire and was often given to male children as a symbol of strength and ambition.

The earliest recorded use of the name Max can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was borne by several notable historical figures. One of the most famous was Marcus Valerius Maximus, a Roman general and statesman who lived in the 3rd century BC. He was renowned for his military victories and his role in preserving the Roman Republic.

In the Middle Ages, the name Max was widely used across Europe, particularly in Germanic-speaking regions. It was a common name among nobility and the ruling classes, with several kings and princes bearing the name. One notable example is Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor from 1493 to 1519, who played a significant role in the Renaissance and the Reformation.

As the name spread across Europe, it also found its way into various literary works and religious texts. In the Bible, the name is mentioned in the form of Maximus, which was the name of one of the early Christian martyrs. Additionally, the name appears in several works of medieval literature, such as the Nibelungenlied, a German epic poem from the 13th century.

Throughout history, several prominent figures have borne the name Max. These include:

1. Max Planck (1858-1947), a German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.
2. Max Reinhardt (1873-1943), an Austrian-American theatre director and impresario who is considered one of the most influential figures in modern theatre.
3. Max Ernst (1891-1976), a German painter and pioneer of the Dada movement and Surrealism in art.
4. Max Factor (1872-1938), a Polish-American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the cosmetics company that bears his name.
5. Max Beckmann (1884-1950), a German painter, printmaker, and sculptor who was associated with the Expressionist and New Objectivity movements in art.

The name Max has maintained its popularity over the centuries and continues to be a common choice for baby boys in various cultures and countries around the world.