The name Maximiliano is a masculine given name of Spanish and Latin origin, derived from the Germanic names Maximilian and Maximus. It has its roots in the Late Latin name Maximilianus, which was formed by combining the elements "maximus" meaning "greatest" and "Aemilianus" which was a Roman family name.

The name Maximiliano gained prominence during the Roman Empire, where it was used by several notable figures, including the Roman emperor Maximilian I who ruled from 286 to 305 AD. The name was also popular among early Christians, and it is mentioned in several religious texts from the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Maximiliano can be found in the writings of the Spanish chronicler Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada, who lived in the 13th century. In his works, he mentions a nobleman named Maximiliano de Lara, who fought in the Reconquista campaigns against the Moors.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Maximiliano. One of the most famous was Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor from 1493 to 1519, who played a pivotal role in the politics and cultural life of Renaissance Europe. Another was Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor from 1564 to 1576, known for his tolerant religious policies.

In the 19th century, Maximiliano I was the name of the ill-fated emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867, who was executed by Mexican revolutionaries. Maximiliano Hernández Martínez was a Salvadoran military officer and dictator who ruled from 1931 to 1944.

Other notable figures with the name Maximiliano include Maximiliano Hernández, a Spanish poet and playwright who lived from 1886 to 1959, and Maximiliano Sprowls, an Argentine poet and essayist who was active in the late 20th century.