Summary

The surname Maxwell has origins in Scotland and is derived from the Old Gaelic name Mac Mhaghnusa, meaning 'son of Magnus'. It has a rich history, with notable figures such as Robert Maxwell, a media tycoon, and James Clerk Maxwell, a renowned physicist.
There are
67961
Maxwells in the USA
Maxwell is the
490th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Maxwell

JamesClerk

James Clerk Maxwell was a Scottish physicist who is best known for his formulation of electromagnetic theory, which led to the development of electric motors, telecommunication systems, and many other technological advancements.

LoisMaxwell

Lois Maxwell was a Canadian actress who portrayed Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond film series, appearing in a total of fourteen films.

RobertMaxwell

Robert Maxwell was a British media tycoon and Member of Parliament known for his controversial business practices and eventual downfall.

GavinMaxwell

Gavin Maxwell was a Scottish naturalist and author who wrote several books about his wildlife adventures, including 'Ring of Bright Water' about his pet otter.

ClarenceEarl

Clarence Earl Gideon was an American criminal defendant whose case, Gideon v. Wainwright, resulted in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that established the right to free legal counsel for defendants unable to afford it.

MaxwellMaltz

Maxwell Maltz was an American cosmetic surgeon and author known for his book 'Psycho-Cybernetics,' which explored the connection between self-image and success.

RobertMaxwell

Robert Maxwell was a British media tycoon and Member of Parliament known for his controversial business practices and eventual downfall.

ShirleyMaxwell

Shirley Maxwell was an American actress known for her roles in several films and TV shows, including 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Perry Mason.'

NellieMaxwell

Nellie Maxwell was an Australian Aboriginal activist and advocate for equal rights and land rights for Indigenous Australians in the early 20th century.

MaxwellAnderson

Maxwell Anderson was an American playwright and poet who wrote numerous plays, including 'Anne of the Thousand Days' and 'Winterset,' for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Maxwell Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Maxwell' is of Scottish origin, derived from the place name 'Maccus well' meaning 'Maccus' spring' in Old Scots. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used to identify the descendants of a man named Maccus.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Maxwell' is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Dumfries and Galloway, Lanarkshire, and Edinburgh. It is also present in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Maxwell' include 'Macswell', 'Mauchline', and 'Maskell'.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Maxwell' has been carried by Scottish immigrants to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to factors such as economic opportunities and the Scottish diaspora.