How common is the Maxwell surname?

There are approximately 100,000 people with the surname Maxwell in the United States.

Are there Maxwell soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,884 soldiers with the Maxwell surname appear in Civil War records.

Maxwell

Q: What does the surname Maxwell mean?

The surname Maxwell means "A person from Maxwell, a place meaning 'Maccus's well' or 'great well.'". It is of Scottish origin.

Topographic

Meaning

A person from Maxwell, a place meaning 'Maccus's well' or 'great well.'

Etymology

Derived from a place name in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, possibly from a personal name 'Maccus' combined with 'well' (spring). The surname became established among Scottish nobility and was borne by families with significant landholdings.

About the Maxwell Surname

Maxwell is a Scottish surname originating from Dumfriesshire, where the family held substantial lands and political influence. The name became prominent through various notable bearers in Scottish history and science.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 100,000 bearers in the United States #391 most common surname

Rare Common

Concentrated in southwestern Scotland, particularly Dumfriesshire, with populations throughout Scotland and significant diaspora in North America.

Maxwell Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

G.H. Maxwell

Geo. R. Maxwell

Gen.

L. Maxwell

Robert Maxwell

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish
Classification: Topographic
Estimated Bearers: 100,000

War Records

1,884 soldiers with the Maxwell surname found in Civil War records.

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