An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The greatest value attained (or attainable) by a function; the opposite of minimum.

Etymology (EN): From L. maximum, neuter of maximus “greatest,” superlative of magnus “great, large” cognate with Pers. meh “great, large” (Mid.Pers. mah, mas; Av. maz-, masan-, mazant- “great, important,” mazan- “greatness, majesty,” mazišta- “greatest;” cf. Skt. mah-, mahant-; Gk. megas; PIE *meg- “great”).

Etymology (PE): Bišiné, from biš “much, more; great” (from Mid.Pers. veš “more, longer; more frequently,” related to vas “many, much” (Mod.Pers. bas);
O.Pers. vasiy “at will, greatly, utterly;” Av. varəmi “I wish,” vasô, vasə “at one’s pleasure or will,” from vas- “to will, desire, wish”) + -in superlative suffix + -é nuance suffix.