Maxim (Cyrillic: Максим), sometimes romanized as Maksim, Maksym or Maksum, is a male first name of Roman origin which is relatively common in Slavic-speaking countries, mainly in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. According to the register of the General Directorate of Moscow, "Maxim" was the second most popular male name for children born in Moscow. From March 16, 2005 to August 16, 2005, 1087 boys were named Maxim, behind Alexander at 1390. The name is derived from the Latin family name Maximus, meaning "the greatest". Maxim is also a less well-known surname.

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For people with the surname Maxim, see Maxim (surname).

Maksim (Maks) Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy (Ukrainian: Максим Олекса́ндрович Чмерковський, Maksym Oleksándrovych Čmerkovsʹkyj, pronounced [mɑkˈsɪm olɛkˈsɑndroβ̞ɪtʃ ˈtʃmɛrkou̯sʲkɪj]; Russian: Максим Александрович Чмерковский; born January 17, 1980) is a Ukrainian-American Latin Ballroom dance champion, choreographer, and instructor. He is best known as one of the professional dancers on the American television series Dancing with the Stars, on which he first appeared in season two. In his ten appearances on the show, Chmerkovskiy has made it to the final round four times, with two runner-up and two third place finishes.

Born on January 17, 1980, in Odessa (Ukraine) to Aleksandr and Larisa Chmerkovskiy, he began dancing at the age of four. His brother, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, is also a champion dancer. His father is Jewish and his mother is Christian. Chmerkovskiy's Ukrainian heritage was referenced on an episode of Dancing with the Stars.

The challenges of immigration for Chmerkovskiy and his family included financial and language barriers. A skiing accident as a child broke Chmerkovskiy's right leg. Doctors informed him that there would be difficulties with his leg and that dancing might not be possible. He made a successful recovery and went on to become a professional Latin Ballroom dancer.

Valentin (Val) Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy (born March 24, 1986) is a professional dancer, best known for his appearances in the American version of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). He is the brother of fellow DWTS dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

The son of Aleksandr and Larisa Chmerkovskiy, during his high school years, Val attended The Hudson School. His father is Jewish and his mother is Christian.Val was seven years old when he started dancing and at the age of 12, he went to his first overseas competition, the German Open, as one of only two U.S. couples there (his brother being the second). At 15, Val won his first IDSF World Championship and became the first and last American to ever do it. Val has been a US champion an incredible 14 times over his 15 year dance career. His accomplishments include winning the German Open, Asian-Pacific Chamiponships, US Open, Blackpool and the World Championships 2-times (Junior and Youth). Val is currently the United States Amateur Latin Champion with his partner Daria Chesnokova.