Meaning & History
Mason is a masculine given name (though recently it has been used for either sex), derived from an English occupational surname meaning "stoneworker." The surname itself comes from the Old French word maçon, which traces back to Frankish origins, akin to Old English macian "to make." As a given name, Mason has seen a dramatic rise in popularity since the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The name's increase in popularity began in the 1980s, likely due to its fashionable sound and trendy surname-as-first-name style. Its surge peaked in 2011, when Mason became the second most popular name for boys in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration. In Canada in 2022, it ranked 32nd. The name gained additional prominence after 2009 when Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick named their son Mason Dash Disick, whose identity was revealed on the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2010. This celebrity endorsement propelled the name into the top of popularity charts.
While Mason is traditionally masculine, it has been used for both genders in recent years, aligning with the trend of gender-neutral names. Notable bearers include American actor Mason Adams (1919–2005), known for his role on Lou Grant; Paralympic soccer player Mason Abbiate; and ice hockey player Mason Appleton, among many others.
Usage and Variants
Mason is used predominantly in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Its variant, Mayson, is an alternative spelling. As an occupational name, Mason belongs to the category of names that originally described the bearer’s profession, similar to Smith, Taylor, or Cooper.
- Meaning: Stoneworker
- Origin: English, derived from Old French and Frankish roots
- Type: Occupational surname turned first name
- Usage Regions: United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Mason (given name)