Origin & Meaning of the Mason Surname
What does the last name Mason mean?
The surname Mason carries the meaning "Son of Ma." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 160,213 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mason ranks as the #166 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mason come from?
The Mason surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Mason name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mason trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Mason |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Ma |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #166 |
| US Count (2010) | 160,213 |
| Per 100K People | 54.31 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mason
According to the US Census, the Mason surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 160,213 Americans with the Mason last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.82% |
| Black | 25.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 2.38% |
Popularity of Mason Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mason surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mason surname increased by 4,729 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Mason.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mason
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