Master — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #11,502 in the US 2,735 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#11,502
▲ Up 1320 since 2000
People in the US
2,735
0.93 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Master Surname

What does the last name Master mean?

The surname Master carries the meaning "One who does." 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 2,735 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Master ranks as the #11,502 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Master come from?

The Master 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 Master name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Master 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Master
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #11,502
US Count (2010) 2,735
Per 100K People 0.93
First Letter M

Ethnic Distribution of Master

According to the US Census, the Master surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,735 Americans with the Master last name.

White 73.16%
Black 4.61%
Hispanic 2.71%
Asian/PI 16.97%
Native American 0.4%
Two+ Races 2.16%
Ethnic distribution of the Master surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White73.16%
Black4.61%
Hispanic2.71%
Asian/Pacific Islander16.97%
Native American0.4%
Two or More Races2.16%

Popularity of Master Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Master surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#12,822
2,202 people
Up 1320
Census 2010
#11,502
2,735 people

The number of Americans with the Master surname increased by 533 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Master Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Master ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Master

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Master.

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 Master.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master

The surname Master is of English origin. One who does
The surname Master is ranked #11,502 in the United States with approximately 2,735 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
One who does. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Master surname is distributed as: 73.2% White, 17.0% Asian/Pacific Islander. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Master ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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