The Mason Family History

What Does the Mason Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Mason, of English origin, denotes an individual engaged in stone masonry. Derived from the Old French word 'masson,' it signifies a profession associated with the craft of stone work. Variants of the surname include Masson, Massen, Machin, Machen, and Machent. In Italy, the cognates for Mason are Veneto and Masone. In Scotland, the majority of individuals bearing the Mason surname reside in the counties of Lanarkshire and Midlothian. In England, those with this surname are predominantly found in the central and northern regions, as well as in London and Essex. Within the United States, the states with the highest concentrations of Mason bearers are Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Notable individuals with the Mason surname include Charles Mason, an 18th-century surveyor recognized for his work on the Mason-Dixon Line; Jackie Mason, a renowned comedian; John Mason, the 17th-century founder of New Hampshire; James Mason, a distinguished English actor; William Mason, a 19th-century co-inventor of the Colt firearm; Roy Mason, an esteemed American architect; and Mike Mason, a professional football athlete.