"Stone worker; one who builds with stone"
Origin: English
Language: Old French
Mason
Pronunciation: [ m-AYS-uhn ]
Boy Name
#42 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A builder's name for a generation of makers
English
American
Modern
Strong
Bold
Classic
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"From Old French 'macon' meaning one who works with stone; originally an occupational surname"
Origin: French
Language: Old French
"stoneworker, bricklayer"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
"one who builds with stone"
Origin: Medieval Latin
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Freemason association may carry connotations for some families
The Story of Mason
Mason is an English occupational surname derived from Old French 'masson' and Medieval Latin 'matio', referring to a stonecutter or builder. Like many occupational surnames turned given names — Taylor, Hunter, Cooper — Mason reflects the 19th-century trend of using family trades as surnames, which later transitioned to given names in 20th-century America.
Mason exploded as a first name in the 2000s, hitting #2 in the US in 2011-2012. The name's rise was dramatically accelerated when Kourtney Kardashian named her son Mason in 2009, and it became a quintessential millennial parent choice. It has since begun declining as its moment of peak trendiness passes.
Freemasonry, a fraternal organization dating to the 17th century, shares this name — though the connection is rarely a factor for modern parents. The craft of stonemasonry itself built the great cathedrals of Europe and represents skilled, patient, enduring work.
Fun Facts
- Mason hit #2 on the US baby name charts in 2011, the year after Kourtney Kardashian used it
- Mason jars, invented by John Landis Mason in 1858, gave the name additional cultural resonance
- The name went from rarely used as a first name before 1990 to a top-5 name by 2011
Mason in Other Languages
French
Masson
German
Mason
Italian
Mason
Spanish
Mason
Famous People Named Mason
M
Mason Disick
Other
2009
Son of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, whose naming helped catapult Mason into the top 5 baby names
M
Mason Mount
Athlete
1999
English professional footballer who plays for Manchester United and the England national team
P
Perry Mason Fictional
Other
Iconic fictional defense attorney created by Erle Stanley Gardner, hero of novels, TV series, and films spanning 1933 to...
Iconic fictional defense attorney created by Erle Stanley Gardner, hero of novels, TV series, and films spanning 1933 to present
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #42
- Total SSA Count
- 6,471
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Mase
Pairs Well With
Mason James
Mason Lee
Mason Ryan
Mason Cole
Mason Scott
Mason Blake
Mason Reid
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Mason is also used as a girl name, ranked #3124.
View Mason as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mason
What does the name Mason mean?
"Stone worker; one who builds with stone" (from English). "From Old French 'macon' meaning one who works with stone; originally an occupational surname" (from French). "stoneworker, bricklayer" (from Old French). "one who builds with stone" (from Medieval Latin). Mason is an English occupational surname derived from Old French 'masson' and Medieval Latin 'matio', referring to a stonecutter or builder. Like many occupational surnames turned given names — Taylor, Hunter, Cooper — Mason reflects the 19th-century trend of using family trades as surnames, which later transitioned to given names in 20th-century America.
What is the origin of the name Mason?
Mason has English, French, Old French, Medieval Latin, and American origins. In English, it means "Stone worker; one who builds with stone". In French, it means "From Old French 'macon' meaning one who works with stone; originally an occupational surname". In Old French, it means "stoneworker, bricklayer". In Medieval Latin, it means "one who builds with stone".
Is Mason a boy or girl name?
Mason is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #42. As a girl name, it is ranked #3124. Mason is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mason?
Mason is pronounced m-AYS-uhn.
How popular is the name Mason?
Mason is currently ranked #42 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mason?
Common nicknames for Mason include Mase.
What are good middle names for Mason?
Popular middle name pairings include Mason James, Mason Lee, Mason Ryan, Mason Cole, Mason Scott, Mason Blake, and Mason Reid.
What are good sibling names for Mason?
Names that pair well with Mason as siblings include Jackson, Logan, Carter, Riley, Harper, Avery, and Hudson.
How many syllables does Mason have?
Mason has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mason a common or rare name?
Mason is a very popular name, ranked #42 among boy names in the United States.
About the Name Mason
Mason is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "Stone worker; one who builds with stone" in English .
Is Mason a boy or girl name? Mason is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #42 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,124. Mason is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mason is currently ranked #42 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mason has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mason include Mase. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.