Meaning & History
Masson is a surname of French and Scottish origin, derived as a variant of Mason, an occupational name for a stoneworker. The name ultimately comes from the Old French word maçon, of Frankish origin, related to the Old English macian meaning "to make."
Etymology and Distribution
As a variant of Mason, Masson shares the same occupational roots, but its spelling reflects French or Scottish naming customs. In France, the name is also found as Maçon, preserving the original Old French spelling with a circumflex. The surname spread through migration and is notably present in French-speaking regions and Scotland.
Historical and Cultural Context
While the name Mason surged in popularity as a given name in the United States—rising due to its fashionable sound and media exposure (notably from Kourtney Kardashian's son in 2009), the surname Masson maintains a distinct identity, often reflecting families with stoneworking ancestry in France and Scotland. It is less common as a forename, remaining primarily a patronymic surname.
- Meaning: Variant of Mason, "stoneworker"
- Origin: French, Scottish
- Type: Occupational surname
- Usage Regions: France, Scotland, and their diasporas