Mason (surname)


Mason is an occupational surname of Scottish and English origin, with variations also found in Italian and French, historically referring to someone who performed stonemasonry work. The surname Mason was originally brought to England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Mason is for a stone-mason. The name was originally derived from the Old English or Old French word masson.

Scotland

In Scotland, the surname Mason is most notably linked to the old French family name Saint-Clair. This developed into the Scottish Clan name Sinclair.
From Sinclair, the family name diverged onto many Clan Septs including Mason, Masson, Lyall, Purdy, Snoddy and Clyne.

England

Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, the surname Mason was found in various counties and shires throughout England but one of the oldest was found in Kent on the Isle of Thanet. One of the earliest records on the name was found in London c. 1130 when John Macun was listed there at that time.

Italy

In Italy The surname Mason was first found in Piedmont in the 13th century. Early records show the Masini family, decedents of a long line of counts, lived there. Members included Oddone, elected captain of the commune in 1284, and Oddonnino, governor of a town, Vercelli, in 1290.
Enormous variation of the Italian surname occurred in the medieval era. The modern day variations of Mason include Masella, Maselli, Masellis, Masetti, Masetto, Masi, Masiello, Masillo, Masin, Masina, Masini, Masino, Masiol, Maso, Masolini, Masolo, Mason, Masoni, Masotti, Masselli, Massetti, Massini, Masucci, Masuccio, Masulli, Masullo, Masutti, Masutto and many more.

France

The name Mason originated as an occupational surname from the French family name Saint-Clair. The Saint-clair name has notable links to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and William the Conqueror.

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  • Z. Mason, American basketball player
  • Zach Mason, American soccer player
  • Zachary Mason, American computer scientist

Fictional characters and toys