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Mason
Pronounced MAY-sun /ˈmeɪ.sən/High
Meaning: Stone worker; one who builds with stone; masonHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Mason is an occupational surname derived from Old French maçon (from a Germanic root), referring to a craftsman who builds with stone or brick. The craft was central to medieval European construction, especially in building churches, castles, and civic structures.
As a first name, Mason was rare until the 21st century. It shot to prominence in the 2010s, partly influenced by celebrity culture (the Kardashian family named a son Mason in 2009). It reached high rankings on the U.S. boys' chart in the early 2010s and has remained popular since.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Mason Mount (1999-)English professional footballer
- ★Mason Greenwood (2001-)English professional footballer
- ★Mason Crosby (1984-)American football placekicker
- ★Mason Plumlee (1990-)American professional basketball player
- ★Mason Gamble (1986-)American actor who starred in Dennis the Menace
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Mason mean?
Mason is an occupational surname from Old French maçon, meaning 'one who works with stone' — one of the most skilled trades of the medieval era.
How do you pronounce Mason?
Mason is said MAY-sun /ˈmeɪ.sən/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.
Is Mason a boy or girl name?
Mason is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.
How popular is Mason?
Mason was among the top U.S. boys' names in 2011 and 2012 and has remained in the top 20 since, one of the most successful surname-to-first-name transitions in recent history.