Surname Masson - Meaning and Origin
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iGENEA DNA Test: An Enlightening Journey into the Scottish Roots of the Masson Surname
I recently had my DNA tested at iGENEA and delved into the history of the Masson family name. Surprisingly, my surname has strong Scottish roots, branching back to the Druids and stemming from the occupation of stonemasonry. This discovery not only enriched my understanding of my family history but offered a fresh perspective on my own characteristics.
T. Masson
read moreMasson: What does the surname Masson mean?
The surname Masson is of French origin and it means "mason" in English, referring to a stoneworker or a builder. In Medieval times, the name was often given as an occupational surname to people who worked with stone, similar to Smith for blacksmiths and Baker for bakers. It comes from the Old French term "masson," which has its roots in the Late Latin term "mactio," and the German word "mezzo" meaning "to make." Typically, surnames derived from occupations were crucial identifiers during the Middle Ages, highlighting an individual's trade. The name Masson could have been assigned to those who had inherited it from previous generations even if they didn't work as masons. Moreover, there are several variants of the name, including Mason, Manson, and Massen.
Order DNA origin analysisMasson: Where does the name Masson come from?
The surname Masson is French in origin and it is a vocational or occupational name for a stonemason, derived from the Old French "masson" which itself traces back to the Latin "macio" meaning to cut or hew (particularly stone). The name would have originally been bestowed on someone who worked as a mason, making it an example of a class of surnames that were derived from the kind of work done by the original bearer.
The surname Masson is common in France, Belgium, and Canada, particularly in French-speaking Quebec. It is also found in England and other parts of the United Kingdom, likely due to the Norman conquest. Over time, emigration has led to the presence of this surname in many other places around the world, including the United States and Australia. However, it is still most commonly found in areas with a significant French-speaking population. Variations of the spelling, such as Mason, are popular in English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Masson
The surname Masson has various spellings and variants based on the regions and countries. The common variants include Mason, Macson, Manson, Massen, Massan, and Mazon. Some other less common variants may be Mayson, Maysen, or Matson.
Originating from the Old French "masson", which means "stoneworker" or "bricklayer", this last name is of occupational origin. It was typically given to individuals skilled in stonemasonry.
Another set of derivations could be from the patronymic naming tradition; derived from the personal name Massone or Macen, meaning son of Masson or Massen.
The Masson surname also found its origin from French and Scottish roots with local variations in these areas. In Scotland, primarily in Orkney and Shetland, it was altered to Manson, which means "son of Magnus".
The surname has spread across the world due to emigration, resulting in alterations in its spelling and pronunciation, shaped by different languages and dialects. Therefore, surnames like Maçon in France or Máson in some Spanish-speaking countries also exist.
Famous people with the name Masson
- Jean-François Masson: Jean-François Masson was a French painter, engraver, and illustrator. He was one of the earliest French landscape painters and was known particularly for his scenes of the French countryside featuring bucolic scenes and plenty of animals.
- Pierre Jean-Baptiste Masson: Pierre Jean-Baptiste Masson was a French painter of genre scenes, landscapes, and historic paintings. His works, which depict classical and Christian themes, are well known and can be found in museums around France.
- Marcel Masson: Marcel Masson was an early French cinematographer and director. He is credited with developing early color processes and was an important part of the development of narrative filmmaking.
- Jean Masson: Jean Masson was a French blacksmith and inventor. He is best remembered for inventing a special steel alloy that was used to make high-performance tools back in the day.
- Maurice Masson: Maurice Masson was a French artist and sculptor known for his work with stone, wood, and bronze. He is perhaps most famous for his sculptures of fruits and vegetables, which decorated the gardens of many châteaux throughout France.
- Guillemette Masson: Guillemette Masson is a French photographer who is known for her striking images of landscapes, still life, and nature. Her stunning images often capture moments in time, often creating dynamic compositions with light and shadows.
- Aurélien Masson: Aurélien Masson is a French former professional cyclist who specialized in time trials. He has raced for many teams, including Cofidis and Europcar, and won numerous titles along the way.
- Denis Masson: Denis Masson is a French entrepreneur and businessman who has been at the helm of many successful companies, including the retail giant La Redoute and the health and wellness brand Isostar.