Mason is a unisex given name of English origin. It was traditionally used as an occupational surname for a person who worked with stone or bricklaying, derived from the Middle English word 'mason'. The name gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century and has since become one of the most popular boy names in recent years.
The name Mason does not have a specific meaning associated with it. Instead, its significance lies in its historical context as an occupational surname. However, some people associate the name with 'stone' or 'bricklayer', given its origins in masonry work.
The use of Mason as a given name is relatively recent compared to its use as a surname. In the past, it was more commonly used as a surname for families who had been involved in masonry work for generations. However, during the late 20th century, the name gained popularity as a given name due to its simplicity and appeal.
Some notable people with the name Mason include American actor Mason Rambeau, known for his role in Marvel's WandaVision, and English footballer Mason Mount who plays for Chelsea Football Club. Despite its popularity, there are no well-known traditions or celebrations associated with the name Mason outside of those related to its occupational origins.
The name Mason has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. According to records, only seven boys were named Mason in 1916, with similar low numbers in subsequent years until the late 1970s.
However, starting from 1985, there was a noticeable rise in the number of newborn boys being named Mason. In that year alone, ten babies were given this name. This trend continued to grow steadily, reaching twenty births in 1990 and thirty-three in 1992.
The peak popularity of the name Mason occurred between the years 1995 and 2004, with a total of 3246 births recorded over these ten years. The highest single year was 2004, with 162 babies named Mason.
After 2004, the popularity of the name began to decline gradually but consistently. By 2023, only sixty-five boys were named Mason in the United States.
Despite this recent decline, it is clear that the name Mason has had a notable presence and appeal among parents in the U.S., especially during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. This data reflects the dynamic nature of naming trends over time and illustrates how some names can rise and fall in popularity within generations.