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 experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 20th century onwards. While there were only a handful of births per year between 1916 and 1983, the number started to increase dramatically in the early 1990s, peaking at 162 births in 2004. Since then, the popularity has somewhat stabilized, with around 65-75 births per year from 2017 onwards. Overall, there have been a total of 3246 births named Mason since 1916.