What does Mason mean and where does it come from?
Mason originally referred to a male name derived from the Old French 'maçon', meaning stone worker or builder. The trend of using Mason as a female name has surged in popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States. The name is often chosen for its strong, unisex appeal and has been
Cultural significance
Mason has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of (english: "stone worker").
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 2011 — currently #39 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mason?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mason?
Mason works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mason Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Mason John
One syllable · timeless choice
Mason Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Mason Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Mason Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Mason Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Mason right now?
Holding steady — currently #39 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #39 | 6,291 | ▲ up 3 · -3% births |
| 2024 | #42 | 6,492 | ▼ down 12 · -11% births |
| 2023 | #30 | 7,257 | ▼ down 6 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #24 | 8,038 | ▼ down 6 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #18 | 9,099 | ▼ down 7 · -9% births |
| 2020 | #11 | 10,029 | ▼ down 8 · -40% births |
| 2015 | #3 | 16,627 | ▲ up 9 · +12% births |
| 2010 | #12 | 14,845 | ▲ up 30 · +52% births |
| 2005 | #42 | 9,768 | ▲ up 22 · +50% births |
| 2000 | #64 | 6,516 | ▲ up 38 · +80% births |
| 1995 | #102 | 3,630 | ▲ up 106 · +146% births |
| 1990 | #208 | 1,478 | ▲ up 189 · +226% births |
| 1985 | #397 | 454 | ▲ up 62 · +34% births |
| 1980 | #459 | 338 | ▼ down 1 · +10% births |
| 1975 | #458 | 307 | — |
The story of Mason
Mason has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 2011, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 307,917 babies have been named Mason since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #371 in 1880 to #30 in 2023. Mason is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mason in 2011:
Mason by decade
Mason peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 154 | |
| 1890s | 171 | |
| 1900s | 219 | |
| 1910s | 890 | |
| 1920s | 1,223 | |
| 1930s | 833 | |
| 1940s | 867 | |
| 1950s | 847 | |
| 1960s | 968 | |
| 1970s | 2,321 | |
| 1980s | 5,613 | |
| 1990s | 33,642 | |
| 2000s | 91,770 | |
| 2010s ★ | 158,304 | |
| 2020s | 22,980 | |
What are good nicknames for Mason?
Famous people named Mason
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Mason (Kardashian)
Son of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, whose birth on KUWTK helped popularize this name
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Nick Mason
Drummer and founding member of the iconic progressive rock band Pink Floyd
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James Mason
British actor nominated for three Academy Awards, known for North by Northwest and Lolita
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Perry Mason
Fictional defense attorney created by Erle Stanley Gardner, one of fiction's most famous legal minds
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Mason Ramsey
American country singer who became a viral sensation as the "Walmart yodeling kid"
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Mason?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mason also consider these
How is Mason written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Mason
What does the name Mason mean?
Mason means "(English: "stone worker")" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mason?
Mason is currently ranked #30 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Mason?
Mason originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Mason?
Mason is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-SEN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Mason more of a girl or boy name?
Mason is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.