Boy · 8th of 23,106
Mason
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
339,506
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2011
Peak Popularity Year
19,617
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Mason stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Mason is derived from the Old French word for a stone worker, reflecting a profession of building. It evolved through Middle English into its modern form. The name symbolizes strength and craftsmanship. It has no biblical significance. Its popularity surged in the late 20th century, and today it is viewed positively as a contemporary name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmeɪsən/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Mason originates from the Old French word 'maçon', which means 'stone worker' or 'builder'. It was used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name.
Meaning
stone worker, builder
Language Evolution
Old French: maçon, Middle English: mason, Modern English: Mason
Historical Usage
The name Mason gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the late 20th century, becoming more common in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Variants & Derivatives
Mace, Mayson, Macen
Modern Popularity & Image
Mason is currently perceived as a strong and modern name, often associated with craftsmanship and reliability. It remains a popular choice for boys in various English-speaking countries.
Famous People
Mason Adams (actor), Mason Mount (footballer), Mason Disick (television personality)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 19,617 peak births in 2011
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 17 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 538th of 7545 | 2,073 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 674th of 6773 | 1,547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 790th of 7552 | 1,655 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 577th of 10718 | 3,143 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 200th of 16616 | 23,706 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 39th of 24088 | 158,254 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8th of 23106 | 145,474 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6442nd of 9107 | 23 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 16521st of 19264 | 10 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3722nd of 27321 | 418 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1624th of 35406 | 1,985 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2505th of 30306 | 861 |