Mason
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Mason Surname Genealogy
The surname Mason derives from the occupation of stonemason (the word itself coming from the French masson). The trade was a skilled and highly regarded one in medieval England. A mason was generally recognized as someone who had already served his time as an apprentice to a master craftsman. Mason craft guilds may have been the origin of the freemasonry which began in Scotland in the early 18th century, but there is no strong evidence that this was the case.
Generally, however, Mason developed more as a surname in the north of England and in Scotland. The Masons of Dent in the Yorkshire Dales were a prosperous plantation owning family of the 18th century - from whom came Miles Mason of the famous Mason family of potters in Staffordshire. Hugh Mason, one of the prominent early 19th century Lancashire mill owners, was the son of a family that had moved north from Derbyshire.
America. George Mason, who arrived in Norfolk, Virginia in 1660 was the progenitor of an an important early American family. His great grandson George is known as "father of the bill of rights" and one of "the founding fathers of the United States." A notable 19th century Mason family in Massachusetts included Lowell Mason, a leading figure in American church music, and his sons Henry and William and grandson Daniel, all involved in music in different capacities.
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Sir John Mason was a prominent diplomat and councillor for four Tudor monarchs in the 16th century.
George Mason was an American patriot during the Revolutionary War and is considered one of the founding fathers of the United States.
Perry Mason was the fictional lawyer in the TV series based on the books of Erle Stanley Gardner.
James Mason was a well-known British actor of the 1940's and 1950's.
Jackie Mason, born Yacov Moshe Maza, has been an American stand-up comedian for over forty years.
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For other surnames check the companion selectsurname.com site where there are to be found the history and genealogy for more than 500 surnames.
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The surname Mason derives from the occupation of stonemason (the word itself coming from the French masson). The trade was a skilled and highly regarded one in medieval England. A mason was generally recognized as someone who had already served his time as an apprentice to a master craftsman. Mason craft guilds may have been the origin of the freemasonry which began in Scotland in the early 18th century, but there is no strong evidence that this was the case.
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Mason Resources on
The
Internet
- Masons - A Family of Potters. The Mason family of potters from Staffordshire.
- Gunston Hall. The home of George Mason of Virginia.
- Mason DNA Project. Mason DNA.
Generally, however, Mason developed more as a surname in the north of England and in Scotland. The Masons of Dent in the Yorkshire Dales were a prosperous plantation owning family of the 18th century - from whom came Miles Mason of the famous Mason family of potters in Staffordshire. Hugh Mason, one of the prominent early 19th century Lancashire mill owners, was the son of a family that had moved north from Derbyshire.
America. George Mason, who arrived in Norfolk, Virginia in 1660 was the progenitor of an an important early American family. His great grandson George is known as "father of the bill of rights" and one of "the founding fathers of the United States." A notable 19th century Mason family in Massachusetts included Lowell Mason, a leading figure in American church music, and his sons Henry and William and grandson Daniel, all involved in music in different capacities.
Select Mason Names
Sir John Mason was a prominent diplomat and councillor for four Tudor monarchs in the 16th century.
George Mason was an American patriot during the Revolutionary War and is considered one of the founding fathers of the United States.
Perry Mason was the fictional lawyer in the TV series based on the books of Erle Stanley Gardner.
James Mason was a well-known British actor of the 1940's and 1950's.
Jackie Mason, born Yacov Moshe Maza, has been an American stand-up comedian for over forty years.
Select Masons Today
- 74,000 in the UK (most numerous in London)
- 50,000 in America (most numerous in Texas)
- 45,000 elsewhere (most numerous in Canada)
Select Surname List
For other surnames check the companion selectsurname.com site where there are to be found the history and genealogy for more than 500 surnames.
Return to Main Page