Last Name Mace

The origin of the last name "Mace" is English and French. It is derived from the Old French word "mace" which means "a staff or club." The name likely originated as an occupational surname referring to someone who either made or used a mace, a weapon characterized by a heavy spiked head on a handle. Over time, the surname "Mace" could have also been given to individuals who acted as a mace-bearer or held a position of authority in medieval times.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mace

The meaning and origin of the last name Mace

The surname Mace is of English and French origin and has multiple meanings and origins. One possible meaning of the surname is derived from the Old English word "mæsse," meaning "mace" or "club," which refers to a medieval weapon also used as a ceremonial staff. Thus, the name could have been a nickname given to someone who was strong or had a powerful presence. Alternatively, Mace could have originated as a occupational surname for a mace-bearer or an officer responsible for carrying the mace in a royal or noble household. The surname may also have a French origin, with variations such as "Massé" or "Masset," indicating a possible connection to the French word for "mallet" or "maul." Over time, variations of the surname Mace have been adopted by many families for different reasons, reflecting the diverse origins and meanings behind the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mace

The last name Mace has a moderately widespread geographical distribution, with its highest concentration in the United States. Within the US, Mace is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, suggesting a historical presence of Mace families in that region. Other significant populations of individuals with the surname Mace can be found in countries such as England, Australia, Canada, and France. In England, the name is predominantly found in the southern counties of Devon, Cornwall, and Hampshire. Meanwhile, Australia features a significant Mace population primarily in the state of Victoria. Canada and France have smaller but notable communities of Mace individuals scattered across various provinces and regions. The distribution of the surname Mace reflects the migration patterns of families throughout history, and it is possible to find Mace descendants in other countries as well due to globalization and immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mace

The surname Mace has several variations and spellings, showcasing the diversity and evolution of names over time. Some common variations include Mack, Maas, Macey, Macie, Maes, Macias, Maci, and Mackie. These alternate spellings often resulted from changes in pronunciation, regional accents, or immigration patterns. For instance, Mack and Maas may have been influenced by German or Scottish ancestry respectively, while Macey and Macie might reflect a modification to make the name sound more elegant or feminine. Macias and Maci could be related to Hispanic or Italian origins, highlighting the impact of cultural influence on surnames. Mackie is another variation that may have been influenced by Gaelic or Scottish roots, featuring a different ending and pronunciation. These variations highlight the adaptability of surnames, which can change and shift as families traverse different regions, languages, and cultures throughout their history.

Famous people with the last name Mace

There are no well-known individuals with the last name "Mace". While the name Mace is relatively uncommon as a surname, it does not belong to any notable figures who have garnered significant recognition or fame throughout history. It is plausible that there may be individuals with the last name "Mace" who have made notable achievements in their respective fields but have yet to attain widespread fame or recognition. However, as of now, there are no widely acknowledged famous people with the surname "Mace". It is worth noting that popular culture might have various fictional characters or minor celebrities using the last name "Mace," but in terms of significant historical or contemporary figures, none have achieved prominence.

Genealogical research on the last name Mace

The last name Mace is believed to have English origins. It is derived from the Old English word "macian," meaning "to make," and was originally used as an occupational surname for someone who made maces, which were traditional weapons used by knights and military commanders during the medieval period. The name Mace has been found in various regions of England, including Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. Genealogical research shows that many individuals with the last name Mace migrated to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia during the 18th and 19th centuries, likely seeking new opportunities and better lives. Today, the Mace surname can still be found in these countries, and through historical records and family trees, it is possible to trace various branches of the Mace family and uncover their ancestral connections.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mace"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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