Last Name Masse

The surname "Masse" has roots in multiple European countries, including France and Germany. It is derived from a few different sources, but the most common one is from the Old French word "mase," meaning "plough" or "cultivated land." This occupational name was given to someone who was a ploughman or farmer. In German-speaking regions, "Masse" could also be a short form of various compound names containing "Maso," which is a pet form of names like Masgoth, Masgus, and others. These names were often given to children born during the Christmas season, as "mas" means mass in Latin, alluding to the Nativity of Christ.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Masse

The meaning and origin of the last name Masse

The surname Masse is primarily of French origin, stemming from the Old French word "mase" or "mas", which translates to 'farm' or 'homestead' in English. This name was often used as a topographical name for someone who lived on a farm, or as an occupational name for a farmer. It can also be traced back to the Medieval period, where it was common for people to take their profession as their surname. The Masse family has been documented in various regions of France, with Normandy being one of the earliest areas of settlement. As French colonization and migration expanded, the name Masse spread to other countries, including Canada, the United States, and various regions of Europe. Today, it remains a relatively common surname, particularly in French-speaking communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Masse

The surname Masse is predominantly found in French-speaking regions and their diaspora. Historically, it is most concentrated in France, particularly in northern regions such as Normandy and Brittany, where the name originated. The surname also has a significant presence in Quebec, Canada, due to historical French immigration. In addition, the distribution of Masse extends to various parts of the United States, primarily in states with large French-Canadian populations like Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The name is also found in countries that received substantial French immigration, such as Haiti. Smaller populations can be found across Western Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, reflecting both historical and modern patterns of migration from France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Masse

The surname Masse has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different regions and languages. Here are some common variants:

* Massé (with an accent on the e) - this is one of the original French spellings, emphasizing the final syllable.
* Massey or Massie - these variants originated from English-speaking countries like England and the United States, with the 'ey' or 'ie' indicating a long 'e' sound.
* Masé - this variant is sometimes found in French-speaking regions, with the accent on the first syllable to emphasize the initial consonant cluster.
* Masseo - a less common variation, this spelling can be found among Italian or Spanish speakers with the same name, and it often has an emphasis on the final syllable as well.

Additionally, the name may have various regional spellings and pronunciations due to linguistic influences and historical migrations. For example, Massemay appear in some French-Canadian communities, while Mase or Massa might be found among Portuguese speakers of the same ancestry. Overall, the surname Masse shares a common root, but its spelling can vary significantly depending on geographical location and cultural background.

Famous people with the last name Masse

Notable individuals with the last name Masse include:

1. Jacques Masse (1943-2021), a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Transport under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

2. Céline Dion's father, Adhémar Dion (born Masse), was an automobile mechanic who played a crucial role in fostering his daughter's singing career.

3. Claude Masse (1947-), a Canadian artist known for his abstract paintings and sculptures. His work is part of numerous private and public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada.

4. Louis-Philippe Masse (1985-), a Canadian gymnast who represented Canada in three Olympic Games, winning two bronze medals at the 2012 London Olympics.

5. Jean-Paul Masse (1934-), a Canadian journalist and television host, best known for his work on CBC's "Le Telejournal" and "Tout le Monde en Parle."

6. Georges-Émile Masse (1877-1954), a French-Canadian physician, researcher, and educator who is regarded as one of the founding figures in Canadian public health. He was instrumental in establishing the Faculty of Medicine at Laval University.

Genealogical research on the last name Masse

The surname Masse originates from France, where it is a variant of the given name Masius, which meant "the man who comes from Massa" in Latin. The town of Massa, located in modern-day Tuscany, Italy, was an influential Roman center during the Middle Ages and may have contributed to the spread of the name Masse throughout Europe.

The earliest recorded instance of the Masse surname can be traced back to the 13th century in France, with prominent families such as the Masès de Cabrenys (Catalonia) and the Massès de Sent Martin (Occitania) appearing during the late Middle Ages. Over time, the name Masse migrated with French settlers to other parts of Europe, eventually reaching England, Scotland, and Ireland by the 16th century.

In North America, the surname Masse was brought by French colonists to Acadia (now Nova Scotia) in the early 17th century. The descendants of these families, known as Acadians, were later forced to relocate due to the French and Indian War, with many settling in Louisiana and New England. Today, the Masse surname is most prevalent in France, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Masse"
• 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 June 2025

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