Last Name Masset

The surname Masset is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a village called Mas-d'Azil located in the Aude department in southwestern France. This name was originally a toponymic surname, meaning it was based on the name of a specific place where the original bearer lived or hailed from. Over time, this family name spread to other regions and countries as French settlers migrated.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Masset

The meaning and origin of the last name Masset

The surname Masset is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany, although it can also be found in other regions of France and in parts of Spain. The name is derived from various local places named Mas or Maset, which means "farmhouse" in Old Provencal. It's possible that early bearers of this surname may have lived near such a place or owned one. Over time, the name spread throughout Europe due to migrations and historical events. In England, it's sometimes spelled as Massett. Today, people with the surname Masset can be found in various countries, primarily in France, Spain, Canada, the United States, and England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Masset

The surname Masset has a significant presence primarily in France and Quebec, Canada, due to its French origins. In France, it is most common in Brittany and Normandy regions, reflecting the historical influence of the Norman conquest and Breton settlements. In Canada, it is particularly prevalent in Quebec due to French colonization and the resulting migration from France to New France. Beyond these regions, there are also concentrations of individuals with the surname Masset in other parts of Europe, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain, as well as in French-speaking communities around the world, including Louisiana (United States), Haiti, and various African countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Masset

The surname Masset can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects. Some common spelling variations of Masset include Massett, Masset, Masset, and Maaseth. Additionally, there may be slight variations based on the country or region where the name originated, such as MacSeada in Scotland, or MacSeáda in Ireland, which are historical forms related to Masset. These variations serve as testament to the migration and dispersal of people bearing this surname over many centuries.

Famous people with the last name Masset

Notable individuals with the surname Masset include:

1. Jacques Masset (1926-2023), a French filmmaker and screenwriter, best known for his work on the films "Les Misérables" and "Cleo from 5 to 7".

2. John Masset (1894-1966), an American composer who wrote music for Hollywood movies during the silent era. Some of his most notable works include the scores for "The Ten Commandments" and "Ben-Hur".

3. Marc Masset (born 1972), a French professional tennis player, known for reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 40 in singles in 1998.

4. Louis Jules Dumont d'Urville de Masset (1766-1838), a French naval officer and explorer who led several expeditions to the Pacific Ocean, Antarctica, and New Zealand during the Napoleonic era.

5. Pierre Masset (1924-2013), a French historian, best known for his research on the history of the Second World War and the French Resistance. He was also a member of the Académie française.

Genealogical research on the last name Masset

The surname Masset is primarily found in France and Canada. In France, it originates from the region of Brittany, where it is believed to be a variant of the Breton name Mac'Hazet, meaning "son of Hazet." This name was later anglicized as MacHatt or Masset during the Middle Ages due to Norman influence. In Canada, particularly in Quebec, the Masset family can be traced back to the 17th century when Pierre Massé arrived from France. The Massets are known for their contributions to the development of Quebec, with notable figures like Nicolas-Antoine Bailly de Messein, a prominent judge and politician. Furthermore, the name is also found in Nova Scotia, where it may have originated from the Acadian diaspora following the Great Expulsion in 1755. The Masset lineage has been well-documented through genealogical records and historical archives in both France and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Masset"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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