Surname Massen - Meaning and Origin
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Massen: What does the surname Massen mean?
The surname Massen is likely derived from the German word ‘masse’, which translates to the English word ‘mass’. Therefore, the surname Massen may originally have been used as a byname for someone who was considered to be of a large stature or whose family or clan were known for their size.
Over time and throughout its various forms – such as "Masson" in France and "Massin" in the Netherlands – the surname Massen has spread across many countries in several different languages. It could also be a name of a family living in a particular area, linked to the Masson river in France or as a nickname for someone with a strong presence or personality.
Although it’s difficult to determine the exact origin of this surname, it is clear to see that it has been around for centuries, and today it remains particularly prominent in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and many parts of the United Kingdom.
At its core, the surname Massen carries a strong, simple meaning of being of large stature or being a member of a large family. Its connotation has likely changed over time, but the message behind it remains the same: a strong, large family and clan with a formidable presence to be reckoned with.
Order DNA origin analysisMassen: Where does the name Massen come from?
The last name Massen is an uncommon surname, normally found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Massen is also found in countries with strong Germanic immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Records of the surname Massen can be found dating back to the early 18th century, and it is likely the name originates from northern Germany or the Netherlands. It likely derives from the Dutch word masse, meaning “the mass” or “the collective”.
Today, the surname Massen is probably most common in Germany, followed by Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands. The frequency of the surname Massen in each country can vary from region to region. For example, at the beginning of the 21st century Massen was the 156th most common last name in Germany, while in Canada it was the 641st most common.
Outside of German-speaking countries, Massen is generally found alongside other German immigrants of the same period, suggesting that many of them likely have the same family origins. As of 2021, there are believed to be about 13,000 people living around the world with the last name Massen.
Variations of the surname Massen
The surname Massen is derived from the ancient Germanic name Masson, which is believed to have originated from the Hebrew name Massey. It has several variants, including Masen, Masse, Massan, Masson, and Massenbach. The surname can also be found spelled as Massun, Massonn, and Massaun.
In England, the surname was spelled Masson during the Middle Ages, but gradually changed to Massen. It is common for individuals to adopt different spellings of the same name due to changes in pronunciation over time. For example, in parts of Scotland and Ireland, the surname is commonly spelled as MacCann or MacCannan.
In Germany, the surname is spelled Massen, which was adopted from the lower German dialect. The associated surname Massenbach was used for families living near streams or creeks. Additionally, it is generally assumed that the suffix 'bach' indicates someone who constructed or lived near a bridge.
Surnames that are believed to have the same origin as Massen include de Maison, de Meeson, de Messan, Massonn, and Maussen.
The surname Massen is fairly common across Europe and in the United States. It is found in many states, with some families originating from places such as England, Ireland, Germany, and France.
Famous people with the name Massen
- Christina Massen, German TV presenter
- Alexandra von Massenbach, German actress
- Robert Massen, Canadian actor
- Julien Massen, French actor
- Kin Massen, American rock musician
- Daniel Massen, German composer
- Grete Massen, Austrian actress
- Fred Massen, English actor
- Ruben Massen, Norwegian singer-songwriter
- Hilda von Massenbach, German TV presenter