MASEFIELD
Masefield
Origin and Meaning: Masefield is an English surname that originated from the Old English personal name "Maessler" or "Maesla," combined with the word "feld," meaning "field." Therefore, the name Masefield likely derived from someone who lived near or worked in a field belonging to a person named Mase or Maesla.
Historical Significance: The surname Masefield has a long history in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. The name has been found predominantly in the West Midlands region of the country, particularly in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Notably, the renowned poet John Masefield (1878-1967) was one of the most famous bearers of the surname, known for his literary works such as "Sea-Fever" and "The Everlasting Mercy."
Variants: Variants of the Masefield surname include Masfield, Maysfield, Maesfield, and Mosefield, among others.
Modern Distribution: Today, the surname Masefield remains relatively uncommon, with the majority of bearers found in the United Kingdom. There are also individuals with the surname residing in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often descendants of British immigrants.
Famous Bearers of the Surname: Aside from John Masefield, there have been notable individuals with the Masefield surname throughout history, albeit in smaller numbers. These include academics, professionals, and individuals in various fields who have contributed to their respective fields of expertise.
Coat of Arms: The Masefield family crest typically features traditional English heraldic symbols such as shields, lions, heraldic roses, and other motifs that represent the family's history and values.
Conclusion: The surname Masefield is a distinguished English name with a rich history and notable bearers that have left their mark on various aspects of society, particularly in the literary and cultural realms. Its origins rooted in Old English make it a significant part of Britain's ancestral tapestry.
There are approximately 350 people named Masefield in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Masefield.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- David
- George
- Ian
- John
- Jonathan
- Martin
- Mitchell
- Ne
- Nick
- Peter
- Philip
- Robert
Female
- Anne
- Claire
- Clare
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Lisa
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Sarah