Master

Origin and Meaning

The surname Master has its origins in medieval England and is of occupational origin. It derives from the Middle English word "maister," which comes from the Old French word "mestre," meaning a master or teacher; it was used to denote someone of high skill or proficiency in a particular craft or profession. The surname may have been applied to a master craftsman, an expert in a certain field, or even a master of a household.

Distribution and Frequency

The surname Master is relatively uncommon in Britain compared to some other surnames. It is found throughout the country but is most prevalent in areas with historical connections to craftsmanship and trade, such as London and the South East.

Notable Individuals

  • William Master (1842-1916): A renowned Victorian-era architect known for his distinct Gothic Revival style, seen in many churches across England.

  • Eleanor Master (1920-2005): An influential textile designer from Yorkshire whose innovative patterns greatly influenced British design in the mid-20th century.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the surname Master include Masters, Mistress, and Maister. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have arisen, resulting in a diverse range of derivatives associated with this surname.

There are approximately 1,152 people named Master in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,622nd most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Master.

Region of origin: Middle East

Religion of origin: Muslim

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Arif
  • Ghanashyam
  • Imran
  • Iqbal
  • Irfan
  • Ismail
  • John
  • Kabir
  • Mohamed
  • Mohammed
  • Nicholas
  • Rafiq
  • Saeed
  • Siraj

Female

  • Fatima
  • Halima
  • Harsha
  • Nafisa
  • Nazma
  • Roohi
  • Sabina
  • Saira
  • Sakina
  • Salma
  • Sharifa
  • Yasmin
  • Zohra
  • Zubeda

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