Surname Massey - Meaning and Origin

Journey Through Time: Unveiling the Massey Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Test

Using the sophisticated technology of iGENEA DNA test, I embarked on the journey of uncovering the rich ancestry of my surname, Massey. The 99.9% accurate results revealed a fascinating tapestry of European ancestry, tracing back to Normandy, France and further, to Scandinavian roots.

E. Massey

Massey: What does the surname Massey mean?

The surname Massey is of Norman French origin, derived from the town of "Macey" in Normandy. Hence, it is a geographical surname. After the Norman invasion of England in 1066, the name became popular in England. "Masseys" are thought to have descended from Baron Hamon de Massey, a Norman nobleman who was granted lands in Cheshire. The name has several forms due to regional variations and translations, including Mascy, Massie, and Macy. Furthermore, the name has also been used in the past as a moniker for someone who worked as a "matha," or a mace bearer. Generally, the surname Massey signifies a connection to geographical roots in Normandy, familial descent from Norman nobility, or an occupational past linked to mace bearing.

Massey: Where does the name Massey come from?

The surname Massey is of Norman origin and was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name is location-based, deriving from the town of Macey in Normandy, France. The ‘de’ prefix was formerly used (de Macey), indicating ‘from Macey.’

The surname Massey became more regular after the 12th century and its variants include Macy, Macey, and Massie. Cheshire was a significant dwelling location for the Massey family where they were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy for their distinguished support at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Today, the surname Massey is commonly found in England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, it is more prevalent in the southern states, specifically Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. In addition to this, the surname has made significant contributions to the ancient culture, society, and economic development in many regions worldwide. It is notably carried by persons of prominence in performing arts, sports, academics, politics, and more.

Variations of the surname Massey

The surname Massey originally derived from the place-name Massey in France, and it has been adopted in many forms over the centuries. Its various spelling forms include Massey, Massie, Macy, Macey, and Mace. It's also known to appear as Massy in some parts.

It's worth noting that Macey and Macy, though predominantly recognized as first names in recent years, can still be used as surnames and might carry the same origin as Massey depending on the lineage.

In some cases, it may also appear hyphenated in combination with other surnames, such as Massey-Browne or Massey-Ferguson.

Furthermore, inherent spelling variations include Masey, Massye, or Massay, and phonetic variants may contain additional letters, such as Maussay or Massé. Over time these variants have solidified into distinct surnames in some languages and cultures.

Some of these surnames also have been anglicized or modified through time and migration, offering even more variations. It's not uncommon for surnames to change and adapt according to the languages and cultures they interact with, leading to a multitude of variants for a single original name.

Famous people with the name Massey

• Melissa Massey, American actress
• Phyllis Massey, American musician and songwriter
• Don Massey, American judge and politician
• Dorothy Massey, American actress
• Anna Massey, British actress
• Mike Massey, American professional pool player
• Dave Massey, American professional golfer
• Aaron Massey, American actor
• Chris Massey, American actor
• Walter Massey, American physicist, entrepreneur, and former University President
• Chris Massey, British musical artist
• Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said Massey, former Sultan of Oman
• William Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand
• Bob Massey, American political consultant
• John Lewis Massey, Australian world war one hero
• Henry Vasco Massey, American admiral
• Mason Massey, American politician
• Hugh M. Massey, former Governor of West Virginia
• Jack Massey, American entrepreneur
• Christopher Massey, American songwriter and producer

Other surnames

MassecarMasselMassen