Etymology Map
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Mason

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means a builder and worker in stone; a Freemason

Where does the word "mason" come from? It comes from Frankish makjo, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
makjo
Frankish · ancient
"maker"
possibly related to 'make', a builder or maker
2
Stage 2 of 3
maçon
Old French · medieval
"stoneworker"
a builder in stone, working on cathedrals and castles
3
Stage 3 of 3
mason
English · 1200s
"a builder in stone"
their guilds and lodges later inspired Freemasonry
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Read the full story

Mason’s story begins in Frankish: makjo meant “maker.” Possibly related to 'make', a builder or maker. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as maçon. A builder in stone, working on cathedrals and castles. It reached English by 1200s as mason. Their guilds and lodges later inspired Freemasonry. Today, mason means a builder and worker in stone; a Freemason.