Find out how popular the first name Master has been for the last 46 years (from 1979 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Master by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Master is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Master.

The history of the first name Master

The given name Master has its origins in the Latin language and can be traced back to the ancient Roman Empire. It derives from the Latin word "magister," which means "master," "teacher," or "leader." This name was initially used to refer to someone who had attained a high level of expertise or authority in a particular field.

In ancient Rome, the title "magister" was given to various high-ranking officials and teachers. For instance, the "magister equitum" was the commander of the Roman cavalry, while the "magister navis" was the captain of a ship. The term was also used to address respected scholars and philosophers who were considered masters of their craft.

The name Master has been documented in various historical texts and records throughout the centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was commonly used as a title for skilled craftsmen and tradesmen who had mastered their craft, such as master carpenters, master masons, and master blacksmiths.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Master can be found in the works of the ancient Roman philosopher and statesman, Cicero, who lived from 106 BC to 43 BC. He referred to several individuals as "magister" in his writings, indicating their mastery in various fields.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Master or a variation of it. Here are five examples:

1. Master Eckhart (c. 1260 - c. 1328): A renowned German theologian, philosopher, and mystic who was a leading figure in the Dominican Order.

2. Master William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616): The legendary English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

3. Master Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 - 1669): A Dutch painter and etcher, considered one of the greatest artists in the history of Western art.

4. Master Galen (129 - c. 216 AD): A prominent Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher in the Roman Empire, who influenced the development of Western medical science.

5. Master Confucius (551 - 479 BC): An influential Chinese philosopher, teacher, and political figure, whose teachings and philosophy formed the foundation of Confucianism.

It's important to note that while the name Master has been used throughout history, its primary usage has been as a title or honorific, rather than a given name. It has been employed to denote mastery, authority, or expertise in a particular field or discipline.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Master was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Master, please contact us.

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