Find out how popular the last name De Masse is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named De Masse.

De Masse, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the De Masse surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of De Masse in America

De Masse is the 144908th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The De Masse surname appeared 105 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname De Masse.

The history of the last name De Masse

The surname Demasse is believed to have originated in France, likely during the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century. It has a regional significance, predominantly found in the southern part of the country, particularly in the regions of Occitanie and Provence. The name may have derived from the Old French word masse, which means a large hammer or a sledgehammer, suggesting that the first bearers of the name could have been blacksmiths or metalworkers.

Old records from the 14th century cite the name Demasse in various legal and ecclesiastical documents. For instance, a recorded mention in a 1364 manuscript from the city of Montpellier refers to a Pierre Demasse, a local blacksmith renowned for his craft. This confirms the occupational origins of the name, associating it with trades and professions that were pivotal in medieval urban economies.

In the late 15th century, a prominent figure bearing the name was Jacques Demasse, born in 1452, who served as a merchant in Arles. His accounts and correspondence reflect his significant role in regional trade, dealing in textiles and spices from the Mediterranean basin. Jacques Demasse’s activities are documented in multiple trade ledgers housed in local archives.

Another notable bearer from the 17th century is Louis Demasse, born in 1610, who was a sculptor commissioned by several ecclesiastical institutions. His works include parts of the interior sculptures of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms in Avignon. His contributions to art and architecture in Provence during this period are well documented in church records and art inventories.

In the 18th century, Sophie Demasse, born in 1738, was a noteworthy figure in Avignon society. Known for her writings and correspondence, she was an influential intellectual in the Enlightenment circles. Her letters exchanged with prominent thinkers, such as Voltaire, offer valuable insights into the cultural milieu of the time.

Paul Demasse, a French resistance fighter during World War II, born in 1905, stands out in more recent historical records. His acts of bravery and leadership in the French Resistance during the German occupation are commemorated in various historical accounts. His contributions to the liberation of southern France are particularly noted in military archives and wartime memoirs.

The surname Demasse thus encapsulates a rich historical tapestry, reflecting its origins and evolution through the centuries. It is intertwined with various professional, cultural, and social developments in southern France, as evidenced by the historical references and notable individuals who bore the name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name De Masse

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname De Masse.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for De Masse was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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