Surname Massis - Meaning and Origin
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Massis: What does the surname Massis mean?
The last name Massis is a French word derived from the Latin word “mascus,” which means “eminent.” The name is likely related to a French nobility since it was common to attribute surnames to noble French families during the Middle Ages. Therefore, the term Massis was likely given to a person of high social or political stature.
The Massis family has been around for over five centuries and can be found in many countries around the world. The surname has been documented in various ways, such as “lemasse” in Spain, “masseria” in Italy, and “masson” in France. Some records also show the spelling “massis” with an “s” instead of a “c.”
The spelling of “Massis” is likely derived from the French word “pace,” which can be translated to “peace” or “harmony.” This could represent a trait of the Massis family – either that sense of peace or an attempt to be diplomatic.
Today, Massis is still a popular last name throughout the world. While its meaning is usually attributed to a high social or political standing, it can also represent a sense of peace or harmony. It can be a good reminder to one’s family to seek peaceful solutions to difficult situations.
Order DNA origin analysisMassis: Where does the name Massis come from?
The last name Massis is most commonly found today in France, where it is one of the most popular surnames. It has been passed down through generations since the 12th century and is likely of Flemish origin. This surname is mostly concentrated in Northern France, near the region's border with Belgium. It is also found in small but notable numbers in Spain, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands.
The number of people bearing the Massis name has increased significantly since the late 19th century, when Abram Massis immigrated from France to North America. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of people of French-Canadian descent who bear the surname. It can also be found throughout the United States, particularly in Louisiana, Minnesota, and California.
Though the exact meaning of the name Massis is unknown, one theory is that it is derived from the name of a Latin or Greek god. Additionally, it is believed to be related to the French word for ‘ash tree’, a symbol of renewal and rebirth in many cultures.
The name Massis is not only tied to France, but to many places in the world. People of the name have played a part in the history of the world in many different realms, from politics and military to academics and literature. Today the name Massis is still an influential part of the modern world.
Variations of the surname Massis
The surname Massis has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling is Masis, and other variations on that spelling can include Mases, Masses, Masesis, Massisis, and Massesis. Less common spellings can include Maches, Masys, Massys, Macys, Macysch, Masesch, Massesch, Maces, Macys, Macysse, Masyes, Masimes, Massym, Maciz, Macez, Mazys, Macizi, Mazex, Maziss, Macies, and Masix.
The surnames of the same origin as Massis include Macys, Mensa, Maciam, Macer, Mallis, Masci, Maceo, Masced, Maceri, Mace, Machia, Masano, Maceira, Masiero, Manis, Maceses, Maceses, Macesson, Maçeira, Macais, Sacido, Maceppe, Macez, Maseda, Macedo, Masseo, Macico, Mascho, Macizo, Maskos, Masola, Macuel, Masella, and Masseri.
As a result of immigration, there are many variants of the surname in other countries. In Italy, the surname may be spelled Masci, Maci, Macco, Macella, Macci, Mascii, Masció, Masserio, or Massari. In Germany, the surname could take on the form of Maschke, Macke, Maack, Masse, Maz, Masses, Massemeyer, Massen, Masseck, Maske, Masom, or Masson. In Spain, it could be spelled Macías, Maestre, Masa, Masace, Massesco, Massesco, Macías, Massez, Masseg, Masseder, Massegues, or Maceo. In Portugal, variations on the surname Massis could include Maças, Macias, Maçães, Maçam, Maçã, Maçarico, Macas, Masses, Macasu, Maser, or Mesas.
Famous people with the name Massis
- Marie-Odile Massis: A French writer, researcher, and public speaker who has authored numerous books on women and their roles within the family, work environment, and society.
- Jean Massis: A French actor and humorist who starred in many French comedy films including ‘Les Petits Mots’.
- Olivier Massis: An award-winning Swiss filmmaker known for his documentaries about art, music, and architecture. His most recent movie is ‘The Road To Liberty’.
- Eamonn Massis: An English professional football player who has played for clubs including Manchester United, Middlesbrough Football Club, and Crewe Alexandra.
- Marjorie Massis: A French author and illustrator best known for her children’s books.
- Simon Massis: A professional UK wheelchair racer who competes at paralympic and elite level sports.
- Richard Massis: A French-American multi-Grammy award-winning record producer, composer, and sound engineer.
- Jacques Massis: An experienced French restaurant chef who opened and operates the ‘A Tâche de Glace’, a world-renowned ice creamery in Paris.
- Jean-Marc Massis: A French cellist specialising in classical music and jazz.
- Jean-Paul Massis: A modern-day French fashion designer whose clothing line is known for its luxury but chic style.