Declining since 2019, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Master since 1915
Babies named Master per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 21 |
| 1980s | 61 |
| 1990s | 78 |
| 2000s | 83 |
| 2010s | 122 |
| 2020s | 80 |
Meaning & origin
Master is a rare English given name drawn directly from the vocabulary word denoting authority or expertise. First recorded in U.S. births in 1915, its usage has been modest but saw a notable peak in 2018. Since 2019 the name has been in decline, consistent with its trajectory as an uncommon choice. With a current 1-in-189,786 rate as of 2025, it remains highly unusual. Unlike titles such as 'King' or 'Prince', Master has not seen a surge in popularity and has not been recorded in any top state data, making it a name chosen for its literal meaning rather than trend.
Master comes from the Old English 'mægester', itself borrowed from Latin 'magister' meaning 'chief' or 'teacher'. Historically used as a title of respect or address for a young boy (e.g., 'Master Jones'), it was occasionally bestowed as a given name, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. The name's usage as a first name remains rare but appears in U.S. records since 1915.
Sibling names for Master
Names that share Master's style, for a brother or sister.
