masten

Masten is a term that can function as both a common noun in some languages and as a proper noun in others. In Dutch, masten is the plural of mast, referring to the tall poles on ships or the structural masts used for supporting antennas, signals, and flags. As a proper name, Masten occurs as a surname in Dutch-speaking regions and among people with Dutch heritage.

As a surname, Masten is typically understood to have originated from occupational or toponymic sources related to ships, maritime activity, or locations associated with masts. Over time, bearers of the name have spread to other countries through migration and diaspora, where the spelling and capitalization are preserved in personal names even if the original Dutch usage is less common.

In English-language contexts, Masten is encountered as a family name and is distinguished from the common noun masts by capitalization. The name does not have a single dominant historical figure or widely recognized institution associated with it, but it appears in genealogical records, biographical references, and contemporary naming.

See also Mast, a related root term with broader meanings in navigation, construction, and telecommunications, and Mast (disambiguation) for other uses of the word in different languages and contexts.