The English surname Masters, also found in Scotland and Ireland, is of occupational origin. The name is derived from the Old English term atte Mayster meaning someone who lived at a master's house, a master's servant or perhaps an apprentice. Today there are approximately 23,000 people living in the United States with the last name Masters.  Notable bearers of the surname Masters include Charles Harcourt Masters ( born in 1759) who was an English surveyor and architect in Bath. As a surveyor he worked on the development of the Widcombe and Lyncombe districts of Bath, and also laid out formal gardens and grounds. In his later career he practised as an architect under the name of Harcourt. He designed Battlefield House in Lansdown, Bath in 1802 and he remodeled the Park and Gardens of Dyrham Park in 1800.