The family descended from the German theologian and landowner Hector Gottfried Masius, whose children were ennobled by letters patent in 1712.

Hector Gottfried Masius was born in Mecklenburg and came to Copenhagen where he served as court preacher and professor.

He achieved great wealth through his marriages to Birgitte Magdalene Engberg and acquired a number of large estates on the southern part of Zealand.

Frederik Masius von der Maase (1696-1728) owned Tybjerggaard and Førslevgaard and acquired Stamhuset Kragerup with Krogerup Manor as well as most of the island of Anholt through his marriage.

Members of the family have owned a number of large estates and manor houses.