Find out how popular the first name Messi has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Messi by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Messi is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Messi.

The history of the first name Messi

The first name Messi is a modern variation of the Italian surname Messina, which is derived from the city of Messina in Sicily, Italy. The name Messina itself is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek word "Messene," meaning "the center" or "the middle."

While the precise origin of Messi as a first name is unclear, it is speculated to have emerged as a shortened form of Messina during the late 20th century. Some linguists suggest that the name Messi may also be influenced by the Spanish word "mes," meaning "month," potentially linking it to birth or astrological significance.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Messi can be found in the writings of the Italian author and playwright Giovanni Verga (1840-1922), who used the surname Messina in several of his literary works set in Sicily.

The first recorded instance of Messi as a first name is believed to be in the late 1960s or early 1970s, although concrete records are scarce. One of the earliest notable individuals with the first name Messi was Messi Battista (1924-2005), an Italian painter and sculptor from the city of Messina.

Throughout history, several individuals have borne the first name Messi, though it has remained relatively uncommon. Some notable examples include:

1. Messi Giacomo (1905-1989), an Italian artist and sculptor known for his works inspired by the Sicilian landscape.
2. Messi Antonio (1928-2001), an Italian composer and musician who contributed to the development of contemporary classical music.
3. Messi Maria (1946-2022), an Italian writer and poet renowned for her lyrical works exploring themes of love and loss.
4. Messi Luca (1962-present), an Italian architect and urban designer who has worked on several high-profile projects in Italy and abroad.
5. Messi Valentina (1982-present), an Italian professional tennis player who has won multiple titles on the WTA Tour.

While the name Messi has gained global recognition in recent years, primarily due to the fame of the Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi, its historical roots can be traced back to the Italian city of Messina and its ancient Greek origins.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Messi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Messi, please contact us.

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