Find out how popular the first name Missey has been for the last 8 years (from 1975 to 1982) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Missey by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Missey is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1982, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Missey.

The history of the first name Missey

The name Missey has its origins in the Middle English word "misse", which itself is derived from the Old French word "messe", meaning "mass" or "church service". This etymology suggests that the name may have been initially used as a nickname or diminutive form referring to someone closely associated with the church or religious services.

During the medieval period, the name Missey was primarily found in various regions of England, particularly in the southeastern counties. It was often used as a shortened form of more formal names like Melissa or Melisande, which have Greek roots and were popular among the nobility and upper classes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Missey can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This suggests that the name was already in use by the late 11th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Missey appeared in various chronicles and records, often associated with individuals from the lower gentry or yeoman classes. For example, a woman named Missey de Weston was mentioned in a 14th-century land deed from Gloucestershire.

During the Renaissance period, the name Missey gained some popularity among the merchant and artisan classes in England. One notable figure from this time was Missey Boleyn (c. 1490 - c. 1540), a distant cousin of Queen Anne Boleyn, who was a skilled embroiderer and served in the royal court.

In the 17th century, a woman named Missey Cromwell (1625 - 1712) was a prominent Puritan and the daughter of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England. She was known for her piety and played a significant role in the religious and political affairs of her time.

Another historical figure bearing the name Missey was Missey Fiennes (1673 - 1741), a British courtier and author who wrote several poems and plays during the Restoration period. She was also a notable patron of the arts and hosted literary salons attended by prominent writers and intellectuals of the era.

During the 18th century, the name Missey was increasingly associated with more rural and working-class families in England. One notable individual from this time was Missey Wilkins (1740 - 1819), a farmer and herbalist from Shropshire who was renowned for her extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional remedies.

While the name Missey has its roots in English history, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions over time, often as a diminutive or nickname for more common names like Melissa or Melinda.

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 Missey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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