Surname Messing - Meaning and Origin

Messing: What does the surname Messing mean?

The last name Messing is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'messe', meaning 'servant', and was originally a nickname for someone who worked as a servant. As a byname, Messing came to refer to someone who occupied a lower social status, such as a farmer or laborer.

The Messing surname is found mainly in Germany, the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian countries. In some cases, the surname may also have been used by someone of Jewish origin. In the more contemporary era, the Messing name is also associated with those who work in the manufacturing or engineering industries.

Messing is usually both the family and given name for most individuals with the surname. In some cases, the family name was adopted as a kind of baptismal name. It could also be used as a form of identification marker passed down through the generations, with each generation changing the spelling.

Today, the Messing family is one that is associated with hard work and keen intelligence. They are industrious, creative people with a propensity for problem solving, and tend to thrive in technological, entrepreneurial, and engineering fields. As a family, the Messings tend to remain close and look out for one another, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Messing: Where does the name Messing come from?

The surname Messing is of German origin and is a variant spelling of the more common surname Messner. It is found most frequently in the south-western region of Germany, as well as Austria and the Czech Republic. Messing is also found in countries through which Germans have migrated, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil. It is an uncommon surname in these countries, but can still be found among German-American and German-descendant families.

In the United States, the highest concentrations of people surnamed Messing are in the states of Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. This is likely connected to the fact that many German immigrants settled in the Midwest, particularly during the 19th century.

A few notable people surnamed Messing include Debra Messing, an American actress who starred in the hit NBC sitcom "Will & Grace"; Michael Messing, the former Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army; and Rudi Messing, an Austrian-born businessman and philanthropist.

Though the surname Messing is not particularly common, it is still recognized and found in many parts of the world. For many descendants of German immigrants, the Messing surname serves as an important marker of the past and the hard work of their ancestors in forging a future for their families in a new country.

Variations of the surname Messing

Messing is a surname of Germanic origin. It is believed to have first been used in the 12th century and ultimately derived from the German word "Messing" meaning copper. Variants of the name include Messing, Messinger, Messingers, and Messink.

Messing can also be spelled Messin, Messinger, Messingerr, Messinge, Messingeer, Messingue, Messink, Messizen, and Messzinger.

Variants with similar origins include Messingst, Messingh, Messizinn, Messig, Messiguet, and Messinck.

The surname Messing also appears with variations depending on the country. For example, in the Netherlands, the surname is often spelled as "Maesing" or "Maessing"; in Belgium, it can be spelled "Mesink"; and in other countries, it can appear as "Messenig" or "Meising."

Surnames of similar origin include Maessen, Maesinger, Maesen, Maesinge, Messenig, and Maesinx.

In some cases, the name can also be linked to other countries. For instance, in the United Kingdom, variations of the name Messing can be found with the Irish surname "Messunn" or the Polish surname "Messing" (originally spelled "Miśing").

Famous people with the name Messing

• Debra Messing: an American actress known for her roles on the television show Will & Grace and in the 2004 romantic comedy film The Wedding Date.
• Max Messing: an American composer and conductor, best known for his work inballet and modern dance.
• Ruth Messinger: an American politician serving as president of the Where We Live Fund, a nonprofit organization promoting social and economic justice. She was the Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City in 1997.
• Estelle Messing: an American philanthropist who served as the editor-in-chief of Metropolitan Home magazine from 1973 to 1985.
• Josiah Messing: an American author and journalist. He has written for such publications as Business Week, The New York Observer, and The New Republic.
• Alan E. Messing: an American academician, professor at the Rutgers School of Information, and an expert in the field of information retrieval and library cataloging.
• Etta Messing: an American painter best known for her abstract expressionist style.
• Adam Messinger: a Canadian record producer, songwriter, and composer. He has worked with such artists as Justin Bieber, Kehlani, Fifth Harmony, Ciara, Christina Aguilera, and Max.
• Jackie Messing: an American actress, best known for her roles in the Nickelodeon television series The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo and Hey Dude!
• Kenyon Messing: an American professional snowboarder and founder of the California-based snowboard company, Never Summer Industries.

Other surnames

MessingerMessingschlager