Surname Messinger - Meaning and Origin
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Messinger: What does the surname Messinger mean?
The last name Messinger is of German and Jewish origin. Its root is from the old German word messere, which means a knife or cutting tool, or "someone who wielded a knife or cutting tool". This could refer to someone who worked as a blacksmith, butcher, or other trade requiring a cutting tool. The Messinger family lived in many parts of Germany and were especially prominent in the Palatinate region.
Messinger is also an occupational surname related to the professions of jewellery-making and tailoring. This is because the term Messinger can refer to "one who does fine needlework", due to the German word Messer, which means "knife". So it is likely that some members of the Messinger family were expertly skilled craftsmen involved in metalwork or making jewellery or clothing.
In Jewish communities, the Messinger surname is often thought to be related to the Hebrew word Meschinger, which means "spoon-maker". This is because some members of the Messinger family were known to make silver spoons for special occasions and religious ceremonies.
In summary, the Messinger surname is of German origin and has a variety of meanings depending on the profession of the family member. It could refer to someone who worked as a blacksmith, butcher or other trade requiring a cutting tool, a jeweller, tailor, or silver spoon-maker.
Order DNA origin analysisMessinger: Where does the name Messinger come from?
The last name Messinger is predominant in Central and Eastern Europe today. Specifically, it is most commonly found in countries like Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Poland. The name Messinger is thought to have originated from Germany. It is believed to have derived from a personal name or from an occupational name. It's likely that it was used to refer to a messenger or was simply an hereditary short form of names like Messer or Meissner.
In Austria, a German-speaking country, Messinger is the 116th most common last name. In Germany, it is the 202nd most common surname. Across Switzerland, the name ranks as the 315th most common surname.
In England, there are risen a few occurrences of the name Messinger due to immigration from Central and Eastern Europe. The United States also has traces of Messinger due to immigration from that part of the world. United States Census Bureau data indicates the name was most common in the 1980s with a few hundred people with the surname.
Given its origins, it is not surprising that Messinger is most common in Central and Eastern Europe today. It serves as a reminder of the many European immigrants to the United States and England that helped to shape the countries of today.
Variations of the surname Messinger
The surname Messinger is a patronymic surname deriving from the German verb "messen" meaning to measure and indicating that the original bearer of the name was someone whose occupation was related to that skill. Variants of the surname Messinger include Massinger, Messner, Messing, Messin, Maessinger and Meisinger, all of which share the same German root.
Messenger is a more contemporary spelling of the name, also with the same origin. It has evolved from the German profession of a courier or messenger. Messenger is a commonly found spelling in the English language.
Meisinger is a variant of the name and is the most common spelling found in Germany. It has also been found in other countries including Austria, Denmark and Slovakia.
Massinger is an Americanized spelling of Messinger. It is found mainly in the United States.
Messiner is a German spelling of Messinger. It is mainly found in Germany and Austria.
Messing is a variant of Messinger that originated in Germany. It has also been seen in Denmark, and is now found mostly in the United States.
Maessinger is a German variant found in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Messer is another variant of Messinger, found mostly in Germany. It is a common German surname and is thought to have originated from a person who worked with knives.
Messin is a French variant of Messinger and is mainly found in France. It indicates a Norman origin of the family. It is also found in the United States, mainly in North Carolina.
The Messinger surname is an ancient one that has evolved and spread around the world over time. Variants have appeared across Europe, and its Americanized spellings are now seen mainly in the United States.
Famous people with the name Messinger
- Steve Messinger: American film editor known for his work on films such as Snakes on a Plane and The District.
- Jonah Messinger: Canadian child actor who starred in Courageous and I Am Number Four.
- Anthony Messinger: American fashion photographer best known for his work in the fashion industry.
- Rachel Messinger: American actress who starred in the movie Pineapple Express and has made appearances in various television shows.
- Tova Messinger: Israeli actress best known for her role in the movie Wristcutters: A Love Story.
- Mark Messinger: American journalist and former White House correspondent for the Washington Post.
- Larry Messinger: American composer and producer who has created numerous soundtracks for films and television programs.
- Terri Messinger: American fashion designer who has been featured on the cover of Vogue magazine.
- Brian Messinger: American novelist and playwright best known for his works such as The Ivory Coast and Girls on Film.
- Paul Messinger: French actor who has appeared in films such as Holy Motors and Beloved.