Surname Messmore - Meaning and Origin
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Messmore: What does the surname Messmore mean?
The surname Messmore is of English origin and is considered to be a habitational last name. This suggests that it may have been adopted by someone who lived in or was originally from a specific place. It does not have a specific, widely-accepted translation due to its obscure origins and lack of significant historical records. However, it is thought that it could be derived from the old English words "messuage" which refers to a dwelling or a "mess" (small portion or amount) and "more" indicating the larger amount. So, it might potentially refer to someone who lived in a larger dwelling or property. However, interpretations vary and without definitive etymological evidence, the meaning remains uncertain. It's also worth noting that the spelling might have changed over the centuries, considering the various ways old English names were translated over time. Therefore, some sources may convey different meanings. In today's usage, Messmore merely serves as a familial identifier, its historical meaning largely overlooked or forgotten.
Order DNA origin analysisMessmore: Where does the name Messmore come from?
Messmore is a surname of English origin, likely derived from a combination of the old English words "messuage" meaning "dwelling" and "mor" meaning "marsh". It might have originally referred to someone who dwelt by a marsh. The surname is relatively rare and among the less common surnames in English-speaking countries. In the United States, for example, it is ranked as the 29,827th most common name, indicating its rarity. The highest concentrations of the Messmore surname presently can be found in the United States, particularly within the states of Nebraska and Indiana. Additionally, individuals with the name Messmore can be found in Canada and England though to a lesser extent. The dispersion of the surname indicates a possible migration pattern from the United Kingdom to North America.
Variations of the surname Messmore
The surname Messmore is of German origin. According to genealogical databases, the original German form of the name is considered to be "Miesemer", derived from the village of Miesem, in the province of Rheinland. It came to be anglicized as Messmore (often spelled Missimore in early American records) after being brought to the United States by German immigrants.
Some variants and alternate spellings that may be related to "Messmore" include: Messimore, Messmer, Messmore, Meismer, Meismore, Meesmer, Miesmer, Miesmore, Mismore, and Misemer. Some of these variants might have arisen due to differences in regional accents and dialects, or from transcription errors in written records.
The surnames Messmer and Miesemer, and their variants, are more commonly found in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, while the Messmore and Messimore forms are most typically found in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Please note that while these are potential variants and related surnames, definitive lineage or connections between these surnames would need to be established through genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Messmore
- Tom Messmore: Former Major League Baseball outfielder
- Dan Messmore: Hotel executive and author
- Pete Messmore: Television producer and writer
- Sallie Messmore: Voice actress
- June Messmore: Singer and actress
- Lou Messmore: National Football League player
- Christine Messmore: Violinist
- Galen Messmore: Professional golfer
- Johnny Messmore: Retired National Hockey League player
- Jim Messmore: American actor