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Home › Baby Names Directory › Messi

Messi

♂ Boy

Pronounced MEH-see /ˈmɛs.i/Medium

Meaning: From the Italian surname Messi (linked to 'harvest; reaped'), given as a first name largely in honor of footballer Lionel Messi. We note the celebrity route neutrally.Low

In 30 seconds: A footballer's name: Messi is an Italian surname given after Lionel Messi (said 'MEH-see'). We note the route.
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Origin LowItalian
MeaningFrom the Italian surname Messi (linked to 'harvest; reaped'), given as a first name largely in honor of footballer Lionel Messi. We note the celebrity route neutrally.
U.S. rank (2024)#11830 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 207

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201320062024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Messi comes from the Italian surname, given as a first name mainly in honor of the footballer Lionel Messi. It reads as a fan-favorite namesake pick, which we note, and is rare as a given name (said 'MEH-see').

In the U.S. it appears only recently and rarely as a first name. Rare, namesake-driven, and modern.

Did you know? Messi is an Italian surname (tied to 'harvest') worn as a first name largely in tribute to footballer Lionel Messi — a modern namesake pick we note neutrally (said 'MEH-see').
Overall data confidence 34%
References — Messi — Italian surname; namesake of footballer Lionel Messi; noted neutrally

Variations

MessiahMessaiLionel

Nicknames

MessLeo

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Messi…

Leo— Messi's own first name, Lionel's short form
Cruz— a like short athlete-namesake pick
Kobe— a like sports-namesake boys' name
Ronaldo— a like footballer-inspired choice

Explore names like Messi

By themeuncertainmodernitaliannamesake
By meaningGift / BlessingHonor

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Messi mean?

Messi is an Italian surname (tied to 'harvest') used as a first name largely in honor of footballer Lionel Messi. We note the namesake route.

How do you pronounce Messi?

It's said MEH-see /ˈmɛs.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Messi a boy or girl name?

Messi is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Messi?

Messi is a very rare first name for boys in the U.S.

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