Last Name Msa

The surname Msa (or M'Sa) is of Arabic origin and is primarily found among Berber communities, particularly in Algeria. It is a patronymic name, derived from the given name "Musa" which means "matured" or "ripe" in Arabic. The name has been passed down through generations as a surname, much like many other Middle Eastern and North African names. However, it's important to note that the exact origins of a specific family may vary due to factors such as migration and assimilation over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Msa

The meaning and origin of the last name Msa

The surname Msa is primarily of Arabic origin, derived from various Arabic names or titles that have been adopted as surnames in different Middle Eastern countries. The name can be a shortened form of several Arabic given names such as 'Abd al-Masa' (Servant of the Almighty), 'Amr al-Masa' (Commander of the Almighty), or 'Ibrahim al-Masa' (Arabic for Abraham, the Almighty). The use of these names as surnames is a result of historical practices in Arabic cultures where family names often originated from the father's given name or a title. Over time, these names have been transcribed and transliterated differently across regions, leading to various spellings such as Msa, Masa, etc., when adopted by individuals with different linguistic backgrounds.

Geographical distribution of the last name Msa

The Msa surname is predominantly found in Arabic-speaking regions, with significant concentrations in North Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria, due to its Berber origins. It is also common among the Arab tribes of the Sahel region, such as Mali, Niger, and Chad. The name has also been identified in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, reflecting its Arabic roots. Beyond these regions, the Msa surname can be found among Arab communities in other parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia, due to migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Msa

The last name Msa has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Msa: This is likely the original Arabic spelling, though it can also be found as M'sa or Masa in some contexts.
2. Messiah: This Hebrew name is a translation of Msa, given its etymological connection to the Hebrew word "Mashiach."
3. Massey: An English variation derived from the Norman French form of Msa, used as both a surname and a place name in England.
4. Mace: A shorter version of Massey, it can also be found as Macé or Masé in various historical records.
5. Masi: This Italian spelling originates from the migration of Arabic speakers to Italy during the Middle Ages.
6. Mesia: In Portuguese, this is a variation of Msa.
7. Meçá: In Galician (a language spoken in northwestern Spain), this is another variant of Msa.
8. Mesa: This Spanish spelling is not directly related to the Arabic Msa but rather comes from the word for "table" in Spanish, possibly as a result of surname metathesis or homophony.
9. Mesha: This Hebrew name is also unrelated to Msa, though it shares a similar pronunciation.
10. Masa: In Russian, this can refer to both the Arabic last name Msa and the Jewish first name Messiah (Mashiach). It may also be used as a diminutive of Natalia in some Slavic countries.

Famous people with the last name Msa

Notable individuals with the surname Msa include:

1. Mouad Mestaoui (born 1976), a Tunisian actor and television presenter who is best known for hosting the Arabic version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?".
2. Ahmed Messaoudi (born 1985), an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for US Quevilly-Rouen in the French second division Ligue 2.
3. Hicham El Msaadi (born 1987), a Moroccan long-distance runner who has competed at the Olympic Games and World Championships, with personal bests of 7:40.68 for the 3000m steeplechase and 27:51.01 for the marathon.
4. Khalil El M'Saadi (born 1994), a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a defender for Ajax Cape Town in South Africa.
5. Karim Msaouedi (born 1998), a French-Algerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EA Guingamp in the French second division Ligue 2.

Genealogical research on the last name Msa

The surname Msa originates from Arabic-speaking regions, specifically North Africa and the Middle East. It is derived from various given names such as Musa (Moses) or Masoud (Moses' cousin). The name is commonly found among Arabic-speaking populations, particularly in countries like Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. In these regions, it is often spelled as Messa, Mesna, Messai, or Masa due to linguistic and regional variations. Over time, immigrants bearing this name have dispersed globally, settling in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia, where it continues to be passed down through generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "msa"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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