Messana

Etymology

Messana is an Italian surname, a variant of Messina. The root name Messina derives from the city of Messina on the northeastern coast of Sicily. The ancient city was originally founded by Greek colonists around 757 BCE and was named Messana (Μεσσήνα), itself derived from the Greek city of Messene (Μεσσήνη).

Historical and Geographic Context

Messina is a major harbor city and the third largest city in Sicily, strategically located near the Strait of Messina. Its history includes periods under the ancient Greeks (who called it Messana), Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, who destroyed the city in 843. The variation of the surname as Messana likely reflects regional phonetic shifts or transcription differences in Italian naming practices.

Distribution

As an Italian surname, Messana is found primarily in southern Italy, especially in Sicily and parts of Calabria. It is less common than Messina but shares the same geographical origin linked to the Sicilian city.

• Meaning: From the city of Messina
• Origin: Italian, topographic
• Type: Habitational surname
• Region: Sicily, southern Italy
• Variant of: Messina