Etymology

Derived by one source from miŋe ‎(“feminine”) + xó(ñitan) ‎(“holy, blessed”) + -ge ‎(“suffix indicating natural state or quality which is a regular feature of something”). Given the similarity in form and meaning to Omaha-Ponca mix'uga and several similar terms in other languages, it may however derive instead from the word for "moon", in reference to the belief that such people who influenced by the moon.