The village was first mentioned between 822 and 856 as Mitilistenheim, and means "settlement in the middle". Middelstum is a terp (artificial living hill) village which probably developed in Roman times.
The village's history began with its mention between 822 and 856 under the name Mitilistenheim, which refers to its central location. Middelstum is a type of hilltop settlement that may have emerged in ancient times.