[3] Midsayap was derived from a Maguindanaon term which means (Mid) Center and (Sayap) Straw Hat.

Other version relates that Midsayap came from a Maguindanaon term which means "person wore a straw hat".

In 1927, a Philippine Constabulary (PC) Commander assigned in the area, Ist Lt. Catalino Javier, initiated the development of some portions of the municipality.

Among his companions were 23 interrelated families, the Rosete, Almazan, Dumlaos, Flautas, Fernandezes, QuiÑones, Fermils, Fantones and Documos who settled at Sitio Salunayan and Bual .

The idea of making Midsayap as a separate political district from the mother municipalities of Dulawan and Pikit was envisioned in 1930 by a group of Christian PC enlisted men who were assigned at Camp Ward.

Population settlements were concentrated on the barangays of Sinawingan, Salunayan, Bual, Kapayawi, Barongis, Kimagango, Kiwanan, Katingawan, Ulamian, Baguer, Kapinpilan, Olandang, San Mateo, and Baliki.

Before the creation of the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area in 2019, Midsayap was the most populous settlement in the province of North Cotabato.

While still a large town despite the reduction, it is one of the oldest settlements of migrants from Luzon and the Visayas, thereby giving its reputation as the highly heterogeneous society in this once Muslim-dominated place of Mindanaon.

In 2019, thirteen barangays were among the 63 in the province which became part of the Special Geographic Area of the newly-created Bangsamoro,[6] after having the affirmative vote won to join the autonomous region in a plebiscite held on February 6.

[7][8] Twelve of them were among the 39 in the province that unsuccessfully voted for the inclusion in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2001, while Tumbras[9] was proposed to be part of the Bangsamoro, which replaced ARMM by virtue of Republic Act No.

Highest slopes of 8–18% percent are situated at the boundary of barangays Nabalawag and Kadingilan and a portion of Central Bulanan.

Gently rolling to hilly areas are located on the Northeastern portion specifically at barangays - Kiwanan, Kimagango, Anonang, Malamote, Upper Bulanan and Milaya.

All barangays on the western portion which is cut by the National Highway from Poblacion to Dulawan is plain and is presently planted with irrigated rice and other crops.

Midsayap is populated mainly by Maguindanaons and as well as multi-cultural mix of peoples from the influx of migrants from Luzon and the Visayas, drawn to Mindanao's reputation as a promising haven for settlers.

Agricultural products of the town include rice, corn, mango, coffee, coconut, banana, vegetables and root crops.

Strategically located, Midsayap serves as a major commercial and trading center of the province where farmers from neighboring municipalities bring their agricultural products to be sold/traded.

Cotabato Province ranks first in the region in rice and rubber production, second in corn and produces organic coco sugar and delicious tropical fruits.

Annually, the townsfolk of Midsayap prepares for its colorful street dancing and parade competition popularly known as the "Halad sa Santo Niño Festival"[35] as part of its grand fiesta celebration, which is held every third Sunday of January.

The Halad festival re-established its status as a major festival when the 2003 Halad champions, the Dado Alamada National High School, represented Region XII in the national street dancing competition and won the P1 million grand prize in the Aliwan Fiesta held in May 2003 in Manila.

Inspired by their back-to-back wins, the group participated again in the Pamaskong Aliwan Festival[37] in December of that same year and also won the grand prize.

Transportation to its barangays and adjacent municipalities are also served by Multicabs, Jeepneys, Dagit-Dagit (single motor) and L300 Vans.

The following are the list of the National Agencies Regional Branch Office on this municipality: Midsayap is also very accessible to health facilities thereby a reliable place to go.

It also has an extensive public and private school system (both elementary and secondary) where basic education is delivered in almost all of its barangays.