I can’t type a new name from my contact list in text messages

Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities Jennybay,

If you search for the person you're trying to text in the Contacts app, do you get a result there?

If not, create a contact entry for the person you're intend to message than try searching for their name in the Messages app again:

Tap .

Siri also suggests new contacts based on your use of other apps, such as email you receive in Mail and invitations you receive in Calendar. (To turn this feature off, go to Settings  > Contacts > Siri & Search, then turn off Show Siri Suggestions for Contacts.)

Based on how you use Contacts, Siri also provides contact information suggestions in other apps. (To turn this feature off, go to Settings  > Contacts > Siri & Search, then turn off Learn from this App.) See Siri Suggestions on iPhone.

Add and use contact information on iPhone

We hope this helps!