How do I save all of my recently used contacts on icloud?

Is there a way to save all of the contacts/info stored in iCloud's "recently used" list to actual contacts? I have seen many threads on how to get IOS to delete recently used contacts. I have the inverse problem.

When I start message and type in a person's name, it automatically shows up or auto-fills because it is "recalled" from the recently used contacts from iCloud. However, the actual contact is currently not saved on iCloud or iPhone due to my deleting an email address since changing jobs. That is, if I search for the same name in "Contacts" it is not found.

Is there a way to download or restore the actual contact record saved in the "recently used" list that drives the "auto-fill" when typing in a contact name to send a message?