What does Modena mean and where does it come from?
Modena is named after a historic city in Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary excellence, particularly balsamic vinegar. The name represents a connection to Italian culture and is somewhat uncommon as a first name. In recent years, it has gained some traction among parents seekin
Cultural significance
Modena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of modena, a city in italy.
Peak popularity
Reached #1009 in 1882 — currently #507 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Modena?
Modena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Modena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Modena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Modena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Modena Claire
French influence · crisp
Modena Jane
Literary · strong
Modena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Modena right now?
Holding steady — currently #507 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #507 | 1,693 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #512 | 1,673 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #517 | 1,643 | ▲ up 5377 · +32760% births |
| 1955 | #5894 | 5 | ▼ down 547 |
| 1950 | #5347 | 5 | ▼ down 720 |
| 1945 | #4627 | 5 | ▼ down 2022 · -55% births |
| 1940 | #2605 | 11 | ▼ down 577 · -31% births |
| 1935 | #2028 | 16 | ▲ up 197 · +7% births |
| 1930 | #2225 | 15 | ▼ down 606 · -44% births |
| 1925 | #1619 | 27 | ▼ down 28 |
| 1920 | #1591 | 27 | ▼ down 204 |
| 1915 | #1387 | 27 | ▲ up 431 · +238% births |
| 1910 | #1818 | 8 | ▼ down 207 · +14% births |
| 1900 | #1611 | 7 | ▼ down 449 · -22% births |
| 1895 | #1162 | 9 | — |
The story of Modena
Modena has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 679 total births recorded, Modena remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1162 in 1895 to #507 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Modena in 1882:
Modena by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 14 | |
| 1900s | 37 | |
| 1910s | 192 | |
| 1920s ★ | 212 | |
| 1930s | 121 | |
| 1940s | 70 | |
| 1950s | 28 | |
💎Modena has only 679 total recorded births since 1882 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Modena?
What names sound and feel like Modena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Modena also consider these
Common questions about the name Modena
What does the name Modena mean?
Modena means "Modena, a city in Italy" — a name rooted in Italian tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Modena?
Modena is currently ranked #507 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Modena?
Modena originates from Italian tradition. Italian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Modena?
Modena is a three-syllable name pronounced M OW0 D EH1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Modena?
Modena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italian heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.