Modesta

“Modest or humble” — Associated with piety and simplicity

Italian origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16821US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

1.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 189000

How to pronounce Modesta

moh·DEST·uh

/moʊ.ˈdɛst.ə/ · stress on DEST · 3 syllables

“Modest or humble”

Associated with piety and simplicity · Italian origin

What does Modesta mean and where does it come from?

Modesta is derived from the Italian and Spanish word for 'modest' or 'humble'. It is an old name that can be traced back to medieval periods, often associated with piety and simplicity. The name is less common in contemporary times but retains a classic charm. Modesta has been used historically in v

Cultural significance

Modesta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of modest or humble.

Peak popularity

Reached #1195 in 1909 — currently #16821 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Modesta?

Modesta works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Modesta Grace

How popular is Modesta right now?

Falling — down 6026 spots — currently #16821 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#16821 · Top 12%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#16821	5	▼ down 6026 · -37% births
2000	#10795	8	▼ down 1203
1995	#9592	8	▲ up 1871 · +33% births
1990	#11463	6	▼ down 4469 · -33% births
1985	#6994	9	▲ up 484 · +13% births
1980	#7478	8	▼ down 2857 · -38% births
1975	#4621	13	▼ down 555 · -7% births
1970	#4066	14	▼ down 1105 · -22% births
1965	#2961	18	▼ down 373 · -18% births
1960	#2588	22	▲ up 538 · +57% births
1955	#3126	14	▼ down 315
1950	#2811	14	▼ down 859 · -26% births
1945	#1952	19	▼ down 457 · -30% births
1940	#1495	27	▲ up 250 · +35% births
1935	#1745	20	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Modesta

Best Year1940Rank #1495

Peak Count30

Average Rank#4681

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202321 years

The story of Modesta

Modesta has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 1,601 total births recorded, Modesta remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1524 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16821 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Modesta in 1909:

Mary Helen Margaret Ruth Dorothy

Modesta by decade

Modesta peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	10
1900s	47
1910s	184
1920s	261
1930s ★	278
1940s	209
1950s	145
1960s	147
1970s	119
1980s	82
1990s	50
2000s	59
2010s	10

💎With 1,601 total births, Modesta is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Modesta?

FRENCH

Modestine

FRENCH

Modeste

ITALIAN

Modesto

LATE ROMAN

Modestus

What names sound and feel like Modesta?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Modesta also consider these

Modena

Italian · Modena, a city

Mozetta

Italian · little muse; one

Modesty

American · English

Modesti

Italy · humble, moderate

Monetta

Italy · Noble

Mosetta

American · Little fly

How is Modesta written in other languages?

What are the boy versions of Modesta?

Modeste FRENCH Modesto ITALIAN Modestus LATE ROMAN Modestas LITHUANIAN Modesto PORTUGUESE Modest RUSSIAN Modesto SPANISH

Common questions about the name Modesta

What does the name Modesta mean?

Modesta means "Modest or humble" — 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 Modesta?

Modesta is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Modesta?

Modesta 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 Modesta?

Modesta is a three-syllable name pronounced M OW0 D EH1 S T 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 Modesta?

Modesta 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.