Modesty

“English”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#13032US 2023

7Births / yr

↑Rising

526All-time births

📅 Since 196000

How to pronounce Modesty

MAH·dust·ee

/ˈmɑ.dəst.iː/ · stress on MAH · 3 syllables

“English”

American origin · Girl name

What does Modesty mean and where does it come from?

The name Modesty originates from the English word referring to the quality of being moderate in behavior or the avoidance of excess. It carries connotations of humility and decency. The name is relatively rare and is sometimes used as a virtue name, reflecting qualities that parents hope to instill

Cultural significance

Modesty has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #4410 in 1995 — currently #13032 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Modesty?

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

Modesty Grace

How popular is Modesty right now?

Rising fast — up 1718 spots — currently #13032 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#13032 · Top 9.6%

1960

1970

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#13032	7	▲ up 1718 · +17% births
2022	#14750	6	▼ down 8422 · -68% births
2021	#6328	19	▲ up 598 · +19% births
2020	#6926	16	▲ up 1167 · +14% births
2015	#8093	14	▲ up 739 · +8% births
2010	#8832	13	▲ up 769 · +18% births
2005	#9601	11	▼ down 4234 · -48% births
2000	#5367	21	▼ down 957 · -9% births
1995	#4410	23	▲ up 3681 · +130% births
1990	#8091	10	▲ up 592 · +100% births
1970	#8683	5	▼ down 1409
1960	#7274	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Modesty

Best Year1995Rank #4410

Peak Count23

Average Rank#8449

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1960 - 202312 years

The story of Modesty

Modesty entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 526 total births recorded, Modesty remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7274 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13032 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Modesty in 1995:

Jessica Ashley Emily Samantha Sarah

Modesty by decade

Modesty peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	5
1970s	12
1980s	35
1990s	113
2000s ★	178
2010s	167
2020s	16

💎Modesty has only 526 total recorded births since 1960 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Modesty?

Common

ModModieModyOdesty

What names sound and feel like Modesty?

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

Modest

American · humble, moderate

Onesty

American · Truthfulness

Modesta

Italian · Modest or humble

Modeste

France · modest, temperate

Aonesty

American · A name deriving

Honesty

English · Truthfulness, the quality

Aunesty

American · English

Ahnesty

American · compassionate

Common questions about the name Modesty

What does the name Modesty mean?

Modesty means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Modesty?

Modesty is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Modesty?

Modesty originates from American tradition. American 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 Modesty?

Modesty is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 D AH0 S T IY0. 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 Modesty?

Modesty pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.