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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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Modesty Rose
Floral · soft ending
Modesty Mae
Sweet · timeless
Modesty Claire
French influence · crisp
Modesty Jane
Literary · strong
Modesty Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Modesty right now?
Rising fast — up 1718 spots — currently #13032 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Modesty by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Modesty?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Modesty also consider these
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.