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Home › Baby Names Directory › Modesta

Modesta

♀ Girl

Pronounced moh-DES-tuh /moʊˈdɛs.tə/High

Meaning: From the Latin modestus, 'modest; moderate; keeping measure' — the feminine Modesta was borne by early Christian martyrs and stayed in use across Spain, Italy, and Latin America.Medium

In 30 seconds: A Latin virtue name: Modesta means 'modest; keeping measure' (said 'moh-DES-tuh'). Old, steady, and dignified.
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Origin MediumLatin, Spanish
MeaningFrom the Latin modestus, 'modest; moderate; keeping measure' — the feminine Modesta was borne by early Christian martyrs and stayed in use across Spain, Italy, and Latin America.
U.S. rank (2024)#12997 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1926
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,615

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192618902024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Modesta comes straight from the Latin modestus, 'modest; moderate'. Borne by early Christian saints and martyrs, it took root in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Latin America. It reads today as a vintage virtue name with real Roman weight (said 'moh-DES-tuh').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. today. Rare now, classical, and dignified.

Did you know? The Latin modestus is not about shyness — it means keeping measure, staying within bounds. Modesta was carried by early Christian martyrs and has held on in Spanish and Italian families ever since (said 'moh-DES-tuh').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Modesta — Latin modestus 'modest'; early Christian martyrs; Spanish/Italian use

Variations

ModestineModestia

Nicknames

DestaMo

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Modesta…

Constanza— a like steady Spanish classic
Paloma— a warm Spanish rarity in feel
Anita— the same vintage feel
Augusta— echoes that soft -ta sound
Rosetta— echoes that soft -ta sound

Explore names like Modesta

By themelatinspanishvintagevirtue

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Modesta mean?

Modesta comes from Latin modestus, 'modest; moderate' — a classical virtue name.

How do you pronounce Modesta?

It's said moh-DES-tuh /moʊˈdɛs.tə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Modesta a boy or girl name?

Modesta is a girl's name; Modesto is the masculine form.

How popular is Modesta?

Modesta is rare for girls in the U.S. today, though it was more familiar in earlier generations.

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