Declining since 1991, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Modesto since 1908
Babies named Modesto per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1927, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Modesto's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 7 |
| 1910s | 115 |
| 1920s | 233 |
| 1930s | 203 |
| 1940s | 245 |
| 1950s | 247 |
| 1960s | 260 |
| 1970s | 295 |
| 1980s | 273 |
| 1990s | 280 |
| 2000s | 220 |
| 2010s | 107 |
| 2020s | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Modesto is an exceptionally rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1908 and peaking in that same year. Since 1991, the name has been on a steady decline, falling in usage year over year. As of 2025, it ranks 8910th, a position that reflects its extremely low frequency: only about 1 in 213,510 newborn boys receives this name. The name is tied to Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese heritage, and it carries a clear, virtuous meaning of modesty. While it has never appeared in the top baby names, its unambiguous etymology and connection to early Christian saints may appeal to families seeking a name with historical depth and humility.
Modesto is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of the Latin name Modestus, derived from the word modestus meaning 'moderate' or 'restrained.' It was a common name among early Christians, borne by several saints, including Saint Modestus, a 4th-century deacon of Trier. The name has been used in Spanish- and Italian-speaking cultures, though it has never been widespread in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Modestus
Sibling names for Modesto
Names that share Modesto's style, for a brother or sister.
