Meaning and history
Modesty is an English feminine virtue name taken directly from the noun, denoting humility, reserve, or freedom from excessive self-importance. The word entered English through Old French from Latin modestia, “moderation” or “propriety.” Like Faith, Prudence, and Charity, it reflects the tradition of using admired moral qualities as personal names, particularly among English-speaking Protestants. The name is uncommon, and there are few reliably documented prominent bearers; its cultural significance lies mainly in the broader history of English virtue naming.
20062006: 22 births, rank #5,906
2007: 20 births, rank #6,552
2008: 16 births, rank #7,742
2009: 17 births, rank #7,341
2010: 13 births, rank #8,701
20112011: 9 births, rank #11,181
2012: 20 births, rank #6,341
2013: 16 births, rank #7,372
2014: 15 births, rank #7,636
2015: 14 births, rank #8,008
20162016: 15 births, rank #7,602
2017: 22 births, rank #5,661
2018: 18 births, rank #6,521
2019: 25 births, rank #5,163
2020: 16 births, rank #6,923
20212021: 19 births, rank #6,174
2022: 6 births, rank #13,592
2023: 7 births, rank #12,197
2024: 12 births, rank #8,443
20252025: 12 births, rank #8,362
In 2025, 12 babies were recorded with the name Modesty, ranking #8,362 among girls.