Explore the Family Name Modesto
The meaning of Modesto
Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian: from the personal name Modesto (see Modest), or a nickname from modesto ‘modest, unassuming’. Some characteristic forenames: Spanish Miguel, Narciso, Jose, Mario, Octavio, Rafael, Albaro, Alfredo, Ambrosio, Ana, Angel, Arturo. Italian Salvatore, Aldo, Carmelo, Selvino.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Modesto in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Modesto has seen an increase in popularity between the years 2000 and 2010. In 2000, Modesto ranked 19,436 in terms of popular surnames, but by 2010, it had climbed to the 16,087th spot, a significant shift of more than 17%. The count of people with this surname also grew from 1,287 in 2000 to 1,800 in 2010, marking an impressive increase of nearly 40%. Similarly, the proportion of people named Modesto per 100,000 increased by 27.08% during the same period.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #19,436 | #16,087 | 17.23% |
| Count | 1,287 | 1,800 | 39.86% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.48 | 0.61 | 27.08% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Modesto
The Decennial U.S. Census data also provides insight into changes within the ethnic identity associated with the surname Modesto. The Hispanic community showed the largest representation at 67.91% in 2000 and rose further to 72.67% in 2010, suggesting a growth rate of 7.01%. The African American community saw the most dramatic percentage change, growing from 0.54% to 1.56%, which translates to 188.89%. On the other hand, there was a decline in the percentage of White, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals with the surname. Notably, the number of individuals identifying as two or more races dropped significantly from 2.18% to 0.94%, a decrease of 56.88%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic | 67.91% | 72.67% | 7.01% |
| White | 23.08% | 18.39% | -20.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.66% | 5.39% | 15.67% |
| Black | 0.54% | 1.56% | 188.89% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 1.63% | 1.06% | -34.97% |
| Two or More Races | 2.18% | 0.94% | -56.88% |