Origin & Meaning of the Modesto Surname
What does the last name Modesto mean?
The surname Modesto carries the meaning "Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,800 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Modesto ranks as the #16,087 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Modesto come from?
The Modesto surname has its roots in Spanish heritage. Names of Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Modesto name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Modesto trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Modesto |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #16,087 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,800 |
| Per 100K People | 0.61 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Modesto
According to the US Census, the Modesto surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,800 Americans with the Modesto last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 18.39% |
| Black | 1.56% |
| Hispanic | 72.67% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 5.39% |
| Native American | 1.06% |
| Two or More Races | 0.94% |
Popularity of Modesto Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Modesto surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Modesto surname increased by 513 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Modesto
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