Surname Modie - Meaning and Origin

Modie: What does the surname Modie mean?

The last name Modie comes from the Old Norse word ‘mode’, which means ‘noble', ‘highest’, or ‘honorable’. The term was used to represent a rank of the upper classes. It was a term used to describe leaders who had power, authority, or wealth.

In the modern day, the last name Modie is not as common as it once was. However, it is still used in some parts of the world as an indicator of high social standing. It generally reflects a family that has held onto old traditions and has maintained a respected presence within the community over the years.

The Modie surname is often associated with characteristics such as leadership, used to signify the qualities one needs to take charge, protect, and direct their family. Those who share the Modie surname are often viewed as honorable people, reliable and trustworthy, with the tendency to show kindness and generosity.

The Modies are a proud family, and its surname is a signal of respect and recognition. Furthermore, those with the Modie last name are often known for their resilience, dedication, and loyalty to those who are important.

Modie: Where does the name Modie come from?

The last name Modie is most frequently found in East and West Africa, particularly surrounding countries like Ghana and Nigeria. This is largely due to the significant population of people of African descent living in those countries. Additionally, the last name Modie is also quite common among some African-American populations throughout the United States. It is likely that the name may have arrived in America with immigrants from countries with a large population of individuals with Modie ancestry.

Modie is an ethnic group which originated in the region of early Anglophone West Africa, often referred to as the Kwa group. The Modie were known as successful traders who used many routes throughout the regions. In fact, their names were quite widespread during the slave-trade period, as many with Modie ancestry were brought to the Caribbean and the United States. This is largely attributed to the great trading network the Modie had established in those areas.

The Modie last name now appears in different variations, such as Modie-Fiawoo, Modie-Quarshie, and Modie-Mensah, just to name a few. However, the most common variation of the name is simply Modie. Today, Modie is commonly referred to as a unisex name and appears frequently among the populations of East and West Africa, as well as among African-American populations in the United States.

Variations of the surname Modie

Modie is a surname of French origin, likely derived from the word “modifier” which translates to “to change”. Variants of Modie include Modieux, Modyeux, Modye, Modyeu, Modiaux, and Mody.

Spellings of Modie in various languages and dialects include Modje, Modjy, Modjez, Modye, Model, Modele, Modet, Modeau, Modeauz, Modiau, Modiaux, Modieu, Modiou, Modieuw, Mody, Modyeau, and Moteau.

Surnames of similar origins and phonetic sound which could be confused for Modie may include Moddy, Moady, Mode, Modelle, Modelski, Moodey, Moddel, and Modex.

Overall, Modie is an uncommon surname of French origin with some variants related to the original spelling. Spelling variations exist due to its French origin and from transliterations of the original spelling in various languages and countries. There are also a few other similar surnames of similar origins, but their sound and spelling are distinct enough to differentiate them.

Famous people with the name Modie

• Wase Modie: Musician and producer from Botswana.
• Tsietsi Modie: South African actor and theatre producer.
• Bleu Modie: American fashion photographer.
• Oba Modie: Nigerian actor and model.
• Somizi Mhlongo-Modie: South African actor, television presenter, and radio personality.
• Jabu Modie: South African Zimbabwean actor and comedian.
• Antoinette Modie: Nigerian-American actress and director.
• Swaady Modie: South African-born artist, entrepreneur and magazine columnist.
• Ashraf Modie: Dutch soccer player.
• Anita Modie: South African writer and educator.
• Tshepo Modie: South African cricketer.
• Kabelo Modie: South African television producer and director.
• Lebo Modie: South African model and singer.
• Salame Modie: Ghanaian actor and producer.
• David Modie: British record producer and songwriter.
• Tshepile Modie: South African hip hop recording artist.
• Siya Modie: South African poet and actor.
• June Modie: American independent film and television producer.
• AV Modie: South African DJ and music producer.
• Puisano Modie: South African correctional services model and media personality.

Other surnames