Monica

Monica: name meaning, origin and popularity

Girl nameLatin origin#737 in 2025

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɒn.ɪ.kə/ · /ˈmɑ.nɪ.kə/

Meaning and origin of Monica

  • A female given name from Latin.

Etymology

From Latin Mŏnĭca, name of the mother of St. Augustine, of uncertain meaning but probably Berber or Phoenician origin.

How popular is Monica?

#737girls, 2025
371U.S. babies in 2025
#39peak rank (1977)
252,257babies since 1880

Since 1880, 251,274 girls and 983 boys in the U.S. have been named Monica (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #39 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #1285 in 1973. In 2025 it ranked #737 for girls, with 371 babies given the name.

188019201960200020256,619 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Monica

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

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Sibling name ideas for Monica

Sister and brother names that share Monica's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Monica FAQ

What does the name Monica mean?

A female given name from Latin. From Latin Mŏnĭca, name of the mother of St. Augustine, of uncertain meaning but probably Berber or Phoenician origin.

What is the origin of the name Monica?

Monica is listed as a name of Latin origin.

How popular is the name Monica?

Since 1880, 251,274 girls and 983 boys in the U.S. have been named Monica (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #39 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #1285 in 1973. In 2025 it ranked #737 for girls, with 371 babies given the name.

Is Monica a boy or girl name?

Monica is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 251,274 girls and 983 boys since 1880.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.