Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mica originates from Latin, meaning 'shining' or 'glittering'. It has evolved from its Latin roots into modern usage in English. It is often linked to the mineral mica, known for its reflective qualities. The name does not have a biblical background and has gained popularity in recent years as a contemporary choice for parents. Variants of Mica include Mikah and Micaela. Today, it is seen as a stylish and nature-inspired name, associated with notable figures such as Mica Paris.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmaɪ.kə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Mica derives from the Latin word 'micare', which means 'to shine' or 'to glitter'. It is often associated with the mineral mica, known for its shimmering properties.
Meaning
Shining, glittering
Language Evolution
Mica (Latin), Mica (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Mica has been used since ancient times but gained popularity in the modern era as a unique and nature-inspired name.
Variants & Derivatives
Mikah, Mikayla, Mikay
Modern Popularity & Image
Mica is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with natural beauty and elegance.
Famous People
Mica Paris, a British singer, Micaela Schaefer, a German model
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 115 peak births in 1990
Geographic Spread
Popular across 16 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (13 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 13 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5728th of 7552 | 20 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2635th of 10718 | 223 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4450th of 16616 | 172 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4667th of 24088 | 288 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4634th of 23106 | 255 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4988th of 12526 | 116 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1875th of 19264 | 766 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1981st of 27321 | 1,016 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4041st of 35406 | 551 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6059th of 30306 | 244 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
53.07% 2146th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
57.18% 4267th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
63.67% 3996th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
59.35% 1743rd/2937 |
100.00% 3483rd/3483 |
50.09% 1762nd/3518 |
67.90% 2746th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
58.26% 2147th/3685 |
67.62% 3026th/4475 |
36.08% 1874th/5194 |
63.21% 3993rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
- |
71.54% 5232nd/7313 |
83.68% 6245th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
94.50% 6447th/6822 |
73.34% 4603rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Texas across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5728th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2635th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4450th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4667th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4634th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4988th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1875th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1981st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4041st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6059th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.