Monica Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Monica originates from Latin, meaning 'advisor' or 'solitary'. It evolved through various forms, including Monika in Old High German. The name is associated with strength and wisdom, largely due to Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine. It has no biblical relevance but gained popularity in the Middle Ages. Today, Monica is perceived as a classic name, and notable individuals like Monica Bellucci and Monica Lewinsky enhance its recognition.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Monica"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɒnɪkə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Monica is believed to derive from the Latin name 'Monica,' which may be related to the Latin root 'monere,' meaning 'to advise' or 'to warn'. It has also been interpreted as having ties to the North African Berber language, where it means 'to be alone' or 'solitary'.
Meaning
Advisor, solitary
Language Evolution
Monica (Latin), Monika (Old High German), Mónika (Hungarian)
Historical Usage
Monica gained popularity in the Christian world due to the veneration of Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, during the Middle Ages. Her story of piety and perseverance helped elevate the name's status.
Variants & Derivatives
Monika, Monique, Mónica, Nika
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Monica is viewed as a classic and timeless name. It evokes a sense of strength and wisdom, largely due to its historical and cultural associations.
Famous People
Monica Bellucci - Italian actress and model, Monica Lewinsky - American activist and former White House intern, Monica Seles - Serbian-American former professional tennis player
📊 Monica Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,619 peak births in 1979
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Monica" - Complete Guide (9 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Monica". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 9 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Monica" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Monica"
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 of "Monica"
"Monica" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3924th of 7552 | 74 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1708th of 10718 | 437 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2363rd of 16616 | 435 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14114th of 24088 | 37 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 459th of 9107 | 3,872 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 429th of 9204 | 4,781 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 166th of 12526 | 40,605 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 54th of 19264 | 93,770 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 67th of 27321 | 75,136 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 201st of 35406 | 26,667 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 631st of 30306 | 5,664 |
Regional Popularity of "Monica" by Generation for 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) |
- |
60.24% 2098th/3483 |
39.88% 1403rd/3518 |
28.86% 1167th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
37.79% 1963rd/5194 |
19.95% 1260th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
63.81% 4762nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Monica" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
21.96% 311th/1416 |
22.12% 305th/1379 |
50.72% 1200th/2366 |
63.05% 720th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
19.34% 299th/1546 |
18.44% 287th/1556 |
38.72% 911th/2353 |
29.02% 449th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.74% 150th/2227 |
6.95% 169th/2430 |
7.47% 213th/2853 |
5.19% 144th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.76% 81st/2937 |
2.93% 102nd/3483 |
1.17% 41st/3518 |
0.77% 31st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.58% 95th/3685 |
2.19% 98th/4475 |
1.23% 64th/5194 |
0.68% 43rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
5.13% 235th/4582 |
5.03% 260th/5164 |
2.79% 204th/7313 |
1.98% 148th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
16.54% 659th/3984 |
15.76% 707th/4487 |
9.76% 666th/6822 |
8.46% 531st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Monica"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Monica" 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 of "Monica" in the United States
The name Monica is most popular in New Mexico, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West 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 declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Monica has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, 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 male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Monica' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3924th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1708th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2363rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14114th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 459th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 429th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 166th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 54th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 67th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 201st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 631st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Monica' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.