Girl · 833rd of 27,321
Monika
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
9,790
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1990
Peak Popularity Year
257
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Monika stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Monika is a name of Latin origin, derived from 'Monica', meaning advisor or counsel. It evolved from its Latin roots and has been used throughout history, particularly gaining prominence due to Saint Monica in the 4th century. The name is associated with strong and nurturing traits, while it does not have a direct biblical connection. Variants include Monica and Monique, and it remains a popular name in contemporary society.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɒnɪkə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Monika is derived from the Latin name 'Monica', which is believed to be derived from the North African Punic word 'mon', meaning 'to advise' or 'to counsel'.
Meaning
advisor, counsel
Language Evolution
Monica, Monika
Historical Usage
The name Monica gained popularity in the Western world primarily due to Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, who lived in the 4th century. Her pious life and influence contributed to the name's enduring popularity.
Variants & Derivatives
Monica, Monique, Monika
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Monika is perceived as a strong and elegant name, often associated with intelligence and nurturing qualities. It remains a popular choice in various cultures.
Famous People
Monika Lewinsky, Monika Bellucci, Monika Gossmann
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 257 peak births in 1990
Geographic Spread
Popular across 31 US states, with strongest presence in Illinois
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 9 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1447th of 12526 | 987 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 798th of 19264 | 2,826 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 833rd of 27321 | 3,626 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1685th of 35406 | 1,909 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4054th of 30306 | 437 |