MallowbyNames

Jonica

JAH-nih-kuh · God is gracious or the Lord is my God (feminine form of John, via Jon), or possibly a variant of Monica.

Peak popularity
1982
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Jonica since 1957

Babies named Jonica per year in U.S. Social Security records.

815231960198020002020Most births 1982Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s21
1960s67
1970s130
1980s169
1990s164
2000s71
2010s6
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Jonica is a rare American name that blends familiar sounds into a distinctive choice. First recorded in 1957, it reached its peak popularity in 1982, though it never broke into the top 1000. Its trajectory has been stable, reflecting a small but persistent use. The name combines the enduring appeal of John-derived names with the fashionable -ica suffix, seen in names like Janica and Danica. While never common, Jonica offers a melodic alternative to more familiar names, appealing to parents seeking something unique yet recognizable.

Jonica is a modern coinage combining the name Jon (a variant of John, from Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious') with the popular feminine suffix -ica. It also echoes the Latin name Monica, of uncertain origin but sometimes associated with 'advisor' or 'solitary'. The name emerged in the mid-20th century in the United States, first recorded in 1957, and saw modest use especially in the 1980s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Joni, Nica

Variants: Johnica, Jonika

Sibling names for Jonica

Names that share Jonica's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Jonica, our favorite little girl.

J is for Jonica…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Jonica's letter becomes Jonica's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Jonica's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Jonica mean?
Jonica is a modern feminine name combining Jon (a form of John, from Hebrew meaning 'God is gracious') with the suffix -ica, and may also echo the Latin name Monica.
How popular is the name Jonica?
Jonica has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names, but peaked in use in 1982. It remains rare today.
Is Jonica a boy or girl name?
Jonica is almost exclusively given to girls.