Mica

Meaning & origin

Mica is a short, modern name that has been in use since the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1952. It reached its peak popularity in 1989, and since 1990 its usage has been steadily falling. As of 2025, it ranks 5,917th and is given to about 1 in 80,363 newborns. The name's versatility and similarity to popular names like Mika and Micah have kept it in occasional use, though it never broke into the top 1,000. Mica lacks strong associations with any specific region or culture, making it a relatively open canvas for parents seeking a simple, unassuming name. Its etymology is uncertain, but the connection to the mineral mica gives it a subtle scientific flair.

Mica may be a modern coinage inspired by the mineral name mica, from Latin mica meaning 'grain, crumb.' It is also used as a variant of Mika, a diminutive of Michaela (the feminine form of Michael) or Micah, a Hebrew name meaning 'who is like God?' As a given name, Mica emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names like Mika and Micaela. Its usage has been consistently unisex, though more common for girls.