Declining since 1997, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Monae since 1961
Babies named Monae per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 64 |
| 1980s | 195 |
| 1990s | 776 |
| 2000s | 591 |
| 2010s | 454 |
| 2020s | 200 |
Meaning & origin
Monae is a modern American invention, first recorded in 1961 but seeing its peak usage in 1998, when it ranked highest on the U.S. charts. Since 1997, its popularity has been gradually declining. The name likely draws inspiration from the French surname Monet or the name Monique, combining a melodic sound with the trendy suffix -ae. While not tied to any classic etymology, Monae carries a contemporary feel and has been used for a notable singer, Janelle Monáe, whose stage name brought visibility to the name. In 2025, it remains a rare choice.
Monae is a modern invented name, possibly modeled on names like Monet or Monique with the fashionable -ae ending. It gained some attention in the late 20th century, possibly influenced by the singer Monae (stage name of Janelle Monáe). The name does not have a traditional etymology or historical roots.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mo, Mona
Variants: Monay, Moné, Monaeh
Sibling names for Monae
Names that share Monae's style, for a brother or sister.
