MallowbyNames

Monai

moh-NYE · of uncertain origin; possibly a modern coinage or variant of Monet or Monee

Peak popularity
1998
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Monai since 1970

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

61218198020002020Most births 1998Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s5
1980s30
1990s96
2000s41
2010s12
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Monai is a rare modern name that first entered U.S. records in 1970. Its peak year of usage came in 1998, though it never reached the top 1000, reflecting its status as an uncommon choice. The trajectory shows stable, minimal use over the decades. Without clear historical or linguistic roots, Monai appears to be a creative coinage or a respelling of existing names. Parents drawn to unique, melodious names might consider Monai for its soft sound and rarity.

Monai first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1970 and saw peak usage in 1998. It is likely a modern coined name, possibly influenced by the French surname Monet or an elaboration of the nickname Monee. No pre-20th-century or cross-cultural roots have been documented, and the name remains rare.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mo, Nai

Variants: Monay, Monee, Monae

Sibling names for Monai

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

Sisters: Mira, Siena, Liana, Aya, Noelle

Brothers: Milan, Soren, Kai, Ravi, Dante

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

M is for Monai, our favorite little girl.

M is for Monai…”

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

Make Monai's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Monai mean?
The meaning of Monai is not definitively known. It is thought to be a modern invented name or a variant of names like Monet or Monee.
How popular is Monai?
Monai has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000 names. It first appeared in records in 1970 and saw its peak usage in 1998, but remains very rare.
Is Monai a boy or girl name?
Monai is typically given to girls, based on U.S. Social Security data.