Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Monalisa since 1950
Babies named Monalisa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1965, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Monalisa's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 140 |
| 1960s | 241 |
| 1970s | 214 |
| 1980s | 171 |
| 1990s | 129 |
| 2000s | 106 |
| 2010s | 87 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Monalisa first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1950, and it reached its peak popularity in 1974, a time when compound and artist-inspired names became fashionable. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining, though it remains a recognizable and unique choice. The name's rarity means it has never cracked the top 1000, making it a distinctive option for parents seeking something out of the ordinary. While no specific states have recorded high concentrations, it is most common in areas with diverse naming trends. Monalisa carries the cultural weight of da Vinci's masterpiece, though its use as a given name is a modern invention with no deeper linguistic roots.
Monalisa is a modern coinage that blends the names Mona and Lisa, likely inspired by the iconic Leonardo da Vinci painting 'Mona Lisa' (early 16th century). The name Mona itself has Irish, Italian, and Arabic roots, while Lisa is a diminutive of Elizabeth. As a composite, Monalisa emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, as a fashionable double-barreled first name.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mona, Lisa, Moni, Lili
Variants: Mona Lisa, Mona-Lisa
Sibling names for Monalisa
Names that share Monalisa's style, for a brother or sister.
