Declining since 1985, #736 for girls today.
Popularity of Monica since 1880
Babies named Monica per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1979, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Monica's real moment was 1973.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 89 |
| 1890s | 277 |
| 1900s | 505 |
| 1910s | 1,739 |
| 1920s | 2,067 |
| 1930s | 2,469 |
| 1940s | 4,657 |
| 1950s | 18,722 |
| 1960s | 45,192 |
| 1970s | 61,680 |
| 1980s | 51,863 |
| 1990s | 38,895 |
| 2000s | 14,690 |
| 2010s | 6,074 |
| 2020s | 2,355 |
Meaning & origin
Monica has a long history rooted in Christian tradition through Saint Monica. The name was moderately popular for much of the 20th century, reaching its peak in 1973 when it ranked 64th. Since then it has steadily declined, falling to 736th place in 2025, with about 1 in 4,332 girls receiving the name. Its strongest popularity has been in states like Oregon, Washington, and Kansas. Despite the decline, Monica remains a familiar and classic choice with a soft, melodic sound, often associated with warmth and wisdom. The name's uncertain etymology and multi-cultural background add to its appeal for parents seeking a name with depth.
The etymology of Monica is debated. Some sources suggest it derives from the Latin 'monere' (to advise, warn), but it may also have ancient North African roots, as Saint Monica was born in Roman North Africa. The name gained prominence through the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo, and has been used widely in Christian cultures. It became especially popular in the English-speaking world from the 19th century onward.
Where Monica is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Monica” around the world
Where Monica lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Moni, Nica, Mona
Variants: Monika
Sibling names for Monica
Names that share Monica's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Angela, Claudia, Julia, Theresa, Veronica, Andrea, Toni, Felisha, Shonda, Lamonica, Laticia, Madysen, Nickole, Shenika, Tamica, Tanika, Christia, Denisa, Donica, Falicia, Jonica, Laresa, Latecia, Latisa, Philicia, Renisha, Ronika, Shanica, Shatina, Shaundra, Tashiana, Telicia, Terrika, Toccara, Tonika, Adonica, Demetrica, Laterrica, Moneka, Monice, Monita, Phelicia, Shameca, Shamonica, Sharonica, Shemica, Tanica, Telecia, Damonica, Jeronica, Kasheena, Montia, Dashonda, Derrika, Jamonica, Janecia, Laronica, Latanja, Lateia, Lateria, Phyllicia, Roneka, Ronnica, Shamica, Sharica, Shenica, Tamyka, Temica, Timica, Vanecia
Brothers: Augustine, Dominic, Gregory, Patrick, Stephen, Terence, Terrence, Jerome, Donta, Donyell, Jermie
Names like Monica
Names whose popularity has moved with Monica's over the last 50 years.
