Monice

Meaning & origin

Monice is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1919 and reached its peak usage in 1973, though even then it never entered the top 1000. The name's trajectory has been stable, with sporadic appearances in later decades. Although its exact origin is uncertain, Monice is widely understood as a variant of Monica, a name borne by the mother of Saint Augustine and popular across many cultures. The one-in-N figure for Monice is not available due to its rarity, reflecting its status as a distinctive choice. The name has not been significantly associated with any particular state or trend, and its usage has remained consistently low over the past century. For parents seeking a name that is familiar yet uncommon, Monice offers a melodic alternative to the more established Monica or Monique.

The name Monice likely arose as a variant of Monica, a name of uncertain origin that has been in use since at least the 4th century, notably borne by Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine. Monica has been variously linked to the Latin word 'monere' (to advise) or the Greek 'monos' (alone), but its true derivation remains debated. Monice appears as a modern respelling, possibly influenced by the suffix '-ice' seen in names like Bernice or Eunice. It has never been widespread but has maintained sporadic usage since the early 20th century.