MallowbyNames

Monifa

moh-NEE-fah · I am fortunate, or I am lucky.

Peak popularity
1970
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Monifa since 1969

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

112334198020002020Most births 1970Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s13
1970s230
1980s93
1990s80
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Monifa is a name of Yoruba origin meaning 'I am fortunate' or 'I am lucky.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1969 and saw its peak usage in 1970, though it has never entered the top 1000. The name remains exceptionally rare, with fewer than 5 births per year in the 2020s, contributing to a stable trajectory. While no state saw concentrated use, Monifa carries a positive meaning that appeals to families seeking a distinctive African name.

Monifa is a Yoruba name from Nigeria, derived from the phrase "Mo ni ifa" meaning "I am fortunate" or "I have luck." It is unisex but predominantly used for girls in the United States, where it first appeared in records in 1969.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Moni, Nifa

Sibling names for Monifa

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

Sisters: Aisha, Zuri, Nia, Kemi, Amara

Brothers: Ayo, Kwame, Jabari, Kofi, Olu

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

M is for Monifa, our favorite little girl.

M is for Monifa…”

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

Make Monifa's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Monifa mean?
Monifa is a Yoruba name meaning 'I am fortunate' or 'I am lucky.'
How popular is the name Monifa?
Monifa has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. baby names. It peaked in 1970 and has remained rare, with fewer than 5 births per year in recent decades.
Is Monifa a girl's name or a boy's name?
Monifa is unisex but is primarily used for girls in the United States.