Holding steady.
Popularity of Monisha since 1961
Babies named Monisha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 14 |
| 1970s | 208 |
| 1980s | 458 |
| 1990s | 438 |
| 2000s | 108 |
| 2010s | 28 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Monisha is a name of Sanskrit origin, directly translating to 'wisdom' or 'a wise woman.' It first entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1961 and experienced a modest uptick in the 1980s, peaking in 1983. While it has never appeared in the top 1,000 names nationwide, its usage has remained remarkably stable since the 1990s, with fewer than five births per year in recent decades. The name carries a distinct cultural resonance, particularly within Hindu communities in India and the diaspora. Its gentle pronunciation and meaningful etymology give it a serene, intellectual quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with depth and heritage.
Monisha derives from Sanskrit मनीषा (manīṣā), meaning 'wisdom, intelligence, or a wise woman.' It is composed of the roots 'man' (to think) and 'īṣā' (desire), collectively signifying the desire for knowledge. The name has been used in India for centuries, particularly among Hindu families, and gained modest popularity in the United States from the 1970s onward.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Moni, Mona, Nisha
Sibling names for Monisha
Names that share Monisha's style, for a brother or sister.
