MallowbyNames

Onica

AHN-ee-ka · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Onika or a feminine form of Onyx.

Peak popularity
1998
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Onica since 1971

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

4913198020002020Most births 1998Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s51
1980s73
1990s29
2000s81
2010s25
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Onica is a rare, modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1971. Its peak year of use was 1998, though it has never approached widespread popularity. The name's trajectory has been stable but extremely low, reflecting its status as an uncommon choice. Onica has not been recorded in any top state as a favorite, and its one-in-N ratio is negligible due to insufficient data. Despite its obscurity, the name carries a melodic quality and offers a distinctive alternative for parents seeking something unique. Its etymology remains uncertain, adding an air of mystery.

The name Onica is likely a modern coinage, perhaps a variant of Onika (a name of obscure origin) or a feminine elaboration of Onyx, the gemstone. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1971. Its usage has remained rare and scattered, with a slight peak in 1998. The name does not have a well-established etymology and is best considered a creative modern formation.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Nica

Variants: Onika

Sibling names for Onica

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

Sisters: Mira, Nova, Lena, Zara, Anya

Brothers: Oren, Micah, Nico, Evan, Luca

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

O is for Onica, our favorite little girl.

O is for Onica…”

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

Make Onica's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Onica mean?
The meaning of Onica is uncertain. It may be a variant of Onika or a feminine form of Onyx, but its origin is not clearly defined.
Is Onica currently a popular name?
No, Onica is not popular. In the most recent year with data (2025), it did not rank in the top 1000 names, and its usage has been very rare since it first appeared in 1971.
Is Onica a girl's name or a boy's name?
Onica is typically used for girls. Based on historical U.S. data, it is almost exclusively given to female babies.