Monica

Updated: October 11, 2023 by Sarah Nance

Monica spent over three decades on the top 100 list, but it is now not even a top 700 name. The name has fluctuated in popularity, however, due to political affiliations and affiliations within the church. Despite these fluctuations, Monica has a spunky and straightforward feel. Let's dive into the backstory of the name Monica.

Meaning of the name Monica:

Latin: advisor, truth

Origin of the name Monica:

In Latin, the name Monica means “advisor” and “truth.” Monica has been around since at least the 4th century when a saint from North Africa called Monica of Hippo. She was actually the mother of Saint Augustine, one of the most popular heroes in the Christian church. The name retained use throughout Greece and other Latin countries and then came to English-speaking countries in the 1700s.

Symbolism of the name Monica:

The baby's name, Monica, means “advisor” or “truth” as it comes from the Latin “moneo.” The Christian church believes that God is the one truth, so it could find its meaning in the Greek word “monos,” which means “one,” too.

Nicknames for the name Monica:

Monie
Moni
Mony
Mona
Mica
Mika
Nica
Nika
Oni
Mon
Ica
Monic

Style of the name Monica:

Classical

Gender of the name Monica:

Monica is a feminine name with some spunk.

Pronunciation of the name Monica:

MAHN-i-kuh

Number of syllables in the name Monica:

Three

Emotion evoked from the name Monica:

Monica may be a classical name, but it has a certain spunk and attitude with it. This is not to say that it is a disrespectful name, however, as it still feels refined.

Alternative spellings for the name Monica:

Monicka
Monika
Monnika
Monnica
Monyca

Popularity of the name Monica:

Monica has been on the top 1,000 list since 1900. It spent many decades on the top 100 list too, from 1964 to 1997. The name has declined since that time, now being almost a top 700 name at rank 703.