Monica

uncertain; possibly advisor (Latin) or solitary (Greek)

Monica is a spanish / english girl name in the Philippines. In the civil registry as of May 2021 it is number 205, with 38,258 records. It has 3 syllables.

Spanish / English Spanish colonial
May 2021 rank
#205
May 2021 records
38,258
Syllables
3
Origin
Spanish / English
Background
Spanish colonial
Sound
Neutral

Origin and meaning

uncertain; possibly advisor (Latin) or solitary (Greek)

The name Monica is historically associated with Saint Monica of Hippo, whose name may be of Berber or Phoenician derivation, though traditionally linked to Latin 'monere' (to advise). In the Philippines, it is a timeless Catholic classic used across multiple generations.

Monica is an ancient name of North African or Latin origin, popularized globally via Christian veneration of Saint Monica. In the Philippines, it was introduced during the Spanish colonial period and maintained strong currency through American and modern English influence.

Spanish 60% English 40%

Name character

Strength
3/5
Modernity
3/5
Formal feel
3/5
Sound: Neutral Saint Pairs with short or long surnames Travels well

In the Philippines

Commonly shortened in the Philippines to Mon, Monette, Moning, or Nica. Frequently used as a standalone name or in compounds like Maria Monica and Monica Jane.

Best known for: Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine

Related forms

Would your family give Monica?

Mark it if your family would give this first name. The count is for 2026 on this site. It is not the civil registry, and it is not babies registered in 2024. One browser can choose a name once in the year.

No family on this site has marked Monica for 2026 yet.

Share this name

Monica with common surname pairs

Each pair is a mother's maiden surname plus a father's surname. The number is the sound-fit score for this first name.

Related girl names

Filipino naming · How the score works

Compare Monica with other first names

Compare

About the name Monica

How do I use Monica with two Filipino surnames?

Monica is the given name. The full name is Monica + mother's maiden surname + father's surname. Score a pair from a combination page or the homepage search.

Is Monica a common girl name in the Philippines?

In the civil registry as of May 2021, Monica is number 205, with 38,258 records. That is not the 2024 birth list, and it does not say the name is a better choice. How it sounds with both family surnames is a separate score.