Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Monique
GirlFrench, Latin· “French form of Monica; uncertain”
- Meaning
- French form of Monica; uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- moh-NEEK
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,370
- US babies 2025
- 46
- Best rank
- #93 (1980)
- Peak year
- 1980
Meaning and origin of Monique
Monique is often said to mean “French form of Monica; uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Latin roots.
Monique is the French form of Monica, a name whose origin is uncertain. Monica is associated with Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, who was born in North Africa, and the name may have a local North African root. It was later linked by folk etymology to the Greek monos, alone, and the Latin monere, to advise. Monique became popular among English speakers in the twentieth century and has a sophisticated French flavor. It sounds smooth and elegant. Nika and Mo are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Monique first appears in US Social Security records in 1909. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 54 different years, starting in 1955. Its best national rank was #93 in 1980, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,163 babies. In 2025, 46 babies were named Monique, and it ranked #3,370 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,268 in 1950, #93 in 1980, #343 in 2000, #1,356 in 2010, and #3,370 in 2025. Of the 78,783 US girls named Monique since records began, 30% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 17,468 babies. Since 2010, 1,262 more have been named Monique.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Alison, Katrina, Mindy, Tasha, and Meredith.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Monique ranked highest in New York and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #2313 | 5 |
| California | #2686 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Monique is usually pronounced moh-NEEK, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-ue”.
Middle names for Monique
A few middle names that flow with Monique: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Monique
Similar names
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Lists that include Monique
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Monique mean?
Monique is often said to mean “French form of Monica; uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Monique?
Monique has French and Latin roots. Monique is the French form of Monica, a name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Monique a popular name?
Not especially. Monique ranked #3,370 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Monique a boy or girl name?
Monique is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Monique?
Monique is usually pronounced moh-NEEK. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings