"noble one, little noble"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Mona
Pronunciation: [ m-OHN-uh ]
Does Mona flow with your last name?
Timeless as da Vinci's masterpiece
Irish
Arabic
Italian
Scandinavian
American
Vintage
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Gentle
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Mona
Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"wish, desire"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
"my lady (title)"
Origin: Italian
Language: Italian
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Things to Know About This Name
- Permanently associated with Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, which is mostly positive but makes the name feel like a reference
The Story of Mona
Mona has multiple possible origins. In Irish, it derives from 'muadhnait' meaning 'noble' or 'little noble one.' In Arabic, it means 'wish' or 'desire' (from 'muna'). In Italian and as a title, 'mona' was a contraction of 'Madonna' meaning 'my lady.' The name 'Mona Lisa' literally meant 'Lady Lisa' — a title of respect for Lisa del Giocondo, the Florentine noblewoman in da Vinci's masterpiece.
Mona peaked in English-speaking countries in the early to mid 20th century, appearing frequently in the 1920s-1950s. It has declined since but retains a certain artistic charm. The Mona Lisa connection keeps the name culturally present even as it fades from fashion.
In Arabic-speaking cultures, Mona/Muna remains actively used and carries the warm meaning of 'wishes fulfilled.' In Scandinavian countries, it's a short form of Monica. The name's diverse roots give it a remarkably pan-cultural quality.
Historical Record
Mona first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 28,531 babies have been named Mona in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mona is past its peak , currently ranked #2,220 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Mona Lisa's subject was Lisa Gherardini, wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo — 'mona' was simply a polite title meaning 'my lady'
- Mona is both an Irish given name and a short form of Monica across Europe
- The Arabic name Muna (wishful) is the same as Mona in many transliterations
Mona in Other Languages
Irish
Muadhnait
Arabic
منى
German
Mona
Italian
Mona
Scandinavian
Mona
Popularity Over Time
#2,220
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mona
M
Mona Simpson
Writer
1957
American novelist, author of Anywhere But Here; also the name of Homer Simpson's mother
M
Mona Lisa (Lisa Gherardini)
Other
1479
Florentine noblewoman who was the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous portrait
M
Mona Vanderwaal Fictional
Other
Key character in Pretty Little Liars, the original 'A', known for her intelligence and complexity
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Compare Mona with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,220
- Total SSA Count
- 85
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Arabic Italian Scandinavian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mona
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Mona is also used as a boy name, ranked #30876.
View Mona as a boy name →Similar Names
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Spanish origin
"little wing"
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Latin origin
"cheerful, merry, joyful"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mona
What does the name Mona mean?
"noble one, little noble" (from Irish Gaelic). "wish, desire" (from Arabic). "my lady (title)" (from Italian). Mona has multiple possible origins. In Irish, it derives from 'muadhnait' meaning 'noble' or 'little noble one.' In Arabic, it means 'wish' or 'desire' (from 'muna'). In Italian and as a title, 'mona' was a contraction of 'Madonna' meaning 'my lady.' The name 'Mona Lisa' literally meant 'Lady Lisa' — a title of respect for Lisa del Giocondo, the Florentine noblewoman in da Vinci's masterpiece.
What is the origin of the name Mona?
Mona has Irish Gaelic, Arabic, Italian, Irish, Scandinavian, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "noble one, little noble". In Arabic, it means "wish, desire". In Italian, it means "my lady (title)".
Is Mona a boy or girl name?
Mona is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2220. As a boy name, it is ranked #30876. Mona is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mona?
Mona is pronounced m-OHN-uh.
How popular is the name Mona?
Mona is currently ranked #2220 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Mona?
Popular middle name pairings include Mona Lisa, Mona Rose, Mona Claire, Mona Louise, Mona Grace, Mona Jean, and Mona Elise.
What are good sibling names for Mona?
Names that pair well with Mona as siblings include Lena, Cora, Nora, Vera, Dora, Alma, Rita, and Stella.
How many syllables does Mona have?
Mona has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mona a common or rare name?
Mona is an uncommon name, ranked #2220 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Mona?
About the Name Mona
Mona is a girl name with Irish, Arabic, Italian, Scandinavian, and American origins . The name means "noble one, little noble" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Mona a boy or girl name? Mona is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,220 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #30,876. Mona is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mona is currently ranked #2,220 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mona has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-OHN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Mona include Monroe, Monica, Montana, Monserrat, Montserrat . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis