Mona

Pronunciation: [ m-OHN-uh ]

Girl Name #2,220 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Timeless as da Vinci's masterpiece

Irish Arabic Italian Scandinavian American

Vintage Classic Elegant Gentle Literary

Meaning & Origin

"noble one, little noble"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Language: Irish

"wish, desire"

Origin: Arabic

Language: Arabic

"my lady (title)"

Origin: Italian

Language: Italian

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.

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

Famous People Named Mona

Mona Simpson

Writer

1957

American novelist, author of Anywhere But Here; also the name of Homer Simpson's mother

Mona Lisa (Lisa Gherardini)

Other

1479

Florentine noblewoman who was the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous portrait

Mona Vanderwaal Fictional

Other

Key character in Pretty Little Liars, the original 'A', known for her intelligence and complexity

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

Monroe #571 Monica #726 Montana #1058 Monserrat #1303 Montserrat #1469 Monique #2925 Monserrath #3294 Monet #3464

Pairs Well With

Mona Lisa Mona Rose Mona Claire Mona Louise Mona Grace Mona Jean Mona Elise

Sibling Names

Lena Cora Nora Vera Dora Alma Rita Stella

Also a Boy Name

Mona is also used as a boy name, ranked #30876.

View Mona as a boy name →

Similar Names

Phoebe Roberta Iona Una Winona Simona Unknown Diane

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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.

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.