Mona

♀ Girl

Pronounced MOH-nuh /ˈmoʊ.nə/High

Meaning: noble, aristocratic ladyMedium

In 30 seconds: Mona is an elegant classic with Irish and Arabic roots, meaning noble lady or wishes. It gained global fame through Leonardo da Vinci's iconic portrait.

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Origin MediumIrish, Italian, Arabic

Meaningnoble, aristocratic lady

U.S. rank (2024)#2224 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births85 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 45,722

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Mona derives from the Irish Muadhnait, a diminutive of Muadh meaning noble. In Arabic-speaking cultures, Mona (مُنى) relates to wishes or desires. The name spread widely in Europe partly due to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece Mona Lisa, painted in the early 16th century.

Mona was a popular mid-20th century given name in English-speaking countries, peaking in the 1940s–1960s. It retains a timeless, artistic quality and remains in moderate use internationally, favored for its brevity and cultural resonance.

Did you know? Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) was painted c. 1503–1519 and remains the world's most visited painting, making Mona one of art history's most famous names.

Overall data confidence 82%

Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names — reference for MonaBehind the Name: Mona — name etymology referenceEncyclopedia of Given Names — reference for Mona

Variations

MoanaMonnaMonahMuadhnait

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Mona Freeman (1926–2014)
American actress and painter, popular as a teenage movie star in 1940s–1950s Hollywood films such as Dear Ruth and Angel Face.

If you like Mona…

Luna— short two-syllable classic with soft ending

Nora— Irish heritage and elegant simplicity

Lena— similar vowel flow and vintage charm

Cora— two-syllable classic with literary connections

Vera— brief elegant name with European roots

Frequently Asked

What does Mona mean?

Mona means noble or aristocratic lady in Irish, derived from Muadhnait. In Arabic, it means wishes or desires.

How do you pronounce Mona?

Mona is pronounced MOH-nuh (/ˈmoʊ.nə/), with two syllables.

Is Mona a girl's name?

Yes, Mona is primarily a girl's name used across Irish, Arabic, and European traditions.

How popular is the name Mona?

Mona was most popular in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century and remains in moderate use worldwide today.