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Monifa
How to Pronounce Monifa
Pronounced moh-NEE-fah /moʊˈniː.fə/Medium
Meaning: Monifa is a Yoruba (Nigerian) girl's name usually translated 'I am lucky' or 'I have my fortune'; it is also borne by the American singer Monifah.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Monifa is a Yoruba given name from Nigeria, generally translated 'I am lucky' or 'I have my fortune' — one of the many Yoruba names that state a hope or blessing. In American use it also gained visibility through the R&B singer Monifah.
In the United States it was a rare heritage choice, only a few dozen girls a year around its 1970 high, most often in families honoring West African roots. It reads as a meaningful, culturally grounded name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Monifa mean?
Monifa is a Yoruba name meaning 'I am lucky' or 'I have my fortune'.
How do you pronounce Monifa?
It's said moh-NEE-fah /moʊˈniː.fə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Monifa a boy or girl name?
Monifa is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Monifa?
Monifa is a rare Yoruba heritage name in the U.S.