Monique is a French feminine given name derived from the Latin name Monica. The name Monica has a significant historical figure attached to it - Saint Monica of Hippo, who was the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo and is revered as a saint in several Christian denominations.
The name Monique means "adviser" or "alone," although some sources suggest that it could also mean "unique" or "only one." The meaning behind the name Monique is often interpreted as reflecting the qualities of being wise, independent, and perhaps even unusual. However, there is no definitive consensus on its exact meaning.
The name Monique first gained popularity in France during the late 19th century but did not become widely used internationally until the mid-20th century. Today, Monique remains a popular choice among French-speaking communities around the world, while also being recognized and used in English-speaking countries.
In terms of its spelling and pronunciation, Monique is typically written as such and is pronounced "moh-nEEK." However, it can sometimes be spelled Moniq or Monicque, with slight variations in pronunciation depending on regional accents and language preferences.
Overall, Monique is a classic French name that carries historical significance through its connection to Saint Monica of Hippo. Its meaning reflects qualities of wisdom and independence, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the popularity of the name Monique in the United States over time. From 1909 to 1945, the number of births with the name Monique remained relatively low and stable, ranging from 5 to 28 births per year.
However, starting in 1946, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Monique. The number of births peaked in 1965 with 1629 births, marking the highest point of popularity for the name during this time period. This trend continued through the late 1970s, with over 1500 births per year occurring between 1970 and 1979.
Interestingly, after reaching its peak in popularity in 1965, the number of births with the name Monique began to decline steadily. Between 1980 and 2000, there was a significant drop in the number of births, with fewer than 1000 births occurring each year.
Since 2000, the popularity of the name Monique has continued to decrease, with only 33 births recorded in 2023. This marks a dramatic shift from its peak popularity over half a century ago.
In total, there have been 78678 births with the name Monique in the United States since 1909. Despite its decline in recent years, Monique remains a unique and historic name with a rich history of usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.