Monica

Monica is a feminine given name of Latin origin. The exact etymology is uncertain, but the name is best known from Saint Monica (c. 322–387), the mother of Augustine of Hippo, whose veneration helped popularize the name in the Christian world.

In modern times, Monica has been used across many languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Polish, among others. The name has remained common in various regions and periods, partly due to cultural works and public figures bearing the name.

Notable individuals named Monica include Italian actress Monica Bellucci; American activist Monica Lewinsky; Serbian-American former tennis player Monica Seles; American actress Monica Potter; and American actress Monica Raymund. In fiction, Monica Geller is a central character on the popular television series Friends (1994–2004).