Find out how popular the first name Monalisa has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Monalisa by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Monalisa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Monalisa.

The history of the first name Monalisa

The name Monalisa is of Italian origin, derived from the combination of two words: "Mona" and "Lisa." "Mona" is an Italian form of the name "Madonna," meaning "My Lady," while "Lisa" is a shortened version of the name "Elisabetta," the Italian form of Elizabeth.

The name gained prominence in the early 16th century with the famous painting "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. The subject of the painting, whose identity remains a mystery, is believed to have been Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a wealthy Florentine silk merchant named Francesco del Giocondo. The painting, completed around 1519, is now one of the most recognizable and valuable works of art in the world.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Monalisa can be found in the 1542 book "Il Libro del Cortegiano" (The Book of the Courtier) by Baldassare Castiglione, where he mentions a woman named "Monalisa Strozzi." However, the name's popularity did not truly take off until after the 19th century, when interest in the famous painting and its subject grew.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Monalisa. One such person was Monalisa Chinda (1888-1937), an Indian activist and social reformer who fought against the practice of sati, the Hindu ritual of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre. Another was Monalisa Zwambila (1949-2018), a Zimbabwean diplomat and politician who served as the first female Secretary for External Affairs in her country.

In the creative arts, Monalisa Ghanjapuri (born 1966) is an Indian film actress and dancer who has appeared in numerous Bollywood productions. Monalisa Perez (born 1996) is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter known for her Latin pop and urban music. Monalisa Chinda (born 1974) is a Nigerian actress and film producer who has starred in numerous Nollywood movies.

These are just a few examples of the diverse individuals who have carried the name Monalisa throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and cultures.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Monalisa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Monalisa, please contact us.

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