Monica

Monica belonged first to a Berber woman from fourth-century North Africa, the mother of Augustine of Hippo, who prayed her wayward son into Christianity and theological immortality. The name's origin is disputed, possibly Berber, possibly Latin monere, to advise — she has been patroness of mothers and of lost causes ever since. The name peaked in the English-speaking world in the 1970s and saw a second wind from Monica Geller on Friends. Three syllables, MON-ih-kah. It reads competent, a little bossy, warmly insistent. A name for a woman who remembers your birthday, reorganizes your kitchen, and means well about both.