Nicque

The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Latin “moneō”, which in turn derives from the Proto-Italic “*moneō”, meaning “warn, advise, remind”. 2) From the Ancient Greek “mónos (μόνος)”, meaning ”unique, alone, nun, solitary, hermit”. 3) An ancient name of North African origin whose etymology is unknown. The earliest reference to the name is found in ancient Numidian inscriptions. Numidia (202–46 BC), was an ancient Berber kingdom in modern-day Algeria and a smaller part of western Tunisia in North Africa. The name might include a reference to the ancient Libyan god “mon”, from Egyptian mythology “Amon” king of the gods. Saint Monica (AD 331–387) is remembered and honored in most Christian denominations, albeit on different feast days, for her outstanding Christian virtues, particularly the suffering caused by her husband's adultery, and her prayerful life dedicated to the reformation of her son, who wrote extensively of her pious acts and life with her in his Confessions. Popular Christian legends recall Saint Monica weeping every night for her son Augustine.