The name Anita has its roots in the Spanish and Portuguese languages, derived from the Hebrew name Anna, which means "gracious" or "full of grace." It's believed to have originated around the Middle Ages, possibly as a diminutive form of the name Anna.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Anita can be found in the 16th century. In 1557, Anita de los Ríos, a Spanish noblewoman, was mentioned in historical records. She was known for her involvement in the Spanish Court during the reign of King Philip II.

The name Anita gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in Spain and Portugal. During this time, several notable individuals bore this name, including Anita Garibaldi (1821-1849), an Italian revolutionary and wife of the famous Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi. She played a significant role in the Italian Unification movement.

Another prominent figure named Anita was Anita Pollitzer (1894-1975), an American women's rights activist and artist. She was a leading figure in the National Woman's Party and worked tirelessly for the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the United States.

In the literary world, Anita Brookner (1928-2016) was a renowned British novelist and art historian. She won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1984 for her novel "Hotel du Lac" and was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1990.

Anita O'Day (1919-2006) was an influential American jazz singer known for her distinctive vibrato and unique phrasing. She recorded numerous albums and performed with notable musicians like Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich, contributing significantly to the development of vocal jazz.

Throughout history, the name Anita has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and achievements, reflecting its enduring popularity and timeless appeal.