Bonita is a Spanish feminine given name derived from the word "bonito," meaning "beautiful" or "pretty." The name has its roots in Latin, originating from the word "bonus," which means "good."

The name Bonita is believed to have been in use since the Middle Ages, particularly in Spain and other Spanish-speaking regions. It was likely used as a descriptive term to describe a beautiful or attractive woman before becoming a formal given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bonita can be found in the Spanish literary work "La Celestina" by Fernando de Rojas, written in 1499. In this work, one of the characters is named Bonita, suggesting that the name was in use during that time period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bonita. One such person was Bonita Granville (1923-1988), an American actress known for her roles in films like "These Three" and "Now, Voyager." She had a successful career in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s.

Another famous Bonita was Bonita Mercer (1896-1980), an American vaudeville performer and actress who appeared in several Broadway productions and films in the early 20th century.

In the literary world, Bonita Granville Wrather (1897-1998) was an American author and playwright who wrote several novels and plays, including "The Silken East" and "The Song of the Desert."

Bonita Norris (1923-1944) was a British fighter pilot and flying instructor during World War II. She became the youngest woman to join the Air Transport Auxiliary and tragically lost her life in a plane crash at the age of 21.

Bonita Spence (1914-2012) was a Canadian artist and painter known for her vibrant and expressive works depicting scenes from her native British Columbia.

While the name Bonita has Spanish origins, it has been adopted and used in various cultures around the world, particularly in areas with Spanish influence or connections.