Find out how popular the first name Chelita has been for the last 6 years (from 1975 to 1980) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chelita by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Chelita is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1980, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chelita.

The history of the first name Chelita

The given name Chelita is a Spanish diminutive form derived from the name Chela, which itself is a shortened version of the name Marcela. The name Marcela has its roots in the Latin name Marcellus, a Roman family name likely stemming from the word "marculus," meaning little male warrior or young warrior.

Chelita gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Spain, and parts of Latin America. It was commonly used as a term of endearment, with the diminutive suffix "-ita" adding a sense of affection and familiarity to the name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Chelita can be found in the novel "El Criador de Gorilas" (The Gorilla Breeder) by Mexican author Juan Segura, published in 1938. In the novel, a character named Chelita plays a pivotal role, reflecting the name's usage during that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chelita. Chelita Víctor (1897-1990) was a prominent Mexican actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Chelita Delgado (1914-1994) was a renowned Cuban singer and actress known for her performances in the famous Tropicana cabaret in Havana.

Another notable Chelita was Chelita Blanca (1921-2009), a Mexican painter and sculptor whose works celebrated the indigenous cultures of Mexico. Her vibrant and colorful pieces often depicted scenes from daily life and traditional ceremonies.

In the realm of literature, Chelita Espinosa (1927-2015) was a respected Chilean poet and author. Her works, including "Poemas de una vida" (Poems of a Life), explored themes of love, identity, and the human experience.

Chelita Maldonado (1923-2018) was a pioneering Ecuadorian journalist and women's rights activist. She founded the first women's magazine in Ecuador, "Mujer" (Woman), and worked tirelessly to promote gender equality and empower women in her country.

These are just a few examples of the diverse individuals who have carried the name Chelita throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage associated with this diminutive Spanish name.

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 Chelita was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!