Find out how popular the first name Chico has been for the last 46 years (from 1975 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chico by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Chico is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chico.

The history of the first name Chico

The name Chico has its origins in the Spanish language, where it is a diminutive or nickname form of the name Francisco. The name Francisco itself derives from the Latin name Franciscus, which means "French" or "Frenchman." This connection to the name Francisco suggests that Chico may have initially been used as a familiar or affectionate form of address for someone named Francisco.

Chico is primarily associated with Spanish-speaking cultures and regions, particularly in Spain, Latin America, and parts of the United States with significant Hispanic populations. The use of diminutive forms of names is a common practice in Spanish, reflecting a cultural tendency towards warmth and informality.

While the name Chico does not have any particularly noteworthy historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been in use for several centuries and has been borne by various individuals throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chico can be found in the 16th century, when it was used as a nickname for the Spanish explorer and conquistador Francisco Pizarro (c. 1476-1541), who led the conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru.

Another notable figure with the name Chico was the Mexican Revolutionary leader José Doroteo Arango Arámbula (1878-1923), better known by his nickname Chico, who played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century.

In the realm of sports, Chico Carrasquel (1923-2005) was a Venezuelan baseball player who played in Major League Baseball for several teams, including the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians, from 1949 to 1959.

In the world of music, Chico Álvarez (1933-2007) was a Cuban-American singer and composer who was known for his contributions to the Latin music genre of salsa.

Another notable figure with the name Chico was the Brazilian guitarist and composer Chico Buarque (born 1944), who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians and songwriters in Brazil.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Chico, demonstrating its long-standing usage and cultural significance, particularly within Spanish-speaking and Latin American contexts.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chico, 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!