Find out how popular the first name Chinita has been for the last 18 years (from 1974 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chinita by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Chinita is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chinita.

The history of the first name Chinita

The name Chinita is a Spanish diminutive form of the female name China, derived from the Spanish word "china," meaning a young Chinese woman or girl. The origin of this name can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers and traders made contact with the people and cultures of East Asia, particularly China.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, as trade and cultural exchange between Spain and China intensified, the term "china" became widely used in Spanish to refer to objects, goods, and people associated with China. The diminutive form "chinita" was likely coined to affectionately address young Chinese women or girls encountered by Spanish travelers and settlers.

While the name Chinita does not appear to have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it reflects the cultural interactions and exchanges that took place between Spain and China during the Age of Exploration and the establishment of trade routes across the Pacific Ocean.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Chinita can be found in the writings of Fray Juan Bautista, a Dominican missionary who worked in the Philippines in the late 16th century. In his accounts, he mentions encountering and interacting with "chinitas," referring to young Chinese women living in the Spanish-controlled areas of the Philippines.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Chinita. One such figure was Chinita Villasenor (1892-1976), a Mexican actress and singer who appeared in several films during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema in the 1940s and 1950s.

Another prominent figure was Chinita Ullmann (1911-2003), a Spanish-born Argentine actress and singer who enjoyed a successful career in theater, film, and television in Argentina during the mid-20th century.

In the realm of literature, Chinita Craveiro (1901-1960) was a Brazilian writer and journalist known for her contributions to the modernist literature movement in Brazil in the early 20th century.

Chinita Lobo (1926-2009) was a notable Indian classical dancer and choreographer who played a significant role in promoting and preserving the traditional dance forms of India, particularly Bharatanatyam and Kathak.

Lastly, Chinita Rufino Maceda (1924-2019) was a renowned Filipino composer and ethnomusicologist who dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the traditional music and culture of the Philippines.

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

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

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