Benita
Benita is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Blessed.
Origin and history
Benita is the feminine form of Benito, derived from the Latin name Benedictus. It gained popularity in Spanish-speaking cultures and has been used continuously in the United States since the late 19th century. Although its usage has declined in recent years, it remains a classic traditional name.
Popularity in the United States
13,669 babies in the United States have been named Benita since 1880. It ranks #1357 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2024.
States where it is most popular
- TX (22 %)
- CA (9.5 %)
- IL (7.2 %)
- NY (6.8 %)
- NC (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 5 |
| 1890-1900 | 46 |
| 1900-1910 | 92 |
| 1910-1920 | 422 |
| 1920-1930 | 668 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,069 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,117 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,889 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,720 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,771 |
| 1980-1990 | 949 |
| 1990-2000 | 474 |
| 2000-2010 | 221 |
| 2010-2019 | 149 |
| 2020-2029 | 77 |
Famous people named Benita
- Benita Valente: Soprano, Opera Singer
Nicknames
Nita, Bennie
Fun facts
- Benita traces its roots directly to the Latin word 'benedictus', which means blessed or praised.
- It serves as the feminine counterpart to the popular masculine names Benito and Benedict.