What does Chico mean and where does it come from?
The name 'Chico' is a diminutive form of 'chico' in Spanish and Portuguese, used affectionately to refer to a young boy or little one. It is commonly used in various Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in parts of the Philippines due to close historical ties. The name has a casual and friendly co
Cultural significance
Chico has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of boy.
Peak popularity
Reached #1178 in 1977 — currently #9755 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Chico?
Chico works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Chico Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Chico Rose
Floral · soft ending
Chico Mae
Sweet · timeless
Chico Claire
French influence · crisp
Chico Jane
Literary · strong
Chico Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Chico right now?
Falling — down 1827 spots — currently #9755 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #9588 | 7 | ▼ down 1827 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #7761 | 9 | ▼ down 817 |
| 2000 | #6944 | 9 | ▼ down 1736 · -18% births |
| 1995 | #5208 | 11 | ▼ down 1369 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #3839 | 15 | ▲ up 623 · +67% births |
| 1985 | #4462 | 9 | ▼ down 2520 · -69% births |
| 1980 | #1942 | 29 | ▼ down 474 · -22% births |
| 1975 | #1468 | 37 | ▲ up 565 · +85% births |
| 1970 | #2033 | 20 | ▲ up 1386 · +186% births |
| 1965 | #3419 | 7 | ▼ down 169 · -12% births |
| 1960 | #3250 | 8 | ▼ down 1216 · -50% births |
| 1955 | #2034 | 16 | ▲ up 1248 · +167% births |
| 1945 | #3282 | 6 | ▲ up 324 |
| 1935 | #3606 | 6 | ▼ down 41 · -14% births |
| 1930 | #3565 | 7 | — |
The story of Chico
Chico entered American naming records in 1922 and has been in use for over 102 years. With 951 total births recorded, Chico remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3565 in 1930, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9588 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Chico in 1977:
Chico by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 11 | |
| 1930s | 21 | |
| 1940s | 26 | |
| 1950s | 108 | |
| 1960s | 105 | |
| 1970s ★ | 320 | |
| 1980s | 147 | |
| 1990s | 116 | |
| 2000s | 78 | |
| 2010s | 12 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎Chico has only 951 total recorded births since 1922 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Chico?
What names sound and feel like Chico?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Chico also consider these
How is Chico written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Chico?
Common questions about the name Chico
What does the name Chico mean?
Chico means "boy" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Chico?
Chico is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Chico have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Chico?
Chico originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Chico?
Chico is a two-syllable name pronounced CH IY1 K OW2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Chico trending right now?
Chico is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.