Declining since 1993, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of China since 1885
Babies named China per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 37 |
| 1910s | 71 |
| 1920s | 91 |
| 1930s | 58 |
| 1940s | 65 |
| 1950s | 84 |
| 1960s | 126 |
| 1970s | 322 |
| 1980s | 736 |
| 1990s | 1,967 |
| 2000s | 637 |
| 2010s | 343 |
| 2020s | 61 |
Meaning & origin
The name China is a rare given name, most commonly used for girls. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1885, but its usage remained extremely sparse until the late 20th century. The name saw a notable peak in popularity in 1992, when it ranked highest among all years. However, its trajectory has been falling since 1993, and by the latest data from 2018, it ranked 10,917th, with only 1 in every 200,908 newborns receiving the name. Unlike many place-name coinages, China has not been concentrated in any particular U.S. state; its top states are listed as none, indicating a scattered distribution. The name's appeal may stem from its exotic, international sound, but it remains a distinctive choice. Its variant Chyna has occasionally been used, particularly in entertainment contexts.
The name China is a modern coinage, likely derived from the country name China. It emerged as a given name in the late 19th century, possibly influenced by the popularity of place names or as a variant of names like Chyna. Its use has always been rare, with a peak of popularity in the 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Chyna
Sibling names for China
Names that share China's style, for a brother or sister.
