Declining since 1999, #4,878 for girls today.
Popularity of Chyna since 1979
Babies named Chyna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 246 |
| 1990s | 2,168 |
| 2000s | 1,918 |
| 2010s | 1,258 |
| 2020s | 205 |
Meaning & origin
Chyna is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1979. It reached its peak popularity in 1999, the year it ranked highest in usage. Since then, its use has been steadily declining, reflecting a trajectory of decreasing favor. In 2025, it ranked 4,878 with roughly 1 in 59,528 newborns receiving the name. Its origin is uncertain, likely a respelling of China, and it is not strongly associated with any particular region or state.
Chyna is a modern coinage, likely a respelling of the country name China, which itself is of uncertain origin but has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries. The spelling with 'y' may have been influenced by popular name trends of the late 20th century, such as Kyla, Kylie, and Shana. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1979 and saw a peak in usage during the late 1990s, possibly due to cultural references like the professional wrestler Chyna (Joan Laurer).
Where Chyna is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Chyna
Names that share Chyna's style, for a brother or sister.
