Chino

Origin & Etymology

Chino derives from the Spanish word chino meaning Chinese, originally used to describe people of Chinese descent in Latin America. Over time it became used more broadly in some regions to refer to Asian people generally. As a given name, it is used in some Latino communities as a nickname or given name, particularly in the American Southwest and Latin America.

Popularity Story

Chino as a given name appears in Latino communities in the United States and Latin America, where it can function as a nickname (often for someone with particular physical features or heritage) that becomes formalized as a first name. It is not widely popular.

Cultural Significance

In the West Side Story musical and film, a character named Chino is a central figure in the Jets and Sharks story. This has given the name some American cultural recognition, though the original meaning relates to Chinese heritage.

Fun Facts

• Chino, California is a city in San Bernardino County named from the Spanish land grant Rancho del Chino
• A character named Chino appears in West Side Story as the man who kills Tony

Chino in Other Languages