Benita is a feminine given name of Spanish and Italian origin. The name is derived from the Latin word "benitus," which means "blessed" or "happy." It is also associated with the Latin adjective "bene," meaning "good."
The name Benita has been used in Spain and Italy for centuries, and it was introduced to other parts of Europe through cultural exchange and migration. In some cases, Benita may have been given as a form of the name Benedetta, which is derived from the Latin word "benedictus," meaning "blessed" or "happy."
Benita was also used in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly among Spanish-speaking communities. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Benita was most popular in the US between 1900 and 1950.
Today, Benita remains a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used by families of Spanish and Italian descent. It is often associated with the qualities of happiness, good fortune, and blessedness.
The name Benita peaked in popularity around the early to mid-1950s with over 300 births per year. However, it has been on a steady decline since then, with only 11 births recorded in both 2017 and 2020. In recent years, there have been between 10 to 20 Benita births annually, suggesting that the name remains somewhat uncommon but not entirely unused today.