The Spanish name Joselito first appeared in the U.S. baby name data in 1961:
- 1967: 23 baby boys named Joselito (8 in NY)
- 1966: 15 baby boys named Joselito
- 1965: 14 baby boys named Joselito
- 1964: 14 baby boys named Joselito (6 in NY)
- 1963: 15 baby boys named Joselito (7 in NY)
- 1962: 16 baby boys named Joselito (9 in NY)
- 1961: 12 baby boys named Joselito [debut]
- 1960: unlisted
- 1959: unlisted
Where did it come from?
A little boy with a lovely voice.
Spanish child star Joselito, known as “the little nightingale,” was born José Jiménez Fernández in Spain in 1943 (though the public was told that he was born years later than this). He starred in his first film in 1957, and followed that up with a string of successful movies and albums.
A few years into this career, he began crossing the Atlantic* — mainly to make movies in Mexico, but also to make several promotional appearances on U.S. television. Specifically, he performed on the The Ed Sullivan Show three times: in October of 1960, December of 1960, and January of 1961.
These TV appearances introduced American audiences to Joselito — and to his name — and no doubt brought about the debut of “Joselito” in the data.
Source: La ruina y el engaño que acabaron con Joselito
*During his time abroad, he met Fidel Castro, Ché Guevara, and Lyndon B. Johnson.