The name Chata made a modest debut in the U.S. baby name data in 1953:
- 1955: unlisted
- 1954: unlisted
- 1953: 5 baby girls named Chata [debut]
- 1952: unlisted
- 1951: unlisted
Where did it come from?
I think the answer is early television.
A young character named Inés — but nicknamed “Chata” — was featured in an episode of the anthology TV series Letter to Loretta in December of 1953.
The episode was set in a Mexican village, the home of nine-year-old Chata and her mother, Paula (played by the program’s host, Loretta Young). Chata came down with pneumonia, and her health began to decline. After the doctor declared that there was nothing more he could do, Chata received an overnight vision of her patron saint (Santa Inés) and made a miraculous recovery.
The affectionate nickname “Chata” derives from the Spanish term nariz chata, meaning “pug nose” or “button nose.” (John Wayne’s second wife, Mexican actress Esperanza Baur, went by Chata.)
What are your thoughts on the name Chata?
P.S. Nancy Gilbert, the young actress who played Chata, went on to influence U.S. baby names a second time when she played Calamity Jane on Buffalo Bill, Jr. a couple of years later…
Sources:
Image: Screenshot of Letter to Loretta
[Latest update: Nov. 2025]