Chica

Chica is a Portuguese feminine given name functioning as a familiar diminutive of Francisca, itself the feminine form of Francisco, which derives from the Medieval Latin Franciscus meaning "Frank" or "free one," originally referring to a member of the Germanic Frankish people. The name gained lasting recognition through Chica da Silva, an eighteenth-century Brazilian woman of African origin who became one of the most celebrated figures of colonial Brazil. Related forms include Francisca, Franca, and Paquita.