Which 1980 Barbie became Mattel’s first Hispanic Barbie?

Hispanic Barbie, released in 1980, became Mattel’s first Hispanic Barbie.

Mattel introduced Hispanic Barbie during the same year that it released the first Black Barbie. The doll was part of the company’s effort to broaden Barbie’s representation beyond the original blonde, light-skinned image. Her styling used dark hair and a complexion intended to represent Hispanic heritage.

The name is important because the doll was marketed as Hispanic Barbie rather than as a named friend or relative. Later Mattel releases used more specific cultural and national themes, including dolls connected with Spanish, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and other Latin American identities.

Hispanic Barbie is sometimes incorrectly called Spanish Barbie. Spanish-themed dolls appeared in other Barbie collections, but the 1980 milestone is specifically associated with the name Hispanic Barbie.