The Spanish word 'blanquita' comes from combining the Spanish word 'blanco' (meaning 'white') with the feminine diminutive suffix '-ita'. The root 'blanco' itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*blank', which meant 'shining' or 'white'. When the diminutive suffix '-ita' is added to 'blanco', it creates the feminine form meaning 'little white one'.

The diminutive suffix '-ita' is very common in Spanish and is used to express smallness, endearment, or affection. When added to feminine nouns or when creating feminine adjectives, it transforms words into their 'cute' or 'little' versions.

The most obvious related Spanish word is 'blanco' meaning 'white', which is much more common and fundamental to Spanish vocabulary. You'll find this word used in many contexts, from describing colors to being part of compound words. Another common related word is 'blanca', which is simply the feminine form of 'blanco'.

The English word 'blank' is a cousin of the Spanish 'blanco/blanquita', as they both derive from the same Proto-Germanic root '*blank' meaning 'shining, white'. While the Spanish word retained the meaning of 'white', the English word 'blank' evolved to mean 'empty' or 'void' - likely because an empty space or page appears white. You can also see this connection in the word 'blanch' meaning to whiten or make pale.