Provided are CD19 binding molecules, including anti-CD19 antibodies, including antibody fragments such as single-chain fragments, and chimeric receptors including the antibodies, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Among the antibodies are human antibodies, including those that compete for binding to CD19 with reference antibodies, such as murine antibodies. In some embodiments, the antibodies display similar functional properties to the reference antibodies, such as comparable binding affinities and/or competitive inhibition properties. Also provided are genetically engineered cells expressing the chimeric receptors, and uses of the binding molecules and cells adoptive cell therapy.