Traditional names

The boy name Michael has had quite the hold on the top spot in Illinois -- it was #1 for at least 40 years, dating back to 1960 when data was available! In 2000, the name Jacob finally bumped it out of its supreme spot but it has never gone down much in popularity -- it was #4 on the most recent chart. Other boy names that have never gone out of favor in Illinois are Jacob, Joshua, Daniel, Anthony, David and John.

Girl names seem to be more subjected to trends than boy names, but there are certain names that always retain their popularity with parents. Elizabeth (#12 on the Illinois list) is one example of a gorgeous, classic name that fits the definition of a traditional name very well -- it was as popular decades ago as it is today. Abigail is another girl name that has been popular for a long time as well.

Classic Names

Classic names are very popular right now in Illinois, mirroring the nationwide trend towards what used to be known as “grandpa and grandma” names. Classic names are timeless names that have an antique feel to them while, at the same time, sounding young and cool at the same time!

Classic boy names that were at the top of the charts in Illinois were Noah, James, John and Jack. For girls, Ella, Grace, Lily and Anna were the classic sought-after names in Illinois. 

Also check out: Classic Girl Names and Classic Boy Names.

A National Comparison

Isabella is not only the top female name in Illinois but in the entire United States. Possible Twilight influences aside, this name has been steadily climbing up the national ranks over the last 10 years, although it didn’t make an appearance in the Illinois top 25 until 2002. The most popular boy name in the US, Jacob, came in at #3 in Illinois.  Check out the Social Security Administration's Top 100 Baby Names here.

How did other names compare? Here are several other names that were similar in Illinois and the nation as a whole:

Boy Names:
Daniel (2 in IL, 7 in US)

Ethan (6 in IL, 2 in US)

Noah (15 in IL, 9 in US)

Logan (19 in IL, 17 in US)

James (22 in IL, 18 in US)

 
Girl Names:
Olivia (2 in IL, 3 in US)

Madison (9 in IL, 7 in US)

Chloe (15 in IL, 9 in US)

Natalie (14 in IL, 16 in US)

Samantha (13 in IL, 15 in US)

 
Some names were uniquely very popular in Illinois, however. One such name was Jack -- it was #25 on the Illinois list but only #42 nationwide. Angel was similar -- it was was #23 in Illinois but came in at #37 in the US. For girls, the name Evelyn was more popular in Illinois -- #24 here while #39 in the US. 

Top Illinois Baby Names

Here are the top 50 boy and girl names in Illinois!

Top Illinois Boy Names

1    Alexander 
2    Daniel
3    Jacob
4.   Michael
5    Anthony
6    Ethan
7    Joshua
8    William
9    Nathan
10    Aiden
11    David
12    Matthew
13    Jayden
14    Christopher
15    Noah
16    Joseph
17    Benjamin
18    Ryan
19    Logan
20    Andrew
21    Tyler
22    James
23    Angel
24    John
25    Jack

 

Top Illinois Girl Names

1    Isabella 
2    Olivia
3    Sophia
4    Emma
5    Emily
6    Ava
7    Abigail
8    Mia
9    Madison
10    Ella
11    Addison
12    Elizabeth
13    Samantha
14    Natalie
15    Chloe
16    Grace
17    Alexis
18    Alyssa
19    Leah
20    Lily
21    Anna
22    Sofia
23    Ashley
24    Evelyn
25    Taylor

More Baby Name Ideas:

15 Ways to find a unique baby name 

Baby Name Trends 2010

Cool Baby Names

More From SheKnows Explorer

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