If you or someone you know is expecting a baby in Illinois, this is for you. The state just released its annual list of the most popular baby names — and some classic favorites are holding strong while new contenders are rising fast. Whether you’re naming a newborn or just curious about trends in your area, these results say a lot about Illinois families in 2024.
What We Know So Far
Illinois’ Most Popular Baby Names of the Year
- The Illinois Department of Public Health just released the most common baby names registered across the state in 2024.
- For boys, Liam once again took the No. 1 spot, followed closely by Noah, James, and Lucas.
- For girls, Olivia remains the most popular, with Emma, Charlotte, and Amelia rounding out the top choices.
- Names like Mateo, Avery, and Isla are rising quickly, showing strong growth compared to past years.
- The data comes from thousands of birth certificates filed across Illinois in the past year.
What It Means for Parents in Illinois
Trends and Local Favorites Across the State
Whether you live in Chicago, Peoria, or Springfield, these names reflect broader cultural shifts and naming trends happening right here in Illinois.
- Classic names like William and Sophia continue to be favorites in suburban areas.
- Shorter, modern names — like Leo, Ella, and Luna — are more popular in urban counties.
- Cultural diversity is influencing trends, with names like Muhammad and Gianna appearing more frequently in different regions.
“Parents are balancing tradition and individuality,” said one local pediatrician. “We’re seeing more variety, but also a return to timeless names.”
What You Should Watch For or What You Can Do Now
Looking Ahead to Naming in 2025
If you’re planning to welcome a baby soon — or just love name trends — here’s what you can do next:
- Explore name meanings and origins before deciding.
- Look at recent naming trends in Illinois counties, especially Cook, DuPage, and Lake, for unique regional insights.
- Consider how common or rare a name might be in your area — especially for school and social settings.
Stay informed, stay inspired — and check out our next article on baby names that are vanishing from Illinois birth records.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
