American culture is dynamic and ever-evolving, traceable by changes and trends in popular culture from fashion to music. But another way of observing changes in society is by analyzing the names parents give to their children. Of course, people pick names for different reasons—but the most important factors include religion, popular culture, and more simply, the names other people are giving their children.
Even though there have been so many women in history who have achieved amazing things, it seems that little girls' names are mostly popularized by the stars of the entertainment industry: a child actress who was a beacon of hope during the Great Depression; the name that a famous singer named his own daughter; the title of a popular song; and the name that fictional characters gave their baby in a sitcom.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for girls of the last decade in Illinois using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies from 2010 to 2019.
See if you can guess the reasons behind the popularity—some are obvious, but others may surprise you.
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1 / 50Madelyn is a name of English origin meaning "woman from Magdala".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,819
- Number of babies in 2019: 132 (#72 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #39 in 2014
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,099
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2 / 50Aaliyah is an Arabic name meaning "high" and "exalted".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,843
- Number of babies in 2019: 112 (#96 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #38 in 2012
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,547
Canva
3 / 50Violet is a name of English origin based on the purple flower of the same name. Violet is ultimately derived from Latin "Viola".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,849
- Number of babies in 2019: 225 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +108.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2019
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,473
Canva
4 / 50Gianna is a name of Italian origin meaning "Lord is gracious".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,877
- Number of babies in 2019: 138 (#70 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2010
National
- Rank: #82
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34,445
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5 / 50Alexa is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,879
- Number of babies in 2019: 67 (#162 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -68.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2015
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,868
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6 / 50Julia is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,906
- Number of babies in 2019: 132 (#72 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2010
National
- Rank: #78
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,821
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7 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,921
- Number of babies in 2019: 240 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +140.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2019
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
8 / 50Mila is a name of Slavic origin meaning "dear" or "gracious".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,961
- Number of babies in 2019: 284 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +735.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2018
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 43,930
PxHere
9 / 50Aria is a name of Hebrew, and Italian origin meaning "song" or "melody".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,971
- Number of babies in 2019: 227 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +530.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2018
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 52,115
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10 / 50Eleanor is a name of Greek origin meaning "bright".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,980
- Number of babies in 2019: 280 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +174.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2019
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,013
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Canva
11 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,985
- Number of babies in 2019: 193 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2017
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
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12 / 50Penelope is a name of Greek origin meaning "weaver".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,005
- Number of babies in 2019: 290 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +437.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2019
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,478
Canva
13 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,075
- Number of babies in 2019: 145 (#63 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2010
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
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14 / 50Maya has several possible origins and meanings. It may be a derivation of Maia, an ancient goddess of Greek mythology. Some believe it is of Hebrew origin meaning "water". Maya also means "illusion' in Sanskrit.
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,101
- Number of babies in 2019: 173 (#42 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -23.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2015
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,621
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15 / 50Audrey is a name of English origin meaning "noble strength".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,119
- Number of babies in 2019: 170 (#45 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -14.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2015
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,522
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16 / 50Claire is a name of French origin meaning "clear".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,177
- Number of babies in 2019: 188 (#38 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -12.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2014
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,669
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17 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,213
- Number of babies in 2019: 207 (#34 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +13.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2014
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
18 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,215
- Number of babies in 2019: 175 (#41 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -24.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2012
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
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19 / 50Leah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "weary".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,231
- Number of babies in 2019: 155 (#54 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2010
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55,865
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20 / 50Nora is a derivation of the name Norah, a name of Latin origin meaning "honor".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,345
- Number of babies in 2019: 254 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +91.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2017
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,001
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21 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,396
- Number of babies in 2019: 171 (#43 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -45.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2010
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
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22 / 50Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "told by God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,455
- Number of babies in 2019: 134 (#71 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -65.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,808
Canva
23 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,467
- Number of babies in 2019: 215 (#31 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2010
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
24 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,597
- Number of babies in 2019: 263 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +9.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
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25 / 50Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,604
- Number of babies in 2019: 164 (#49 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2012
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
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Pixabay
26 / 50Brooklyn is a name derived from Dutch word Breukelen, meaning "broken land".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,623
- Number of babies in 2019: 186 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2012
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 60,169
Canva
27 / 50Camila is a name of Latin origin meaning "young ceremonial attendant".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,645
- Number of babies in 2019: 368 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +73.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2019
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,693
Coy_Creek // Shutterstock
28 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,669
- Number of babies in 2019: 210 (#33 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -27.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2016
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
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29 / 50Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,793
- Number of babies in 2019: 155 (#54 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -63.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
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30 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,892
- Number of babies in 2019: 170 (#45 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2011
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
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31 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,942
- Number of babies in 2019: 242 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -39.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2011
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
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32 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,969
- Number of babies in 2019: 346 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +284.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2018
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Canva
33 / 50Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,104
- Number of babies in 2019: 252 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -4.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2017
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
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34 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,239
- Number of babies in 2019: 291 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2012
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
Canva
35 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,280
- Number of babies in 2019: 251 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -16.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2013
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
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36 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,295
- Number of babies in 2019: 207 (#34 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Canva
37 / 50Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,505
- Number of babies in 2019: 256 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2010
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
38 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,509
- Number of babies in 2019: 285 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2012
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
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39 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,936
- Number of babies in 2019: 461 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +44.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2016
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
Pixabay
40 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,120
- Number of babies in 2019: 517 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +98.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2019
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
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41 / 50Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,130
- Number of babies in 2019: 370 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +8.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2015
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
Canva
42 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,357
- Number of babies in 2019: 300 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
43 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,415
- Number of babies in 2019: 518 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +97.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
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44 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,942
- Number of babies in 2019: 322 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2013
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
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45 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,510
- Number of babies in 2019: 501 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +4.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2015
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
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46 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,001
- Number of babies in 2019: 555 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -8.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2018
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Canva
47 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,793
- Number of babies in 2019: 491 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
48 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,222
- Number of babies in 2019: 628 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -4.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
Canva
49 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,569
- Number of babies in 2019: 577 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2012
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
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50 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Illinois
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,045
- Number of babies in 2019: 725 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
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