Illinois

“Tribe of superior men (from the Algonquin word ‘iliniwek’)”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 31% boys♀ 69% girls

#1658US 2023

542Births / yr

→Stable

16All-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Illinois

il·un·OY

/ˌɪl.ən.ˈɔɪ/ · stress on OY · 3 syllables

“Tribe of superior men (from the Algonquin word ‘iliniwek’)”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Illinois mean and where does it come from?

Illinois originates from the name of the state in the United States, which is derived from the French version of an Algonquin word. The state name itself reflects Native American heritage, specifically referring to the Illinois Confederation of tribes. While predominantly used for males traditionall

Cultural significance

Illinois has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of tribe of superior men (from the algonquin word ‘iliniwek’).

Peak popularity

Reached #4870 in 1920 — currently #1658 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Illinois?

Illinois works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Illinois Grace

How popular is Illinois right now?

Holding steady — currently #1658 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1658 · Top 1.2%

1920

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1658	542	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1663	522	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1668	492	▲ up 3202 · +8100% births
1920	#4870	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Illinois

Best Year2023Rank #1658

Peak Count542

Average Rank#2465

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1920 - 20234 years

The story of Illinois

Illinois entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 16 total births recorded, Illinois remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4870 in 1920 to #1658 in 2023. Illinois is used for both genders: 69% female and 31% male.

Names that peaked alongside Illinois in 1920:

Mary Dorothy Helen Margaret Ruth

💎Illinois has only 16 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Illinois?

Common

IllInois

What names sound and feel like Illinois?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Illinois also consider these

Illeanna

American · Elizabeth's pledge

Marylois

American · Hebrew

Illyssa

American · a variation of

Ilgonis

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Illissa

American · Modern variant of

Nickalis

American · Victory of the

Common questions about the name Illinois

What does the name Illinois mean?

Illinois means "Tribe of superior men (from the Algonquin word ‘iliniwek’)" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Illinois?

Illinois is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Illinois?

Illinois originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Illinois?

Illinois is a three-syllable name pronounced IH2 L AH0 N OY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Illinois?

Illinois pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.