Illinois's most popular baby names in 1956

In the year 1956, the state of Illinois saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. Mary, Debra, and Susan dominated the baby girl names list, while Michael, James, and John were the top picks for baby boys. These names held a special significance for parents, as they represented timeless classics that had stood the test of time.

The popularity of these names reflected the cultural trends of the time, with many parents opting for traditional names that had been popular for generations. Whether it was the influence of religion, family traditions, or simply a desire to choose something familiar and comforting, these names remained a popular choice for parents throughout the state. Today, they continue to be beloved names that have stood the test of time.

Most popular baby girl names in Illinois in 1956

In 1956, Mary was the most popular baby girl name in Illinois with 4010 babies being named Mary. Debra followed closely behind with 3191 babies being named Debra. Susan was the third most popular name with 3079 babies being named Susan. Linda and Patricia rounded out the top five with 2745 and 2508 babies being named Linda and Patricia respectively.

  1. Mary

    4010 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Mary

    Mary is a feminine given name that has been used in various cultures and languages throughout history. The meaning and origin of the name are uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means "bitter" or "rebellious". The name Mary is popular in Christian cultures due to its association with the mother of Jesus Christ.

  2. Debra

    3191 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Debra

    The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.

  3. Susan

    3079 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Susan

    The name Susan means "lily" or "graceful lily" in Hebrew. It was a popular name in the 1940s and 1950s, but has since declined in popularity.

  4. Linda

    2745 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Linda

    The name Linda means "beautiful" or "pretty" in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and other Romance languages. It is also derived from the Germanic word "lind," which means "gentle" or "soft."

  5. Patricia

    2508 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Patricia

    The name Patricia is derived from the Latin word "patricius," meaning "noble" or "aristocratic." It was a popular name in the Roman Empire and later spread throughout Europe. The name is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, kindness, and leadership.

  6. Deborah

    2412 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Deborah

    Deborah is a Hebrew name that means "bee". It is derived from the Hebrew word "d'vorah" which also means "word" or "thing". The name Deborah is often associated with strength, wisdom, and leadership, as the biblical Deborah was a judge and prophetess who led the Israelites to victory over their enemies.

  7. Karen

    2369 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Karen

    Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".

  8. Nancy

    1973 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Nancy

    The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".

  9. Barbara

    1871 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Barbara

    The name Barbara is of Greek origin, derived from the word "barbaros" which means foreign or strange. It was a popular name in the Middle Ages and was often given to girls born on St. Barbara's feast day. The name has been used in various cultures and languages around the world.

  10. Cynthia

    1869 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Cynthia

    The name Cynthia means "moon goddess" or "from Mount Kynthos" in Greek. It is also associated with the Greek mythological figure Artemis, who was known as the goddess of the hunt and the moon. The name Cynthia has been in use since ancient times and has remained relatively popular throughout history.

  11. Pamela

    1642 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Pamela

    The name Pamela is of Greek origin and means "all sweetness" or "honeyed". It was first popularized by Sir Philip Sidney in his pastoral romance "Arcadia" (1590) and later by Samuel Richardson in his novel "Pamela" (1740).

  12. Donna

    1585 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Donna

    The name Donna is of Italian origin and means "lady" or "woman". It was initially used as a title of respect for women of high social status in Italy, but later became a popular given name in English-speaking countries.

  13. Diane

    1561 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Diane

    Diane is a feminine given name of French origin. The name is derived from the Roman goddess Diana, who was the goddess of hunting, the moon, and childbirth. The name Diane means "divine" or "heavenly".

  14. Kathleen

    1547 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Kathleen

    The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.

  15. Sharon

    1398 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Sharon

    The name Sharon means "a plain or flat area" in Hebrew. It is also a biblical name, referring to a fertile plain near the coast of Israel.

  16. Sandra

    1355 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Sandra

    The name Sandra is a variant of the name Alexandra, which is of Greek origin. The name Alexandra means "defender of mankind" or "protector of humanity". Therefore, it can be inferred that the name Sandra has a similar meaning.

  17. Carol

    1349 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Carol

    The name Carol is derived from the Old Germanic word "karl", which means "man" or "free man". It is often associated with the Christmas season due to the popular Christmas carol "Carol of the Bells".

  18. Cheryl

    1198 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Cheryl

    The name Cheryl is of English origin and its meaning is uncertain. It is believed to have been derived from the French name Cherie, which means "darling" or "beloved". However, some sources suggest that it may have originated from the Welsh name Ceinlys, which means "beautiful". The name Cheryl was most popular in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s.

  19. Janet

    1169 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Janet

    The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".

  20. Denise

    909 baby girls born in Illinois (1956) named Denise

    The name Denise is of French origin and is derived from the name Denis, which means "follower of Dionysius." Dionysius was the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater. The name Denise was popularized in the 20th century, particularly in the United States.

Most popular baby boy names in Illinois in 1956

Based on data from 1956, the most popular baby boy names in Illinois were Michael, James, John, Robert, and David. Michael was the most popular name with 5955 babies given that name, followed closely by James with 4946 babies and John with 4921 babies. Robert and David rounded out the top five with 4685 and 4601 babies respectively.

  1. Michael

    5955 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Michael

    The name Michael means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew. It is a biblical name that is often associated with the archangel Michael, who is considered to be a protector and warrior in many religious traditions. The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.

  2. James

    4946 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named James

    The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".

  3. John

    4921 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named John

    The name John is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a very common name and has been used for centuries. People with this name are often known for their kindness and generosity.

  4. Robert

    4685 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Robert

    The name Robert means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance". It is of Old German origin and was a popular name among medieval kings and nobility.

  5. David

    4601 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named David

    The name David is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved" or "friend". It is a popular name in many cultures and religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Bible, David was the second king of Israel and is known for his bravery, leadership, and devotion to God. People with the name David are often described as confident, charismatic, and loyal.

  6. William

    3263 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named William

    The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.

  7. Mark

    3154 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Mark

    The name Mark is derived from the Latin name "Marcus" which means "dedicated to Mars", the Roman god of war. It is a popular name among Christians as it is the name of one of the four Gospel writers in the New Testament. The name Mark is also associated with qualities such as courage, strength, and leadership.

  8. Richard

    2977 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Richard

    The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".

  9. Thomas

    2968 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Thomas

    The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.

  10. Steven

    2653 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Steven

    The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.

  11. Joseph

    1799 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Joseph

    The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".

  12. Daniel

    1791 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Daniel

    The name Daniel means "God is my judge".

  13. Charles

    1683 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Charles

    The name Charles means "free man" or "strong man" and is of Germanic origin. It was a popular name among European royalty and has been commonly used throughout history.

  14. Gary

    1678 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Gary

    The name Gary is of English origin and means "spear rule" or "spear carrier". It was originally a surname but became popular as a given name in the 20th century. People with this name are believed to be independent, practical, and analytical.

  15. Kevin

    1632 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Kevin

    The name Kevin is of Irish origin and means "handsome" or "gentle birth". It is derived from the Irish name CaoimhĂ­n, which is composed of the Gaelic words "caomh" meaning "kind" or "gentle" and "gin" meaning "birth".

  16. Donald

    1616 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Donald

    Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".

  17. Ronald

    1577 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Ronald

    The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.

  18. Kenneth

    1491 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Kenneth

    The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".

  19. Paul

    1475 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Paul

    The name Paul is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble". It was originally derived from the Roman family name Paulus, which was a common name in ancient Rome. The name has been popularized by various saints and biblical figures, including the apostle Paul, who was a significant figure in the early Christian church.

  20. Jeffrey

    1462 baby boys born in Illinois (1956) named Jeffrey

    The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.