This Illinois City’s Name Is One of America’s Favorite for Babies

Illinois Earns Bragging Rights for City-Inspired Baby Names

When it comes to baby names, Illinois just scored some serious bragging rights. According to a new report from USA Today's 10Best and language learning company Lingoda, Aurora ranks as one of the most popular city-inspired baby names in America.

READ MORE: Expecting? Here Are 31 Unique Baby Names Inspired By Illinois Towns

Aurora Shines Near the Top of the Most Popular City Names

The study examined the 2024 Social Security data and then cross-referenced it with the top 300 largest cities in the US. What happened was a top ten list that shows people really love to name their kids after places in America. Aurora ranked number two, right behind Charlotte, North Carolina, and ahead of Jackson, North Carolina.

The Meaning Behind the Name Aurora

Most of the 6,900 babies born with the name Aurora last year were girls, which makes sense. It has that classic "light up a room" feel, fitting, actually, when you consider Aurora in the Land of Lincoln was known as the first city in America to light its streets with electricity.

READ MORE: Mom & Dad, Here Are Illinois’ Most Popular Baby Boy and Girl Names

Midwest Names Dominate the Baby Name Rankings

Aurora isn't the only Midwest name to make the list, though. Madison, Wisconsin, and Lincoln, Nebraska, also showed up in the top 10. While I love the idea that there are a bunch of Auroras running around, which state gets the credit? Illinois or Colorado?