With the rising popularity of Irish names in English-speaking countries around the world, one boy name has topped the polls as the most popular baby name in Chicago.
One Irish boy name has ranked the most popular baby name in Chicago, taking the crown from Noah to top the polls.
Parents across the US state have taken a liking to the Irish name. Many are choosing to bestow the Irish moniker upon their newborn baby boys.
Whether paying homage to Irish roots or having been inspired by the name’s popularity among the Hollywood set, this Irish boy name is taking over the records in Chicago.
Stealing the crown – the reign of Irish names
The Irish boy name Liam has ranked the most popular baby name in Chicago for the first time since 2018.
Liam briefly took the top spot in 2018 from Noah, the most popular name in Chicago in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Now, the Irish name has again risen to the top as the most popular baby name in the US state.
Chicago is known to have strong connections with the Emerald Isle. The Chicago River is dyed green and a fun-filled St Patrick’s Day procession passes through the city centre to honour Ireland’s national holiday.
So, it comes as no surprise that the Irish boy name has ranked the most popular baby name in Chicago.
The popularity of the Irish boy name worldwide ‒ a favourite among parents everywhere
While Liam ranks at a modest ten in Ireland, it has proven popular among Irish-loving parents elsewhere around the world.
According to 2021 statistics, the Irish boy name is not only the most popular baby name in Chicago. Rather, Liam has come out top across the Unites States as a whole. As well as this, it also ranked the most popular name given to boys in New York City.
Parents in the US’s northern neighbour Canada have also fallen in love with the Irish name. Liam ranked the most popular name given to boys across the country for 2021.
Liams you might know – a popular name among the rich and famous
The popularity of the Irish name on a worldwide scale may have been inspired by the popularity of the name across Hollywood.
Some of the most famous figures to bear this name are Northern Irish actor Liam Neeson. Neeson is known for his role in movies such as Schindler’s List, Michael Collins, and Taken.
Other notable Liams include Australian actor Liam Hemsworth, British singer Liam Gallagher, and former One Direction band member Liam Payne.
The name has strong roots in Irish history, deriving from the Old Irish name Uilliam, similar to the English William. Meaning ‘strong-willed warrior’ and ‘protector’, we predict this Irish name won’t be going out of fashion anytime soon.
