Chicago is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It was popularized by the city of Chicago, Illinois, which was founded in 1833 and named after a Native American chief called Chicagoua. The exact meaning of Chicagoua's name is uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Miami-Illinois language and translate to "skunk" or "stinky onion." Despite its unconventional etymology, Chicago has become an increasingly popular choice for parents in recent years.
The city of Chicago itself takes its name from Lake Michigan's South Shore, which was originally known as "Chicagoua" by the local Native American tribes. In 1830, a settler named John Harris gave the area its present-day name, and it was later incorporated as a town in 1833 before becoming a city in 1837.
As a given name, Chicago has gained popularity due to its association with the vibrant and culturally rich city that bears its name. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate the city's history, architecture, or cultural scene, or simply because they have a personal connection to the place. The name Chicago also lends itself well to nicknames and variations such as Chi, Chica, or Chic.
While Chicago may have an unusual etymology, it has proven to be a popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Its association with the iconic city of Chicago adds to its appeal, making it a unique and memorable option for those looking for something different.
The given statistics illustrate the trend of the name Chicago over time in the United States from 1995 to 2023. Between these years, there were a total of 97 babies named Chicago.
The highest number of births with this name occurred in recent years, with 14 babies named Chicago in 2023. This marks an increase compared to the previous year, which had 11 births with the same name. However, it is not the all-time high for this name, as there were also 9 births in both 1995 and 2020.
There are some fluctuations in the number of babies named Chicago from year to year. For instance, between 1998 and 2005, there was a significant drop from 7 births to just 5. However, this trend began to increase again after 2005, reaching another peak in 2015 with 7 births.
Overall, while the name Chicago has not been consistently popular over time, it does appear to be gaining traction more recently, with a total of 46 babies named Chicago between 2015 and 2023 alone.