December 28, 1995

MICHAEL AND JESSICA TOP BABY NAMES FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- What were the most popular boy and girl names for babies born in Illinois in 1994? For the fifth consecutive year, more parents chose Michael (2,396) and Jessica (1,640) than any other names. Second place, also for five years in a row, are Matthew (1,711) and Ashley (1,300).

Several boy names moved up in popularity: Jacob went from 17th in 1990 to fifth in 1994; Tyler, which did not appear in the top 25 five years ago, was ninth in 1994; and Brandon rose from 21st in 1990 to 10th in 1994.

Two girl names surged up the popularity chart: Taylor, now No. 5, did not appear in the top 25 in 1990, and Nicole, now No. 7, rose from 13th in 1991.

The most popular names are part of the Illinois Department of Public Health's annual report on 1994 vital statistics. The Department records about a half million vital record events each year -- births (189,182), deaths (106,911), marriages (93,430), divorces (43,352) and other statistics -- as mandated by state statutes and federal uniform data collection requirements.

The largest baby? 13 pounds, 6 ounces. The day most births occurred? July 6 (673). Fewest births? December 25 (321). Oldest mother? She was 53 and it was also her first child. Oldest father? 79.

The oldest groom? 97 and it was his first marriage. Oldest bride? 97. (No, she did not marry the 97-year-old groom.) The month for the most marriages? June (10,094). The month for the least number of marriages? January (4,363).

On what day did the most deaths occur? January 22 (391). The fewest deaths? August 6 (225). The oldest divorcee? A 100-year-old man. The month with the most divorces? December (4,007). The least? February (2,976).

Want more? Go to the trivia page in Vital Records.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments