SPRINGFIELD, IL – Nationally, Michael may have lost its ranking as the most popular baby name, but not in Illinois. In 1998, new parents in Illinois, as they have for the past three decades, chose Michael as the state's top name for boys.

Michael's place as No. 1 on the list remained secure for another year according to birth records compiled by the Illinois Department of Public Health, but the lead over its closest pursuer, Jacob, was narrowing. In fact, the number of babies named Michael has slid downward for the past nine years from 3,502 in 1990 to 1,951 in 1998. The lead over second-place Jacob last year was just 250 compared with a 1,234 margin over second-place Matthew in 1990. In the United States in 1998, Jacob replaced Michael as the most popular male baby name.

Among the top boy names in Illinois, there was some shuffling in the ranking, but little change. The only newcomer to the top 10 was Brandon, which jumped from 12th to ninth position, while Christopher, ranked 10th in 1997, dropped to 11th . Following Michael and Jacob were Matthew, up from fourth place; Nicholas, down from third; then Daniel, Joshua, Joseph, Andrew, Brandon and Tyler.

As it was nationally, the top girl's name for 1998 in Illinois was Emily, the same as the previous year when it finally overtook Jessica. The only new girl's name climbing into the top 10 was Alyssa, which rose from 14th to 10th. Falling out of the top 10 was Megan, which was down to 12th.

As with the boys, there was some changing of positions in the top 10 names for girls, but most were the same as those recorded 1997. Following Emily was Samantha, up from third place; Jessica, the top girl's name from 1990 to 1996, down from second; Alexis, which moved up from seventh place; Hannah; Ashley; Sarah; Taylor; Elizabeth; and Alyssa.

The most popular names are part of the Department's report on 1998 vital statistics. The Department records about a half million vital record events each year – births (182,503), deaths (104,070), marriages (85,515), divorces (41,063) and other statistics mandated by state statutes and federal uniform data collection requirements.

Other vital statistics from 1998 include the largest baby (15 pounds, 7 ounces), the day most births occurred (May 19, 643), the fewest births (Dec. 25, 311), the oldest mother (56) and the oldest father (75).

The oldest groom was 98 and the oldest bride was 89. The month with the most marriages was August with 9,876, and the month with the least number of marriages was March, with 4,730.

The most deaths occurred on Dec. 28 (395) and the fewest deaths were recorded on May 20 (218). The month with the most divorces was December (3,962) and the month with the least was February (2,819). The oldest divorcee was a 93-year-old man.

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