Trending Names in the Midwest
The American Midwest is known for its prairies and farms, Great Lakes and mighty rivers... and its distinctive baby name style.
We analyzed the most popular names by state to find which names are used more in the twelve core Midwestern states — that's Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin — than in the rest of the USA.
Top Baby Names in the Midwest
The most popular names in all the Midwestern states combined are Charlotte (which is the girl name in eight out of twelve states) and Oliver (which is Number 1 in seven states).
The top baby names in the Heartland are mostly in line with the national US rankings, with just a few differences. Eleanor, Harper, Hudson, and Jack make the Top Ten in the Midwest, but not nationally — they take the place of Isabella, Luna, Mateo, and Lucas, which are less popular in the Midwest.
These are the Top Ten baby names in the Midwest:
You'll also find names such as Hazel, Nora, Levi, Owen, and Maverick in many Midwestern states' Top Ten.
All the names below were used at least 50% more in the Midwestern States — Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin — than in the rest of the USA, in 2023.
Popular Vintage Names in the Midwest
Midwestern parents love old-fashioned names, and these fall into two categories. Firstly, there are the vintage baby names first popularized in the early twentieth century, which have come back into use all over the country.
The most notable is Vivian, which ranks in the Top 100 girl names nationally. More than one third of girls named Vivian in 2023 were born in the Midwest. Other popular vintage names with extra high usage in the region include Sylvie and Otto.
Other distinctively Midwestern revivals are:
- Archibald
- Benedict
- Edith
- Etta
- Greta
- Gus
- Lenora
- Leopold
- Lettie
- Loretta
- Luella
- Mavis
- Otto
- Percy
- Sylvie
- Vivian
- Winifred
- Winona
Conversely, parents in the Midwest are also choosing names that are in style limbo: once-common names that fell out of style and are showing no sign of a comeback yet. Either it hasn't been long enough since they peaked in popularity, like Brandi and Joanne, or else their revival is well overdue, like Laurence.
Underused names like these can actually be great options, if you're bold enough to use them — they're widely known, yet your child is unlikely to meet another one of their age. (Except maybe in the Midwest.)
- Annemarie
- Arvin
- Bernard
- Bernadette
- Brandi
- Brenna
- Chester
- Daryl
- Deonte
- Edna
- Gordon
- Jacquelyn
- Joanne
- Krista
- Laurence
- Lyle
- Marcella
- Marquise
- Norma
- Norman
- Quentin
- Rhoda
- Toby
- Vernon
Favorite Modern Names in the Midwestern US
Alongside vintage names, parents in the Midwest also love modern inventions and respellings.
The biggest trends in the region, for both boys and girls, include K instead of C, spellings with "ae", and names ending in "lee", "lyn", and "in" sounds. There is blurring between genuine surnames and placenames, and faux friends that sound like they should be: the most important thing is the style.
Here are modern creations especially popular in the Midwest:
- Addelyn
- Alyvia
- Beauden
- Braxtyn
- Brynley
- Corbyn
- Eastyn
- Elowyn
- Evalynn
- Finnley
- Haizlee
- Huxley
- Kamri
- Kashtyn
- Kollins
- Kolter
- Kynslee
- Macklin
- Maddix
- Madden
- Maevyn
- Myah
- Raelee
- Renlee
- Riker
- Weslee
- Zaylin
Popular Arabic Names in the Midwest
With large Muslim communities in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, it's no surprise that Arabic names are well-used here. Mohamed and Aisha even make the Top 100 baby names in Minnesota.
Some of these names are Arabic forms of international classics, like Yousuf and Zakariya. Many have fantastic meanings with layers of significance, including Ammar "constructor", Ayat "sign", and Manal "accomplishment". Several have potential to cross over into use by parents of other cultures — as Layla has done — including Ammar, Isra, Karam, and Salma.
- Ammar
- Arwa
- Ayat
- Ayub
- Hussein
- Idrees
- Isra
- Jibril
- Karam
- Malak
- Manal
- Marwa
- Musab
- Qasim
- Rayyan
- Safa
- Salma
- Salman
- Shams
- Sidra
- Waleed
- Yaqub
- Yousuf
- Zakariya
- Zubayr
Christian Names of the Midwestern States
Among the names disproportionately popular in the Midwest are an interesting mix of Christian names, in several styles. They include dramatic biblical figures, spiritual word names, and Catholic saints.
Popular Surnames in the Midwest
Last names as first names are a distinctive style of the Heartland, particularly for boys. If you're looking for lesser-used inspiration beyond popular surnames like Jackson, Carter and Brooks, these are a great place to start. Notably, Callahan is the only name used relatively more in the Midwest for both boys and girls.
- Benson
- Brysen
- Buckley
- Callahan
- Crosby
- Ellison
- Fischer
- Gannon
- Kenton
- Mccoy
- Ripley
- Sullivan
- Truman
- Warner
- Willis
- Woods
One-Syllable Names in the Midwest
Punchy, rugged monosyllabic names are particularly popular in this region, especially for boys. They include nicknames like Cam and Huck, words like Buck and Kit, and names from non-anglo traditions, such as Fritz and Lars.
Popular Midwestern Names Ending in -A
Parents in the Midwest are making great use of short, adaptable girl names ending in -a. Here are some that are used at least 50% more in the region than the rest of the US, ranging from deep-rooted options like Klara, to modern classics like Thea, and rarities such as Senna. One notable favorite is Veda, which is also in high usage in the Midwest spelled Vayda and Vaeda.
Berry Favorites: Midwestern Names
Here are more names disproportionately popular in the Midwest, which we think will appeal to our community of name lovers. Which ones are going on your list?
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