Chicago

♂ Boy

Chicago Pronunciation

Chicago is pronounced shih-KAH-goh /ʃɪˈkɑ.ɡoʊ/Medium

Meaning: From the city of Chicago — from the Miami-Illinois shikaakwa, 'the wild onion; the striped skunk plant; the place of wild onion'; a place-nameLow

In 30 seconds: A place-name (the city): Chicago means 'the place of wild onion'. Bold, modern, and striking (said 'shih-KAH-goh').

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Origin LowAlgonquian, American

MeaningFrom the city of Chicago — from the Miami-Illinois shikaakwa, 'the wild onion; the striped skunk plant; the place of wild onion'; a place-name

U.S. rank (2024)#6505 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births13 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 110

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Chicago comes from the city of Chicago — from the Miami-Illinois shikaakwa, 'the wild onion; the striped skunk plant; the place of wild onion'. A bold, modern place-name (we note the city link; said 'shih-KAH-goh'; nickname Chi).

In the U.S. it registers thinly. Rare, the-place-of-wild-onion at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Chicago comes from the Miami-Illinois shikaakwa, 'the wild onion; the place of wild onion' — Chicago is a bold, modern place-name (we note the city link; said 'shih-KAH-goh').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Chicago — place-name; city link noted

Variations

Chi

Nicknames

Chi

Themes & Styles

Uncertain Place-name Algonquian

If you like Chicago…

Memphis— a fellow U.S. place-name boys' name

Denver— a sound-neighbor place-name boys' name

Austin— another U.S. place-name boys' name

Caladin— another American name

Cario— shares Chicago's American roots

→ See all names like Chicago

Browse the whole category: All Algonquian names → · All American names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Chicago?

Chicago is pronounced shih-KAH-goh (/ʃɪˈkɑ.ɡoʊ/). Press play above to hear Chicago said aloud.

How do you say Chicago?

Chicago is said shih-KAH-goh (/ʃɪˈkɑ.ɡoʊ/). Press play above to hear Chicago said aloud.

What does the name Chicago mean?

Chicago is a place-name (the city) — Miami-Illinois 'the wild onion; the place of wild onion'.

Is Chicago a boy or girl name?

Chicago is most often a boy's name.

How popular is Chicago?

Chicago is a very rare name in the U.S.