Most popular girl names in the 80s in California
Whether it's a long-held family name, a biblical name, or a name that holds special meaning for mom or dad, choosing the moniker that your child will carry for life isn't something to take lightly. Over the years, certain[ names have peaked and then faded in popularity while others stayed at the top of the rankings for multiple decades. And while traditional and biblical names always seem to be in style, we've also seen some more uncommon names become trendy.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for girls in the 80s in California using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies born.
Many baby names are inspired by pop culture of the time, whether movies, music, or television. Others represent familial names or have other traditional significance. Keep reading to see if your name made the list.
#50. Sandra
Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 7,517
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 751 (#522 (tie) most common name, -90.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #96
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 29,916
#49. Patricia
Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 7,751
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 563 (#652 most common name, -92.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 45,097
#48. Erika
Erika is a name of Norse origin meaning "eternal ruler".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,016
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 828 (#479 most common name, -89.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 36,816
#47. Alicia
Alicia is a name of Spanish origin meaning "noble".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,029
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,022 (#195 most common name, -74.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 66,958
#46. Shannon
Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,389
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 276 (#1,116 (tie) most common name, -96.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 78,412
#45. Nancy
Nancy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,481
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 807 (#488 (tie) most common name, -90.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #115
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,313
#44. Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a name of French origin meaning "may God protect".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,719
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,074 (#126 most common name, -64.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,525
#43. Jamie
Jamie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "supplanter".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,121
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,038 (#396 most common name, -88.6% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 96,548
#42. Christine
Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,316
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 638 (#594 most common name, -93.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 67,999
#41. Diana
Diana is a name of Roman origin meaning "goddess of the hunt".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,328
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,956 (#133 most common name, -68.3% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 36,768
#40. Natalie
Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,620
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,323 (#17 most common name, +7.3% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 54,397
#39. Kelly
Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,940
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,299 (#312 most common name, -86.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 109,541
#38. Cynthia
Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,034
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,337 (#305 most common name, -86.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 41,572
#37. Katherine
Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,058
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,982 (#72 most common name, -50.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 99,154
#36. Emily
Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,565
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 20,672 (#6 most common name, +95.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 131,752
#35. Erin
Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning "peace".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,726
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,070 (#380 most common name, -90.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 115,814
#34. Monica
Monica is a name of Greek origin meaning "solitary".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,946
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,213 (#336 most common name, -88.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,821
#33. Angela
Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,075
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,843 (#103 most common name, -65.3% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 116,585
#32. Erica
Erica is a name of Norse origin meaning "eternal ruler".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,256
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 530 (#684 most common name, -95.3% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 93,145
#31. Sara
Sara is a derivation of the name Sarah, of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,373
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,539 (#154 most common name, -77.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 104,640
#30. Veronica
Veronica is a name of Latin origin meaning "she who brings victory".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,411
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,239 (#323 most common name, -89.1% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #70
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 39,065
#29. Samantha
Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "told by God".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,670
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,739 (#12 most common name, +0.6% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 121,122
#28. Lisa
Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,752
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 604 (#614 most common name, -94.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 102,597
#27. Andrea
Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,965
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,383 (#47 most common name, -46.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 98,241
#26. Brittany
Brittany is a name of French origin meaning "from Briton".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,214
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 915 (#434 most common name, -92.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 140,795
#25. Amy
Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,429
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,456 (#82 most common name, -64.1% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 150,650
#24. Rebecca
Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 13,234
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,188 (#182 most common name, -83.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 136,220
#23. Rachel
Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 13,630
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,145 (#185 most common name, -84.3% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 146,657
#22. Kimberly
Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,079
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,528 (#46 most common name, -53.6% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 146,435
#21. Lauren
Lauren is a name of Latin origin meaning "the bay or laurel plant".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,365
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,891 (#134 most common name, -79.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 145,122
#20. Megan
Megan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "pearl".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,397
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,518 (#272 most common name, -89.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,500
#19. Laura
Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,400
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,141 (#357 most common name, -92.1% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 134,569
#18. Tiffany
Tiffany is a name of Greek origin meaning "appearance of God".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,730
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,662 (#238 most common name, -88.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 158,610
#17. Danielle
Danielle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,986
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,496 (#277 most common name, -90.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 134,359
#16. Crystal
Crystal is a name of Latin origin meaning "Earth mineral".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,675
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,529 (#266 most common name, -90.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 140,998
#15. Amber
Amber is a name of Persian origin meaning "ambergris”, a fragrant material extracted from a type of whale.
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,714
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,806 (#219 most common name, -88.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,935
#14. Heather
Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 17,184
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 358 (#929 (tie) most common name, -97.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 191,841
#13. Vanessa
Vanessa is a name of Greek origin meaning "butterfly".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 18,226
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,105 (#94 most common name, -77.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 65,690
#12. Maria
Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "sea of bitterness".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 18,407
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,447 (#83 most common name, -75.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 65,648
#11. Christina
Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 22,006
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,352 (#300 most common name, -93.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 145,982
#10. Michelle
Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 22,799
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,903 (#102 most common name, -82.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,988
#9. Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 24,570
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,360 (#16 most common name, -57.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 198,938
#8. Stephanie
Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,400
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,673 (#113 most common name, -85.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 218,131
#7. Nicole
Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,571
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,576 (#78 most common name, -82.1% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 210,456
#6. Melissa
Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 26,196
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,782 (#107 most common name, -85.6% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 217,896
#5. Sarah
Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 27,698
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,247 (#68 most common name, -81.1% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 272,559
#4. Amanda
Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 28,941
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,973 (#201 most common name, -93.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 369,698
#3. Ashley
Ashley is a name of English origin meaning "ash tree meadow".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 29,561
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,137 (#39 most common name, -75.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 352,147
#2. Jennifer
Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 49,353
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,069 (#127 most common name, -93.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 440,836
#1. Jessica
Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
California
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,799
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,750 (#109 most common name, -92.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 469,439