Most popular boy names in the 60s in Iowa

Written by:
March 7, 2022
morrowlight // Shutterstock

Most popular boy names in the 60s in Iowa

Every new parent faces the difficult decision of choosing the perfect name for a newborn. First names rarely get changed after being assigned and carry with them a wide range of meanings and associations. This creates a lot of pressure on expectant parents to pick the perfect moniker for their little ones.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, many parents end up choosing the same names over and over. Research suggests that we pick specific names implying desired characteristics about our children, selecting names for boys and girls intended to shape them. Male monikers are commonly inspired by political, cultural, and personal influences that suggest good, masculine, and well-rounded people.

The 1960s are commonly associated with tie-dye-clad hippies, psychedelic experimentation, and rock 'n' roll icons like the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. But underneath the flower power, free love exterior, the '60s were a period of radical social and political change—not only in the United States but around the world. The decade was one characterized by a host of juxtapositions; anger and fear over injustice and uneasy political conditions lived alongside notions of musical awakening and pacifist harmony.

Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the '60s in Iowa using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies born. The names in this list represent the distinct intersection of Baby Boomer and Gen X and a reflection of some of the most well-known celebrities, musicians, and trends of the time. Keep reading to see if your name was among the most popular in the '60s in your home state.

You may also like: Metros in Iowa where jobs are growing fastest
1 / 50
BaLL LunLa // Shutterstock

#50. Stephen

Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning "wreath, crown".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,248
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66 (#441 (tie) most common name, -94.7% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 152,285
2 / 50
Vasiuk Iryna // Shutterstock

#49. Keith

Keith is a name of Celtic origin meaning "wood, forest".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,322
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37 (#576 most common name, -97.2% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 112,619
3 / 50
Canva

#48. Randall

Randall is a name of Norse origin meaning "shield-wolf".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,330
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37 (#576 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #65
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 52,050
4 / 50
yifanjrb // Shutterstock

#47. Alan

Alan is a name of German origin meaning "precious".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,339
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 140 (#274 (tie) most common name, -89.5% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 61,416
5 / 50
Serenko Natalia // Shutterstock

#46. Jeffery

Jeffery is a name of German origin meaning "pledge of peace".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,355
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17 (#714 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 79,520
You may also like: Best private colleges in Iowa
6 / 50
Africa Studio // Shutterstock

#45. Jon

Jon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,388
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15 (#744 most common name, -98.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #83
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 44,865
7 / 50
rSnapshotPhotos // Shutterstock

#44. Anthony

Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,403
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 620 (#66 most common name, -55.8% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 203,192
8 / 50
Vasilyev Alexandr // Shutterstock

#43. Bruce

Bruce is a name of Scottish origin meaning "from the brushwood thicket".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,450
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 42 (#554 (tie) most common name, -97.1% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 74,679
9 / 50
Canva

#42. Jerry

Jerry is a name of English origin meaning "exalted of the Lord".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,498
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35 (#590 most common name, -97.7% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 93,566
10 / 50
Canva

#41. Roger

Roger is a name of German origin meaning "famous spearman".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,519
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35 (#590 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 71,449
You may also like: Where refugees in Iowa are arriving from
11 / 50
My Good Images // Shutterstock

#40. Mike

Mike is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "gift from God".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,677
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35 (#590 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 71,409
12 / 50
Andy Dean Photography // Shutterstock

#39. Troy

Troy is a name of Irish origin meaning "foot soldier".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,687
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70 (#430 most common name, -95.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 61,396
13 / 50
Minnikova Mariia // Shutterstock

#38. Rodney

Rodney is a name of English origin meaning "island near the clearing".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,791
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70 (#430 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 72,173
14 / 50
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock

#37. Jeff

Jeff is a name of English origin meaning "peaceful pledge".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 1,846
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70 (#430 most common name, data not available compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 62,062
15 / 50
Yulia Sribna // Shutterstock

#36. Eric

Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning "sole ruler".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,000
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 189 (#221 most common name, -90.5% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 152,262
You may also like: Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Iowa
16 / 50
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock

#35. Bradley

Bradley is a name of English origin meaning "woodland clearing".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,032
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 150 (#262 most common name, -92.6% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #72
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 48,715
17 / 50
Canva

#34. Larry

Larry is a name of Latin origin meaning "from the place of the laurel leaves".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,036
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 29 (#625 most common name, -98.6% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 108,594
18 / 50
Irisska // Shutterstock

#33. Kenneth

Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "handsome".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,081
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 154 (#256 most common name, -92.6% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 227,552
19 / 50
Tomsickova Tatyana // Shutterstock

#32. Charles

Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,126
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 715 (#48 most common name, -66.4% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 249,488
20 / 50
Canva

#31. Matthew

Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,138
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 680 (#53 most common name, -68.2% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 106,041
You may also like: Counties with the most homes selling under list price in Iowa
21 / 50
2p2play // Shutterstock

#30. Craig

Craig is a name of Scottish origin meaning "rocky".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,164
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1019 (tie) most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 84,739
22 / 50
Thammasak Lek // Shutterstock

#29. Patrick

Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,182
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 206 (#197 (tie) most common name, -90.6% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 122,772
23 / 50
Flashon // Shutterstock

#28. Dennis

Dennis is a name of Greek origin meaning "follower of Dionysius".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,256
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35 (#590 most common name, -98.4% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 94,992
24 / 50
Tomsickova Tatyana // Shutterstock

#27. Donald

Donald is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "world ruler".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,259
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38 (#568 (tie) most common name, -98.3% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 172,669
25 / 50
Negative Space

#26. Terry

Terry is a name of German origin meaning "power of the tribe".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,270
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 23 (#669 most common name, -99.0% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 101,440
You may also like: Iowa ranks #13 in mental health care deserts
26 / 50
Canva

#25. Gregory

Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning "watchful, alert".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,323
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35 (#590 most common name, -98.5% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 187,574
27 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#24. Ronald

Ronald is a name of English origin meaning "counsel rule".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,520
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44 (#542 (tie) most common name, -98.3% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 182,192
28 / 50
Canva

#23. Randy

Randy is a name of Norse origin meaning "shield-wolf".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,532
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35 (#590 most common name, -98.6% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 93,889
29 / 50
Canva

#22. Gary

Gary is a name of English origin meaning "spearman".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,604
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#844 (tie) most common name, -99.6% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 166,046
30 / 50
Tatiana Dyuvbanova // Shutterstock

#21. Joseph

Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,610
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 864 (#32 most common name, -66.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 283,162
You may also like: Demand for these health care jobs is increasing most in Iowa
31 / 50
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock

#20. Christopher

Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 2,692
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 502 (#80 most common name, -81.4% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 237,285
32 / 50
Canva

#19. Paul

Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning "humble".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 3,178
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162 (#246 most common name, -94.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 242,587
33 / 50
Canva

#18. Douglas

Douglas is a name of Scottish origin meaning "black water".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 3,901
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#932 (tie) most common name, -99.8% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 135,047
34 / 50
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock

#17. William

William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 3,942
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,650 (#2 most common name, -58.1% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 421,610
35 / 50
Peakpx

#16. Richard

Richard is a name of German origin meaning "dominant ruler".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,249
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 151 (#260 most common name, -96.4% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 374,010
You may also like: Metros where renters are the most overextended in Iowa
36 / 50
marina shin // Shutterstock

#15. Daniel

Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,594
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 793 (#41 most common name, -82.7% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 242,161
37 / 50
Canva

#14. Thomas

Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,614
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 651 (#59 most common name, -85.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 327,231
38 / 50
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock

#13. Todd

Todd is a name of English origin meaning "fox".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,779
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1019 (tie) most common name, -99.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 128,766
39 / 50
Tatiana Chekryzhova // Shutterstock

#12. Timothy

Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning "honouring God".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 4,846
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 190 (#220 most common name, -96.1% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 276,888
40 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#11. Kevin

Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,592
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 236 (#178 most common name, -95.8% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 271,514
You may also like: Best public colleges in Iowa
41 / 50
Canva

#10. Brian

Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 5,888
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 122 (#301 most common name, -97.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 258,277
42 / 50
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock

#9. Steven

Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,055
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 154 (#256 most common name, -97.5% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 290,739
43 / 50
FamVeld // Shutterstock

#8. Jeffrey

Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning "pledge of peace".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 6,958
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 80 (#395 most common name, -98.9% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 302,105
44 / 50
noBorders - Brayden Howie // Shutterstock

#7. Robert

Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,009
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 419 (#101 most common name, -94.0% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 650,975
45 / 50
Capable97 // Shutterstock

#6. Scott

Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning "a Scotsman".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,069
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62 (#452 most common name, -99.1% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 266,936
You may also like: Iowa small businesses thrive in these counties
46 / 50
Iren_Geo // Shutterstock

#5. James

James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 7,789
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,161 (#14 most common name, -85.1% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 684,986
47 / 50
Tomsickova Tatyana // Shutterstock

#4. John

John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,314
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 697 (#50 most common name, -91.6% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 713,653
48 / 50
Canva

#3. Mark

Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 8,354
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 138 (#276 (tie) most common name, -98.3% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 441,513
49 / 50
Shutterstock

#2. David

David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 11,390
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 717 (#47 most common name, -93.7% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 734,169
50 / 50
Fotonium // Shutterstock

#1. Michael

Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 11,613
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 869 (#30 most common name, -92.5% compared to the 60s)

National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1960 to 1969: 833,402
You may also like: Seniors in these Iowa counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates

Trending Now