Most popular girl names in the 70s in Iowa

Written by:
June 25, 2022
Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock

Most popular girl names in the 70s in Iowa

While many women throughout history have achieved amazing things, most little girls' names are popularized by the stars of the entertainment industry: a child actress who was a beacon of hope during the Great Depression; the title of a popular song; or the name fictional characters gave their baby in a sitcom.

Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for girls in the 70s in Iowa using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies born.

So why were so many parents drawn to a few popular names during this groovy decade? The answers vary from name to name but make total sense when you consider the context of the era—after all, names can tell the story of a generation. Radios blaring the melodies Fleetwood Mac may have inspired parents to name their daughters after the band's keyboardist, Christine McVie, people who came of age during the peace-and-love counterculture revolution may have been attracted to nature-inspired baby names, like Crystal, April, or Heather. Other newborns of the 1970s may have gotten their names from some of the biggest stars of the decade, like Julie Andrews or Carrie Fisher.

Keep reading to see if any familiar girls' names (or your own!) made our list.

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Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock

#50. Ann

Ann is a name of Latin origin meaning "grace".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 781
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #100
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 32,014

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Rob Marmion // Shutterstock

#49. Karen

Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 818
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39 (#577 (tie) most common name, -95.2% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185

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FreelySky // Shutterstock

#48. Kristin

Kristin is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 845
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #74
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,381

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Coy_Creek // Shutterstock

#47. Megan

Megan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "pearl".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 879
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 107 (#299 most common name, -87.8% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #89
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 37,258

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Bodler // Shutterstock

#46. Stacey

Stacey is a name of Greek origin meaning "resurrection".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 926
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 59,222

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Canva

#45. Amber

Amber is a name of Persian origin meaning "ambergris”, a fragrant material extracted from a type of whale.

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 929
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#486 (tie) most common name, -94.1% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #65
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,013

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Blend Images // Shutterstock

#44. Teresa

Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 932
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#942 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,001

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#43. Holly

Holly is a name of English origin meaning "the clearing by the hollow".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 968
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 54 (#491 (tie) most common name, -94.4% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 50,467

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#42. Emily

Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,008
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 748 (#26 most common name, -25.8% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 46,803

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Max Bukovski // Shutterstock

#41. Tara

Tara is a name of Irish origin meaning "rocky hill".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,036
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#942 (tie) most common name, -98.9% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,075

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#40. Jodi

Jodi is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Jewish woman".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,119
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #104
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 30,298

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#39. Heidi

Heidi is a name of German origin meaning "nobility".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,162
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64 (#444 most common name, -94.5% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,214

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Tetiana Iatsenko // Shutterstock

#38. Rachel

Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,170
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 179 (#181 (tie) most common name, -84.7% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,777

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Canva

#37. Jamie

Jamie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "supplanter".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,173
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 29 (#662 (tie) most common name, -97.5% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,812

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Dasha Muller // Shutterstock

#36. Christine

Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,225
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#942 (tie) most common name, -99.1% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 103,241

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#35. Wendy

Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,232
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#1089 most common name, -99.5% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188

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Pixabay

#34. Brenda

Brenda is a name of Norse origin meaning "sword".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,235
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7 (#1040 (tie) most common name, -99.4% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 48,589

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Unsplash

#33. Tina

Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,298
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#32. Susan

Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,304
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#1089 most common name, -99.5% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327

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Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock

#31. Erin

Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning "peace".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,315
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 59 (#469 (tie) most common name, -95.5% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,911

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#30. Christina

Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,340
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 27 (#681 most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747

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Pexels

#29. Tracy

Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,385
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,538

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Canva

#28. Stacy

Stacy is a name of Greek origin meaning "fruitful or productive".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,396
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 69,911

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#27. Lori

Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,419
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,784

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#26. Tammy

Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,421
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830

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Impact Photography // Shutterstock

#25. Andrea

Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,441
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 148 (#229 most common name, -89.7% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433

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Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock

#24. Mary

Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,461
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 229 (#145 most common name, -84.3% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279

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Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock

#23. Shannon

Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,502
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1209 most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805

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CroMary // Shutterstock

#22. Carrie

Carrie is a name of German origin meaning "free man".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,542
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 66,837

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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock

#21. Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,542
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 945 (#13 most common name, -38.7% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869

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#20. Laura

Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,654
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93 (#343 (tie) most common name, -94.4% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#19. Dawn

Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,787
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 92,443

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Pixabay

#18. Rebecca

Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,797
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 169 (#197 most common name, -90.6% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 137,312

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Canva

#17. Jill

Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,836
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 55,073

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Africa Studio // Shutterstock

#16. Amanda

Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,976
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36 (#596 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920

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Darren Brode // Shutterstock

#15. Sara

Sara is a derivation of the name Sarah, of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,016
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128 (#256 most common name, -93.7% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,948

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Haywiremedia // Shutterstock

#14. Kelly

Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,080
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 27 (#681 most common name, -98.7% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568

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Canva

#13. Nicole

Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,299
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 95 (#334 (tie) most common name, -95.9% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 144,672

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#12. Stephanie

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

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,340
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62 (#456 most common name, -97.4% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470

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Dasha Muller // Shutterstock

#11. Jessica

Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,386
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 114 (#284 (tie) most common name, -95.2% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#10. Julie

Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,410
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 27 (#681 most common name, -98.9% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949

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Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock

#9. Kimberly

Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,773
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 131 (#249 (tie) most common name, -95.3% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112

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Canva

#8. Sarah

Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,932
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 257 (#131 most common name, -91.2% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,841

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Nina Buday // Shutterstock

#7. Lisa

Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,203
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 20 (#767 (tie) most common name, -99.4% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676

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lascot studio // Pexels

#6. Melissa

Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,997
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 71 (#416 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291

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Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock

#5. Heather

Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,002
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available

National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939

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Canva

#4. Michelle

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

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,051
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 59 (#469 (tie) most common name, -98.5% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140

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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock

#3. Angela

Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,715
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94 (#339 (tie) most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 225,222

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Durganand // Shutterstock

#2. Amy

Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,838
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 103 (#306 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009

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#1. Jennifer

Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".

Iowa
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,683
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 99 (#318 (tie) most common name, -99.0% compared to the 70s)

National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 581,791

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