Names can tell the story of a generation. To learn more about the culture of the 1970s, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the 70s in Michigan 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.
Bob Dylan's hits certainly put a spotlight on the name Dylan. Fans of Corey Baker on the late 1960s to early 1970s sitcom "Julia" might have been compelled to put Corey (or the other popular variation, Kory) on their son's birth certificates. People who came of age during the peace-and-love counterculture revolution may have been attracted to nature-inspired baby names, like Micah, while other newborns of the 1970s may have gotten their names from some of the biggest stars of the decade such as Jamey Sheridan or Ricky Nelson.
Keep reading to see if any familiar boys' names (or your own!) made our list.
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Min An // Pexels
1 / 50Sean is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,152
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 541 (#193 most common name, -82.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,945
Pexels
2 / 50Craig is a name of Scottish origin meaning "rocky".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,260
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 103 (#676 most common name, -96.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,823
Thammasak Lek // Shutterstock
3 / 50Bradley is a name of English origin meaning "woodland clearing".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,269
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 581 (#183 most common name, -82.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,688
Minnikova Mariia // Shutterstock
4 / 50Gary is a name of English origin meaning "spearman".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,279
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 158 (#510 (tie) most common name, -95.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 68,301
Capable97 // Shutterstock
5 / 50Nathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "given".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,357
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,013 (#62 most common name, -40.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,945
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Philippe Put // Flickr
6 / 50Douglas is a name of Scottish origin meaning "black water".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,429
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 173 (#479 most common name, -95.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,212
Unsplash
7 / 50Edward is a name of English origin meaning "prosperous".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,497
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 688 (#159 most common name, -80.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,515
Pexels
8 / 50Nicholas is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,529
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,744 (#71 most common name, -50.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,095
Iren_Geo // Shutterstock
9 / 50Keith is a name of Celtic origin meaning "wood, forest".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,684
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 290 (#325 most common name, -92.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,737
Philippe Put // Flickr
10 / 50Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,695
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,587 (#74 (tie) most common name, -57.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,996
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Pixabay
11 / 50Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,748
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,196 (#7 most common name, +12.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,386
MIA Studio // Shutterstock
12 / 50Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning "wreath, crown".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,065
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 365 (#275 (tie) most common name, -91.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,880
Tatiana Chekryzhova // Shutterstock
13 / 50Ronald is a name of English origin meaning "counsel rule".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,139
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 309 (#314 (tie) most common name, -92.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,778
Tomsickova Tatyana // Shutterstock
14 / 50Donald is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "world ruler".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,210
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 314 (#308 most common name, -92.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 82,475
Canva
15 / 50Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,223
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 699 (#155 most common name, -83.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,309
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Andy Dean Photography // Shutterstock
16 / 50Shawn is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,360
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 305 (#317 most common name, -93.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 105,831
Unsplash
17 / 50Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "earth".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,561
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,964 (#64 most common name, -56.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,829
Pixabay
18 / 50Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning "watchful, alert".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,328
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 331 (#297 (tie) most common name, -93.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 115,646
Canva
19 / 50Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "handsome".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,411
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 656 (#168 most common name, -87.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 111,551
rSnapshotPhotos // Shutterstock
20 / 50Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,460
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,673 (#32 most common name, -51.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 140,406
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Pexels
21 / 50Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "high mountain".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,719
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,422 (#81 most common name, -75.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 101,539
Canva
22 / 50Todd is a name of English origin meaning "fox".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,737
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 78 (#799 (tie) most common name, -98.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,384
PxHere
23 / 50Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,343
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,202 (#52 most common name, -65.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 163,117
Unsplash
24 / 50Chad is a name of English origin meaning "from the warrior's town".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,424
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 127 (#589 most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,598
PxHere
25 / 50Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning "appointed by God".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,712
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 440 (#238 (tie) most common name, -93.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,357
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Photopin
26 / 50Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning "humble".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,769
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 583 (#182 most common name, -91.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 136,498
Pixabay
27 / 50Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,357
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,129 (#23 most common name, -57.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,096
Canva
28 / 50Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,514
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,766 (#29 most common name, -63.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 174,951
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
29 / 50Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,706
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,375 (#43 most common name, -69.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,756
marina shin // Shutterstock
30 / 50Richard is a name of German origin meaning "dominant ruler".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,365
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 698 (#156 most common name, -91.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,920
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PxHere
31 / 50Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,815
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,049 (#61 most common name, -76.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 186,901
Iren_Geo // Shutterstock
32 / 50Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning "honouring God".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,502
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 887 (#130 most common name, -90.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 181,367
Unsplash
33 / 50Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,184
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 578 (#184 (tie) most common name, -94.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,442
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
34 / 50Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,366
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 679 (#160 most common name, -93.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 188,214
Ana Paula Lima // Pexels
35 / 50Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,389
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 925 (#125 most common name, -91.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 212,422
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BaLL LunLa // Shutterstock
36 / 50Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,591
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,329 (#19 most common name, -68.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,939
Canva
37 / 50William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,907
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,011 (#11 most common name, -63.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 283,588
Canva
38 / 50Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning "sole ruler".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,998
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 832 (#134 most common name, -92.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 211,608
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
39 / 50Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 11,749
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,638 (#34 most common name, -77.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,582
Unsplash
40 / 50Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning "pledge of peace".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 11,925
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 333 (#294 most common name, -97.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,965
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Burst
41 / 50Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning "a Scotsman".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 13,086
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 253 (#356 (tie) most common name, -98.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,707
Pexels
42 / 50Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 15,489
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 551 (#191 most common name, -96.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 322,870
Mallmo // Shutterstock
43 / 50John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 15,631
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,376 (#42 most common name, -84.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 402,879
Jeremy Bishop // Unsplash
44 / 50Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 15,940
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,676 (#31 most common name, -83.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 278,010
burlakova_anna // Shutterstock
45 / 50Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,343
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,770 (#69 most common name, -90.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 397,452
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Pixabay
46 / 50James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,491
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,744 (#15 most common name, -79.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 444,982
PxHere
47 / 50Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,864
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,252 (#49 most common name, -88.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 475,669
Lipatova Maryna // Shutterstock
48 / 50David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 20,271
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,576 (#37 most common name, -87.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 446,004
Irisska // Shutterstock
49 / 50Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning "healer".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 23,707
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,094 (#108 most common name, -95.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 462,954
Serenko Natalia // Shutterstock
50 / 50Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Michigan
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 32,022
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,105 (#10 most common name, -87.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 707,737
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