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 Rhode Island 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.
You may also like: Top 5 uniquely popular potato chip brands in Rhode Island
Pixabay
1 / 50Frank is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 271
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 16 (#268 most common name, -94.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 46,891
Canva
2 / 50Marc is a name of Latin origin meaning "to be warlike".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 284
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 16 (#268 most common name, data not available compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #82
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 31,757
Tetyana Kovyrina // Pexels
3 / 50Nicholas is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 294
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 302 (#36 most common name, +2.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,095
Vasilyev Alexandr // Shutterstock
4 / 50George is a name of Greek origin meaning "farmer".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 312
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 89 (#125 most common name, -71.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 64,754
Canva
5 / 50Dennis is a name of Greek origin meaning "follower of Dionysius".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 317
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#379 (tie) most common name, -98.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 50,566
You may also like: Hottest Decembers in Rhode Island since 1895
Pixabay
6 / 50Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning "appointed by God".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 346
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 121 (#99 most common name, -65.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,357
Tomsickova Tatyana // Shutterstock
7 / 50Donald is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "world ruler".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 351
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 121 (#99 most common name, data not available compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 82,475
Canva
8 / 50Justin is a name of Latin origin meaning "righteous".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 371
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 179 (#70 most common name, -51.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,581
Canva
9 / 50Derek is a name of German origin meaning "the people's ruler".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 373
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 59 (#164 most common name, -84.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #70
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 38,347
Roman Sorkin // Shutterstock
10 / 50Ronald is a name of English origin meaning "counsel rule".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 398
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#308 most common name, -97.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,778
You may also like: Highest-rated beer in Rhode Island
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
11 / 50Shawn is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 401
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34 (#219 (tie) most common name, -91.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 105,831
Tatiana Chekryzhova // Shutterstock
12 / 50Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "earth".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 404
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 144 (#82 (tie) most common name, -64.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,829
Pshenina_m // Shutterstock
13 / 50Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 420
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 239 (#53 most common name, -43.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 163,117
Pixabay
14 / 50Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 422
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90 (#123 (tie) most common name, -78.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,309
Canva
15 / 50Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 423
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 349 (#27 (tie) most common name, -17.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,756
You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in Rhode Island
Pexels
16 / 50Todd is a name of English origin meaning "fox".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 424
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 349 (#27 (tie) most common name, data not available compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,384
Unsplash
17 / 50Raymond is a name of German origin meaning "protector".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 437
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37 (#213 most common name, -91.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 49,366
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
18 / 50Sean is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 496
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72 (#143 most common name, -85.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,945
PxHere
19 / 50Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "handsome".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 508
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65 (#152 (tie) most common name, -87.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 111,551
Iren_Geo // Shutterstock
20 / 50Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 519
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 321 (#31 most common name, -38.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,096
You may also like: Rhode Island has 1 billionaire, see who they are
Pixabay
21 / 50Edward is a name of English origin meaning "prosperous".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 523
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92 (#121 most common name, -82.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,515
PxHere
22 / 50Keith is a name of Celtic origin meaning "wood, forest".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 546
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92 (#121 most common name, data not available compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,737
Flashon // Shutterstock
23 / 50Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning "watchful, alert".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 555
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 23 (#248 (tie) most common name, -95.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 115,646
Vasilyev Alexandr // Shutterstock
24 / 50Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 555
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 253 (#46 most common name, -54.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,996
Pixabay
25 / 50Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 581
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 318 (#32 most common name, -45.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 140,406
You may also like: Highest-rated museums in Rhode Island by visitors
Pixabay
26 / 50Peter is a name of Greek origin meaning "rock".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 688
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65 (#152 (tie) most common name, -90.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 62,361
Min An // Pexels
27 / 50Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 693
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 433 (#16 most common name, -37.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 174,951
Peakpx
28 / 50Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning "honouring God".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 734
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 81 (#131 most common name, -89.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 181,367
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
29 / 50Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning "wreath, crown".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 751
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 50 (#181 most common name, -93.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,880
Pixabay
30 / 50Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning "humble".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 841
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 49 (#184 most common name, -94.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 136,498
You may also like: Highest-rated free things to do in Rhode Island by visitors
Irisska // Shutterstock
31 / 50Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 891
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56 (#167 most common name, -93.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,442
Canva
32 / 50Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning "pledge of peace".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 898
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34 (#219 (tie) most common name, -96.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,965
Pexels
33 / 50Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning "sole ruler".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 960
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 80 (#133 (tie) most common name, -91.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 211,608
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
34 / 50Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,011
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 290 (#38 most common name, -71.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 186,901
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
35 / 50Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,042
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 83 (#129 most common name, -92.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 188,214
You may also like: How Rhode Island ranks for most motorcycle fatalities
Burst
36 / 50Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,071
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 149 (#80 (tie) most common name, -86.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 212,422
Vasiuk Iryna // Shutterstock
37 / 50Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,105
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 360 (#24 most common name, -67.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,582
Thammasak Lek // Shutterstock
38 / 50Richard is a name of German origin meaning "dominant ruler".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,111
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 95 (#116 most common name, -91.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,920
Canva
39 / 50William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,112
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 482 (#10 most common name, -56.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 283,588
Unsplash
40 / 50Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning "a Scotsman".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,121
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#285 (tie) most common name, -98.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,707
You may also like: Higher education, higher earnings? Here's how advanced degrees pay off in Rhode Island.
Unsplash
41 / 50Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,317
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 449 (#14 most common name, -65.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 278,010
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
42 / 50Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,522
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 465 (#12 most common name, -69.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,939
My Good Images // Shutterstock
43 / 50Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,531
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79 (#136 most common name, -94.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 322,870
Fotonium // Shutterstock
44 / 50James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,625
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 436 (#15 most common name, -73.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 444,982
Vasiuk Iryna // Shutterstock
45 / 50Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,024
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 241 (#51 (tie) most common name, -88.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 397,452
You may also like: Most commonly seen birds in Rhode Island
pratan ounpitipong // Shutterstock
46 / 50John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,096
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 394 (#20 most common name, -81.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 402,879
Alena Vostrikova // Shutterstock
47 / 50Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning "healer".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,264
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 196 (#63 most common name, -91.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 462,954
Unsplash
48 / 50Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,270
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 338 (#30 most common name, -85.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 475,669
Falcona // Shutterstock
49 / 50David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,382
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 288 (#40 (tie) most common name, -87.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 446,004
PxHere
50 / 50Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,862
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 619 (#5 most common name, -84.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 707,737
You may also like: Computer science has gone mainstream in US education, yet young women are still underrepresented in Rhode Island
