Most popular boy names in the 80s in North Carolina
Known for the emergence of MTV, the rise of neon, and the invention of the mixtape, the 1980s were certainly a rockin' era in American history. New economic policies were introduced, the news network CNN launched, and, much less enjoyable, Wall Street crashed on the infamous Black Monday—the worst one-day decline in American stock market history. Sandra Day O'Connor was nominated by President Ronald Reagan as the first female Supreme Court justice, the Cold War saw the beginning of the end as the Berlin Wall began to fall, and millions watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on live television.
Among all the big hair, Rubix cubes, and shoulder pads, however, there were still plenty of babies being born during this defining time. And with celebrities like Michael J. Fox and Robert Palmer reaching their peak fame during the '80s, it's no surprise that many parents chose to name their kids after them.
To see just how popular these names were, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the 80s in North Carolina using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies born.
Just like scrunchies and PAC MAN, Americans can still hold onto some of the best aspects of the '80s, including baby names (some things never get old). So whether you're welcoming a new little one into the world this year or just curious, these are the 100 most popular baby names of the 1980s in North Carolina.
#50. Kyle
Kyle is a name of Scottish origin meaning "narrow strait".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 1,705
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 532 (#222 (tie) most common name, -68.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 141,910
#49. Antonio
Antonio is a name of Spanish origin meaning "priceless one".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 1,728
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 830 (#147 most common name, -52.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 41,435
#48. Paul
Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning "humble".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 1,752
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 490 (#243 most common name, -72.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 104,339
#47. Phillip
Phillip is a name of Greek origin meaning "fond of horses".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 1,811
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 290 (#336 most common name, -84.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 45,674
#46. Nathan
Nathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "given".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 1,896
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,358 (#54 most common name, +24.4% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 105,962
#45. Gregory
Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning "watchful, alert".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,030
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 314 (#323 most common name, -84.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 93,649
#44. Marcus
Marcus is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,040
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 623 (#198 (tie) most common name, -69.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,732
#43. Samuel
Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "name of God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,047
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,664 (#16 most common name, +79.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 73,406
#42. Bryan
Bryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,051
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 833 (#144 (tie) most common name, -59.4% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 80,488
#41. Bradley
Bradley is a name of English origin meaning "woodland clearing".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,134
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 683 (#178 most common name, -68.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 69,334
#40. Jacob
Jacob is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to follow".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,148
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,763 (#7 most common name, +121.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 124,186
#39. Zachary
Zachary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God remembers".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,353
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,507 (#82 most common name, -36.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 101,809
#38. Mark
Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,363
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 494 (#238 (tie) most common name, -79.1% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 129,371
#37. Patrick
Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,425
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 659 (#184 most common name, -72.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 111,365
#36. Aaron
Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "high mountain".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,740
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,831 (#68 most common name, -33.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 138,343
#35. Kenneth
Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "handsome".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,825
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 734 (#164 most common name, -74.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 89,113
#34. Dustin
Dustin is a name of Norse origin meaning "brave warrior".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,847
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 198 (#438 most common name, -93.0% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 97,301
#33. Jeffrey
Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning "pledge of peace".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 2,998
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 406 (#276 most common name, -86.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 144,781
#32. Stephen
Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning "wreath, crown".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,207
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 498 (#235 most common name, -84.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 113,597
#31. Benjamin
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,334
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,784 (#14 most common name, +13.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 141,341
#30. Nicholas
Nicholas is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,407
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,726 (#73 most common name, -49.3% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 223,293
#29. Richard
Richard is a name of German origin meaning "dominant ruler".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,537
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 770 (#155 most common name, -78.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 154,710
#28. Ryan
Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,687
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,252 (#55 most common name, -38.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 278,848
#27. Eric
Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning "sole ruler".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,774
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 833 (#144 (tie) most common name, -77.9% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 204,199
#26. Travis
Travis is a name of French origin meaning "to cross".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,858
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 485 (#244 most common name, -87.4% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 102,915
#25. Steven
Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,878
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 784 (#152 most common name, -79.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 177,405
#24. Anthony
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 3,965
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,687 (#37 most common name, -32.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 211,804
#23. Adam
Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "earth".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 4,161
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,134 (#106 most common name, -72.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 195,049
#22. Kevin
Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 4,221
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,513 (#81 most common name, -64.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 188,638
#21. Thomas
Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 4,439
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,381 (#53 most common name, -46.4% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 177,743
#20. Jeremy
Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning "appointed by God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 4,590
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 651 (#191 most common name, -85.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,418
#19. Charles
Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 4,809
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,518 (#46 most common name, -47.6% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 131,861
#18. Timothy
Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning "honouring God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 4,832
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,077 (#110 most common name, -77.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 172,811
#17. Brian
Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 5,014
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 730 (#166 most common name, -85.4% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 233,976
#16. Andrew
Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 5,110
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,887 (#35 most common name, -43.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 285,013
#15. Joseph
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 6,261
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,208 (#28 most common name, -48.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 299,367
#14. Daniel
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 6,697
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,515 (#22 most common name, -47.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 345,414
#13. Jason
Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning "healer".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 7,124
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,451 (#85 most common name, -79.6% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 292,016
#12. Jonathan
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 7,845
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,569 (#45 most common name, -67.3% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 229,906
#11. Robert
Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 7,991
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,116 (#59 most common name, -73.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 321,598
#10. John
John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,106
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,609 (#20 most common name, -55.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 321,034
#9. Justin
Justin is a name of Latin origin meaning "righteous".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,216
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,416 (#90 most common name, -82.8% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 289,755
#8. Brandon
Brandon is a name of English origin meaning "beacon hill" or "crow".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,829
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,556 (#79 most common name, -82.4% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 232,173
#7. David
David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,147
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,432 (#24 most common name, -62.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 383,610
#6. William
William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,043
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,978 (#1 most common name, -30.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 248,240
#5. Matthew
Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,674
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,125 (#30 most common name, -70.7% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 458,894
#4. James
James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,741
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,147 (#5 most common name, -56.2% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 356,362
#3. Joshua
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,377
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,635 (#17 most common name, -70.6% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 396,533
#2. Michael
Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,247
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,112 (#10 most common name, -71.1% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 663,592
#1. Christopher
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 16,151
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,628 (#19 most common name, -77.5% compared to the 80s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 554,793
