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 California 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: The truth about minimum coverage requirements in California
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
1 / 50Chad is a name of English origin meaning "from the warrior's town".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,439
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 238 (#927 (tie) most common name, -96.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,598
Pixabay
2 / 50Jesse is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "the Lord exists".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,516
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,776 (#110 most common name, -26.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,910
Adrie Molco // Shutterstock
3 / 50Nicholas is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,605
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,006 (#53 most common name, +36.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,095
Alena Vostrikova // Shutterstock
4 / 50Ronald is a name of English origin meaning "counsel rule".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,745
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 669 (#496 most common name, -90.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,778
Unsplash
5 / 50Jesus is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to deliver".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,772
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,435 (#48 most common name, +39.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #146
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,427
You may also like: The 20 most competitive housing markets in California
Pixabay
6 / 50Bryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,313
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,911 (#106 most common name, -32.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 71,405
rSnapshotPhotos // Shutterstock
7 / 50Brandon is a name of English origin meaning "beacon hill" or "crow".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,318
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,559 (#46 most common name, +30.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,085
PxHere
8 / 50Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,566
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,278 (#212 most common name, -69.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,309
Serenko Natalia // Shutterstock
9 / 50Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,611
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,591 (#16 most common name, +131.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,386
yifanjrb // Shutterstock
10 / 50Shawn is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,825
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,043 (#354 most common name, -86.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 105,831
You may also like: Biggest sources of immigrants to California
Pexels
11 / 50Carlos is a name of Spanish origin meaning "free man".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,231
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,261 (#61 most common name, +0.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 36,750
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
12 / 50Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning "wreath, crown".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,398
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,356 (#311 most common name, -83.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,880
Canva
13 / 50Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "earth".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,708
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,370 (#59 most common name, -3.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,829
Negative Space
14 / 50Edward is a name of English origin meaning "prosperous".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,709
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,626 (#143 most common name, -58.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,515
PxHere
15 / 50Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,093
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,779 (#32 most common name, +51.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,996
You may also like: Best NFL players born in California
Min An // Pexels
16 / 50Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "handsome".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,161
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,248 (#214 most common name, -75.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 111,551
Canva
17 / 50Justin is a name of Latin origin meaning "righteous".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,527
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,661 (#92 most common name, -40.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,581
Canva
18 / 50Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning "watchful, alert".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,209
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,067 (#349 (tie) most common name, -89.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 115,646
Pixabay
19 / 50Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,671
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,573 (#95 most common name, -47.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 163,117
Canva
20 / 50Sean is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,686
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,905 (#176 most common name, -72.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,945
You may also like: Hottest Septembers in California since 1895
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
21 / 50Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 11,564
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,277 (#17 most common name, +49.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,096
Pixabay
22 / 50Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning "appointed by God".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 11,665
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,534 (#147 most common name, -69.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,357
PxHere
23 / 50Juan is a name of Spanish origin meaning "God is gracious".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 11,927
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,602 (#56 most common name, -27.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 43,179
Iren_Geo // Shutterstock
24 / 50Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "high mountain".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 12,483
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,606 (#25 most common name, +17.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 101,539
Pixabay
25 / 50Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning "honouring God".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 13,046
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,704 (#187 most common name, -79.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 181,367
You may also like: Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in California
Canva
26 / 50Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 13,220
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,088 (#81 most common name, -53.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 186,901
Canva
27 / 50Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning "humble".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 14,168
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,212 (#217 (tie) most common name, -84.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 136,498
Yulia Sribna // Shutterstock
28 / 50Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning "a Scotsman".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 16,546
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 752 (#445 most common name, -95.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,707
Unsplash
29 / 50Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 16,764
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,280 (#27 most common name, -14.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 140,406
Canva
30 / 50Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 16,825
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,946 (#43 most common name, -40.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 212,422
You may also like: Coldest Octobers in California since 1895
Lipatova Maryna // Shutterstock
31 / 50Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 16,865
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,557 (#35 most common name, -25.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,756
Canva
32 / 50Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 16,916
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,871 (#179 most common name, -83.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,442
MIA Studio // Shutterstock
33 / 50Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning "pledge of peace".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,081
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,644 (#276 most common name, -90.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,965
Unsplash
34 / 50Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,196
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 19,694 (#8 most common name, +8.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 174,951
Canva
35 / 50William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,651
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,227 (#29 most common name, -23.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 283,588
You may also like: 10 signs your car might be a lemon
Canva
36 / 50Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 19,217
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,453 (#119 most common name, -76.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 188,214
Shutterstock
37 / 50Jose is a name of Spanish origin meaning "God will increase".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 19,957
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,032 (#34 most common name, -34.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 66,116
burlakova_anna // Shutterstock
38 / 50Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 20,611
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,781 (#24 most common name, -28.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,939
Unsplash
39 / 50Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning "sole ruler".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 21,580
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,837 (#87 most common name, -73.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 211,608
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
40 / 50Richard is a name of German origin meaning "dominant ruler".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 22,299
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,134 (#125 most common name, -81.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,920
You may also like: How to Start an LLC in California: 2025 Guide
Tatiana Chekryzhova // Shutterstock
41 / 50Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 25,629
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22,661 (#5 most common name, -11.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 278,010
Todd Trapani // Unsplash
42 / 50Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 27,472
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,874 (#131 most common name, -85.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 322,870
Vasilyev Alexandr // Shutterstock
43 / 50Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 29,523
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 24,502 (#3 most common name, -17.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,582
My Good Images // Shutterstock
44 / 50James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 32,222
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,244 (#28 most common name, -55.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 444,982
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
45 / 50John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 33,656
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,235 (#62 most common name, -75.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 402,879
You may also like: How California ranks for most motorcycle fatalities
Vasiuk Iryna // Shutterstock
46 / 50Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 38,138
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,154 (#73 most common name, -81.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 397,452
Thammasak Lek // Shutterstock
47 / 50Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 38,855
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,923 (#31 most common name, -64.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 475,669
Canva
48 / 50Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning "healer".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 43,084
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,514 (#57 most common name, -80.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 462,954
Canva
49 / 50David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,149
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 18,868 (#11 most common name, -60.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 446,004
Burst
50 / 50Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
California
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,112
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,941 (#14 most common name, -72.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 707,737
You may also like: Most commonly hunted migratory birds in California
