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 Connecticut 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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Lopolo // Shutterstock
1 / 50Catherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 779
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 210 (#148 most common name, -73.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #73
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 43,840
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
2 / 50Sara is a derivation of the name Sarah, of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 781
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 215 (#142 most common name, -72.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,948
lascot studio // Pexels
3 / 50Carrie is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 800
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1025 (tie) most common name, -99.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 66,837
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
4 / 50Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 826
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 55,073
Pixabay
5 / 50Deborah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bee".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 827
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13 (#759 (tie) most common name, -98.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,839
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Canva
6 / 50Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 828
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14 (#744 most common name, -98.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 64,310
Canva
7 / 50Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 851
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,784
Canva
8 / 50Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 861
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1025 (tie) most common name, -99.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188
Tatyana Domnicheva // Shutterstock
9 / 50Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 871
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17 (#707 most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 80,209
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
10 / 50Kristin is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 875
- 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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Canva
11 / 50Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 881
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757
Canva
12 / 50Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 891
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#920 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,118
New Africa // Shutterstock
13 / 50Tara is a name of Irish origin meaning "rocky hill".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 916
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#839 most common name, -98.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,075
Durganand // Shutterstock
14 / 50Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 916
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 153 (#204 most common name, -83.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
15 / 50Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 916
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 125 (#248 (tie) most common name, -86.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 225,222
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16 / 50Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "sea of bitterness".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 969
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 231 (#131 (tie) most common name, -76.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,102
Canva
17 / 50Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 969
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 380 (#73 most common name, -60.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 54,068
Canva
18 / 50Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 994
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 178 (#173 most common name, -82.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,777
Pixabay
19 / 50Stacey is a name of Greek origin meaning "resurrection".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 995
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 59,222
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
20 / 50Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 997
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134 (#230 (tie) most common name, -86.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920
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Canva
21 / 50Kathleen is a name of Irish origin meaning "pure".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,031
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32 (#555 most common name, -96.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #69
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,851
Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
22 / 50Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,033
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830
Unsplash
23 / 50Danielle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,088
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 96 (#311 most common name, -91.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 60,915
FamVeld // Shutterstock
24 / 50Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning "peace".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,103
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 133 (#234 most common name, -87.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,911
Canva
25 / 50Michele is a name of Italian origin meaning "Who is like God?".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,131
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,541
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Lopolo // Shutterstock
26 / 50Kristen is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,152
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#649 most common name, -98.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #72
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,205
George Rudy // Shutterstock
27 / 50Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,159
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56 (#432 (tie) most common name, -95.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
28 / 50Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,213
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,538
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
29 / 50Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,218
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17 (#707 most common name, -98.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
30 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,233
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 206 (#152 most common name, -83.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279
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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
31 / 50Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,312
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 106 (#283 most common name, -91.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
32 / 50Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,346
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 160 (#193 (tie) most common name, -88.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470
Canva
33 / 50Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,421
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327
Pixabay
34 / 50Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,528
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 92,443
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
35 / 50Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,600
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 29 (#582 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
36 / 50Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,614
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128 (#243 most common name, -92.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216
PxHere
37 / 50Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,831
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 167 (#185 most common name, -90.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 137,312
s_oleg // Shutterstock
38 / 50Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,935
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 81 (#347 most common name, -95.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
39 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,063
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 503 (#48 most common name, -75.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,841
Rob Marmion // Shutterstock
40 / 50Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,089
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 212 (#147 most common name, -89.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 144,672
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Pixabay
41 / 50Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,102
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25 (#617 most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 103,241
Canva
42 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,503
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 769 (#22 most common name, -69.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
43 / 50Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,580
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 142 (#214 (tie) most common name, -94.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
44 / 50Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,854
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 135 (#227 (tie) most common name, -95.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
45 / 50Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,869
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1025 (tie) most common name, -99.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939
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Canva
46 / 50Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,022
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141 (#217 most common name, -95.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140
Canva
47 / 50Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,145
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25 (#617 most common name, -99.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
48 / 50Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,407
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 108 (#279 most common name, -96.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291
Canva
49 / 50Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,423
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 175 (#176 most common name, -94.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009
Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock
50 / 50Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,728
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104 (#288 most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 581,791
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