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 Indiana 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.
You may also like: Most expensive homes for sale in Indiana
Canva
1 / 50Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,498
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 78 (#739 most common name, -94.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,001
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
2 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,521
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,000 (#15 most common name, +31.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 46,803
Canva
3 / 50Tiffany is a name of Greek origin meaning "appearance of God".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,685
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66 (#816 (tie) most common name, -96.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,151
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
4 / 50Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,693
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136 (#472 (tie) most common name, -92.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 80,209
Darkdiamond67 // Shutterstock
5 / 50Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,699
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64 (#827 most common name, -96.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,118
You may also like: Highest-rated beer in Indiana
PxHere
6 / 50Holly is a name of English origin meaning "the clearing by the hollow".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,745
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141 (#462 most common name, -91.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 50,467
George Rudy // Shutterstock
7 / 50Sara is a derivation of the name Sarah, of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,747
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 271 (#266 most common name, -84.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,948
Canva
8 / 50Misty is a name of English origin meaning "mist".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,787
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,284
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
9 / 50Stacey is a name of Greek origin meaning "resurrection".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,833
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 59,222
Mcimage // Shutterstock
10 / 50Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,834
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 24 (#1285 most common name, -98.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in Indiana in the last week
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
11 / 50Tonya is a name of Russian origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,981
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#2093 (tie) most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 57,768
New Africa // Shutterstock
12 / 50Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,981
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66 (#816 (tie) most common name, -96.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 103,241
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
13 / 50Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,028
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 125 (#510 (tie) most common name, -93.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185
Canva
14 / 50Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning "peace".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,057
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 196 (#362 most common name, -90.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,911
Canva
15 / 50Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,065
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 55,073
You may also like: Highest-rated free things to do in Indiana by visitors
Canva
16 / 50Amber is a name of Persian origin meaning "ambergris”, a fragrant material extracted from a type of whale.
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,118
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162 (#420 (tie) most common name, -92.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #65
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,013
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
17 / 50Crystal is a name of Latin origin meaning "Earth mineral".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,339
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74 (#762 (tie) most common name, -96.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 73,759
Pixabay
18 / 50Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,348
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94 (#654 (tie) most common name, -96.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327
Nitin Kumar // Pexels
19 / 50Stacy is a name of Greek origin meaning "fruitful or productive".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,415
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 69,911
Haywiremedia // Shutterstock
20 / 50Jamie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "supplanter".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,432
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111 (#567 most common name, -95.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,812
You may also like: Movies and TV shows casting in Indiana
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
21 / 50Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,443
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 431 (#163 most common name, -82.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,777
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
22 / 50Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,522
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 363 (#200 most common name, -85.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
23 / 50Carrie is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,705
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14 (#1539 (tie) most common name, -99.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 66,837
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
24 / 50Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,713
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757
Canva
25 / 50Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,725
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830
You may also like: Countries to which Indiana exports the most goods
s_oleg // Shutterstock
26 / 50Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,804
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41 (#1044 (tie) most common name, -98.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,784
Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock
27 / 50April is a name of Latin origin meaning "to open".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,811
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 103 (#595 most common name, -96.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,935
CroMary // Shutterstock
28 / 50Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,854
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#1714 (tie) most common name, -99.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,538
Canva
29 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,368
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 652 (#100 most common name, -80.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
30 / 50Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,390
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 282 (#256 most common name, -91.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488
You may also like: The 21 most competitive housing markets in Indiana
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
31 / 50Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,434
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 92,443
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
32 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,477
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,139 (#13 most common name, -38.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869
photoDiod // Shutterstock
33 / 50Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,487
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 220 (#325 most common name, -93.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
34 / 50Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,534
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#1602 most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
35 / 50Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,601
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 236 (#306 most common name, -93.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 144,672
You may also like: Hottest Novembers in Indiana since 1895
FamVeld // Shutterstock
36 / 50Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,654
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 423 (#166 most common name, -88.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 137,312
Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
37 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,798
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 765 (#77 (tie) most common name, -79.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,841
Oleggg // Shutterstock
38 / 50Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,113
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82 (#718 (tie) most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
39 / 50Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,128
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 165 (#414 most common name, -96.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
40 / 50Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,161
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 144 (#456 (tie) most common name, -96.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747
You may also like: Highest-rated breweries in Indiana
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
41 / 50Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,733
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 206 (#351 (tie) most common name, -95.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
42 / 50Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,279
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 230 (#315 (tie) most common name, -95.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
43 / 50Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,064
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 124 (#513 (tie) most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676
Shyamalamuralinath // Shutterstock
44 / 50Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,582
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 352 (#208 most common name, -94.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112
Pixabay
45 / 50Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,025
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47 (#986 most common name, -99.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939
You may also like: See the most extreme temperatures in Indiana history
Durganand // Shutterstock
46 / 50Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,737
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 236 (#306 most common name, -96.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140
Canva
47 / 50Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,898
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 193 (#365 most common name, -97.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
48 / 50Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,749
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 309 (#235 most common name, -96.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009
Pixabay
49 / 50Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,952
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 243 (#299 most common name, -97.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 225,222
lascot studio // Pexels
50 / 50Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Indiana
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 17,105
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 230 (#315 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 581,791
You may also like: Highest-rated Class of 2025 football recruits from Indiana
