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 Mississippi 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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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
1 / 50Regina is a name of Latin origin meaning "queen".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 748
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1200 most common name, -99.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #109
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 28,126
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
2 / 50Dana is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 762
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 51,292
Bodler // Shutterstock
3 / 50Tanya is a name of Slavic origin meaning "fairy queen".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 772
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,834
Shyamalamuralinath // Shutterstock
4 / 50Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 785
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 100 (#293 (tie) most common name, -87.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433
Canva
5 / 50Barbara is a name of Greek origin meaning "foreign".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 787
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,206
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Unsplash
6 / 50Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 791
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 28 (#647 (tie) most common name, -96.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
7 / 50Brandy is a name of Dutch origin meaning "burnt wine".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 798
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #80
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 39,953
Lopolo // Shutterstock
8 / 50Crystal is a name of Latin origin meaning "Earth mineral".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 834
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#908 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 73,759
Canva
9 / 50Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 835
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 75 (#381 most common name, -91.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747
Natalia Kirichenko // Shutterstock
10 / 50Rhonda is a name of Welsh origin meaning "good lance".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 857
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #85
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 37,843
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11 / 50Donna is a name of Italian origin meaning "lady of the home".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 857
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,310
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
12 / 50Jacqueline is a name of French origin meaning "may God protect".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 862
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#720 (tie) most common name, -97.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #84
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 37,916
Nina Buday // Shutterstock
13 / 50Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 863
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
14 / 50Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 888
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44 (#527 most common name, -95.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568
Coy_Creek // Shutterstock
15 / 50Yolanda is a name of Greek origin meaning "violet".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 928
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #114
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 26,786
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Darkdiamond67 // Shutterstock
16 / 50Felicia is a name of Latin origin meaning "happy, lucky".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 936
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #130
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 22,102
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
17 / 50Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 955
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#1055 (tie) most common name, -99.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327
lascot studio // Pexels
18 / 50Monica is a name of Greek origin meaning "solitary".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 964
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8 (#984 most common name, -99.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 61,651
Durganand // Shutterstock
19 / 50Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 986
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 140 (#204 (tie) most common name, -85.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216
Pixabay
20 / 50Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 989
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#908 (tie) most common name, -98.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 64,310
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Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
21 / 50Stacy is a name of Greek origin meaning "fruitful or productive".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 995
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 69,911
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
22 / 50Linda is a name of Italian origin meaning "beautiful".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,017
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#1055 (tie) most common name, -99.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 45,889
Haywiremedia // Shutterstock
23 / 50Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,023
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 18 (#773 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185
Tetiana Iatsenko // Shutterstock
24 / 50Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,096
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85 (#343 most common name, -92.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488
Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock
25 / 50Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,126
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 20 (#744 (tie) most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805
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Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
26 / 50Christy is a name of Greek origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,138
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,559
s_oleg // Shutterstock
27 / 50Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,156
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1200 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,001
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
28 / 50Tiffany is a name of Greek origin meaning "appearance of God".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,156
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25 (#678 (tie) most common name, -97.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,151
Canva
29 / 50April is a name of Latin origin meaning "to open".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,191
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26 (#666 (tie) most common name, -97.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,935
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
30 / 50Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,230
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105 (#281 (tie) most common name, -91.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 137,312
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Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
31 / 50Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,231
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13 (#853 (tie) most common name, -98.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,118
Pixabay
32 / 50Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,252
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757
Canva
33 / 50Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,267
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 48 (#502 most common name, -96.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
34 / 50Tonya is a name of Russian origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,283
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 57,768
Canva
35 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,289
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 872 (#10 most common name, -32.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869
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Canva
36 / 50Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,380
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#949 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 80,209
Canva
37 / 50Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,411
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,538
javi_indy // Shutterstock
38 / 50Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "a fertile plain".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,489
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,718
Lopolo // Shutterstock
39 / 50Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,492
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#949 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
40 / 50Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,557
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830
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Canva
41 / 50Pamela is a name of Greek origin meaning "all sweetness".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,562
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,042
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
42 / 50Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,940
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#1055 (tie) most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
43 / 50Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,370
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32 (#612 (tie) most common name, -98.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920
Pixabay
44 / 50Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,540
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#457 (tie) most common name, -97.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009
Oleggg // Shutterstock
45 / 50Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,634
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#457 (tie) most common name, -97.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470
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Canva
46 / 50Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,672
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25 (#678 (tie) most common name, -99.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291
Pixabay
47 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,706
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 849 (#11 most common name, -68.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279
Pixabay
48 / 50Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,668
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 110 (#268 (tie) most common name, -97.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112
photoDiod // Shutterstock
49 / 50Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,278
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55 (#457 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 225,222
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
50 / 50Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Mississippi
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,420
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 80 (#359 (tie) most common name, -98.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 581,791
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