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 Missouri 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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Matva // Shutterstock
1 / 50Christy is a name of Greek origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,322
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,559
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
2 / 50Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,336
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17 (#1327 most common name, -98.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188
Tatyana Domnicheva // Shutterstock
3 / 50Tara is a name of Irish origin meaning "rocky hill".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,353
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26 (#1144 most common name, -98.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,075
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
4 / 50Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,388
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 614 (#104 most common name, -55.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 54,068
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
5 / 50Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,395
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 61 (#775 (tie) most common name, -95.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,001
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Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
6 / 50Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning "peace".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,561
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 206 (#316 most common name, -86.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,911
CroMary // Shutterstock
7 / 50April is a name of Latin origin meaning "to open".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,588
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 76 (#669 (tie) most common name, -95.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,935
Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock
8 / 50Tonya is a name of Russian origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,614
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 57,768
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
9 / 50Sara is a derivation of the name Sarah, of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,652
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 259 (#249 most common name, -84.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,948
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
10 / 50Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,667
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 67 (#722 most common name, -96.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,118
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lascot studio // Pexels
11 / 50Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,688
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 55,073
Pexels
12 / 50Dana is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,689
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15 (#1389 (tie) most common name, -99.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 51,292
Canva
13 / 50Tiffany is a name of Greek origin meaning "appearance of God".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,701
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 59 (#788 most common name, -96.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,151
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
14 / 50Stacey is a name of Greek origin meaning "resurrection".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,709
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 59,222
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
15 / 50Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,853
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62 (#767 most common name, -96.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 80,209
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Oleggg // Shutterstock
16 / 50Jamie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "supplanter".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,916
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111 (#510 most common name, -94.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,812
Pixabay
17 / 50Crystal is a name of Latin origin meaning "Earth mineral".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,923
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46 (#899 (tie) most common name, -97.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 73,759
FamVeld // Shutterstock
18 / 50Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,008
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 316 (#200 most common name, -84.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,777
Red Light Films // Pexels
19 / 50Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,073
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57 (#800 most common name, -97.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185
Canva
20 / 50Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,075
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 230 (#288 (tie) most common name, -88.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433
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Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
21 / 50Carrie is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,171
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#1465 (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
22 / 50Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,178
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#1465 (tie) most common name, -99.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,784
Canva
23 / 50Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,190
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66 (#728 most common name, -97.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327
Darkdiamond67 // Shutterstock
24 / 50Stacy is a name of Greek origin meaning "fruitful or productive".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,232
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 69,911
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
25 / 50Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,248
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 49 (#867 most common name, -97.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 103,241
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Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
26 / 50Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,362
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5 (#1941 most common name, -99.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757
Canva
27 / 50Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,472
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22 (#1209 most common name, -99.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
28 / 50Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,499
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7 (#1664 most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 92,443
Pixabay
29 / 50Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,556
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830
Canva
30 / 50Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,581
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,538
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Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
31 / 50Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,621
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 251 (#263 most common name, -90.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488
Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock
32 / 50Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,876
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 178 (#353 most common name, -93.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 144,672
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
33 / 50Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,168
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162 (#384 (tie) most common name, -94.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
34 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,203
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 660 (#90 most common name, -79.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279
Canva
35 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,324
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,991 (#12 most common name, -40.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869
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Pixabay
36 / 50Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,449
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 152 (#409 most common name, -95.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
37 / 50Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,582
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82 (#630 most common name, -97.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568
Mcimage // Shutterstock
38 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,744
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 636 (#97 most common name, -83.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,841
photoDiod // Shutterstock
39 / 50Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,796
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 89 (#601 (tie) most common name, -97.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
40 / 50Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,992
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 290 (#218 most common name, -92.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 137,312
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
41 / 50Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,050
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 163 (#381 (tie) most common name, -96.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747
Bodler // Shutterstock
42 / 50Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,471
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 120 (#481 (tie) most common name, -97.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470
Canva
43 / 50Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,914
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37 (#989 (tie) most common name, -99.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939
Canva
44 / 50Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,278
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62 (#767 most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676
Pixabay
45 / 50Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,056
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 97 (#566 most common name, -98.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291
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New Africa // Shutterstock
46 / 50Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,057
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 224 (#292 most common name, -96.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
47 / 50Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,339
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 147 (#423 most common name, -97.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
48 / 50Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,842
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 150 (#415 (tie) most common name, -98.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 225,222
Canva
49 / 50Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,923
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 151 (#412 most common name, -98.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
50 / 50Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Missouri
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 13,485
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 161 (#387 (tie) 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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