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 North Carolina 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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Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
1 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,532
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,208 (#9 most common name, +109.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 46,803
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
2 / 50Ashley is a name of English origin meaning "ash tree meadow".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,544
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,107 (#84 most common name, -28.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #138
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 20,835
Canva
3 / 50Tara is a name of Irish origin meaning "rocky hill".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,545
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64 (#1114 (tie) most common name, -95.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,075
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
4 / 50Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,597
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 112 (#763 most common name, -93.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 64,310
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
5 / 50Robin is a name of German origin meaning "fame-bright".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,629
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 60 (#1161 most common name, -96.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #67
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 45,944
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6 / 50Jamie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "supplanter".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,640
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 178 (#530 (tie) most common name, -89.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,812
photoDiod // Shutterstock
7 / 50Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,663
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 682 (#149 most common name, -59.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
8 / 50Misty is a name of English origin meaning "mist".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,677
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,284
George Rudy // Shutterstock
9 / 50Rhonda is a name of Welsh origin meaning "good lance".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,704
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #86
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 37,843
Oleggg // Shutterstock
10 / 50Sherry is a name of French origin meaning "dear".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,719
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#2472 (tie) most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #94
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 34,127
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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
11 / 50Leslie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "garden of holly".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,754
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 296 (#341 (tie) most common name, -83.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #70
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,816
Canva
12 / 50Dana is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,827
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 91 (#900 most common name, -95.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 51,292
Pixabay
13 / 50Tiffany is a name of Greek origin meaning "appearance of God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,887
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 149 (#598 (tie) most common name, -92.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,151
Bodler // Shutterstock
14 / 50Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,964
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 19 (#1806 (tie) most common name, -99.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,784
Blend Images // Shutterstock
15 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,965
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,600 (#42 most common name, -18.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,841
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16 / 50Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,974
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98 (#850 (tie) most common name, -95.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,118
Aaron Amat // Shutterstock
17 / 50Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,094
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 466 (#211 (tie) most common name, -77.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488
Pixabay
18 / 50Donna is a name of Italian origin meaning "lady of the home".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,275
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46 (#1319 most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,310
Pixabay
19 / 50Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "a fertile plain".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,360
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74 (#1033 most common name, -96.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,718
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
20 / 50Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,370
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 122 (#714 (tie) most common name, -94.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,001
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21 / 50Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,512
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 188 (#503 most common name, -92.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
22 / 50Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,532
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 186 (#511 (tie) most common name, -92.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 80,209
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
23 / 50Pamela is a name of Greek origin meaning "all sweetness".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,592
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46 (#1319 most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,042
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
24 / 50Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,699
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 313 (#314 (tie) most common name, -88.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
25 / 50Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,704
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#2246 most common name, -99.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757
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26 / 50Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,717
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 307 (#326 most common name, -88.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747
Canva
27 / 50Christy is a name of Greek origin meaning "follower of Christ".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,743
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,559
Lopolo // Shutterstock
28 / 50Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,841
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 526 (#190 most common name, -81.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 137,312
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
29 / 50Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,908
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94 (#877 most common name, -96.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
30 / 50Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,025
- 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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31 / 50Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,066
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194 (#485 (tie) most common name, -93.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185
Red Light Films // Pexels
32 / 50Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,367
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65 (#1106 most common name, -98.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
33 / 50Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,375
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 247 (#406 most common name, -92.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
34 / 50April is a name of Latin origin meaning "to open".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,450
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 183 (#519 (tie) most common name, -94.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,935
Canva
35 / 50Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,786
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 80 (#979 (tie) most common name, -97.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805
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Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
36 / 50Tonya is a name of Russian origin meaning "praiseworthy".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,813
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 57,768
lascot studio // Pexels
37 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,876
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,438 (#8 most common name, -11.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
38 / 50Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,230
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 420 (#235 most common name, -90.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140
Canva
39 / 50Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,332
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 204 (#465 most common name, -95.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
40 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,395
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,162 (#78 most common name, -73.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279
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Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
41 / 50Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,438
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830
Coy_Creek // Shutterstock
42 / 50Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,785
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82 (#967 (tie) most common name, -98.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939
Pixabay
43 / 50Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,792
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 406 (#247 most common name, -91.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
44 / 50Crystal is a name of Latin origin meaning "Earth mineral".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,223
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 186 (#511 (tie) most common name, -96.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 73,759
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
45 / 50Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,440
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 77 (#1007 most common name, -98.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676
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javi_indy // Shutterstock
46 / 50Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,460
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 358 (#282 most common name, -94.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291
Mcimage // Shutterstock
47 / 50Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,188
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 599 (#171 most common name, -91.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009
Durganand // Shutterstock
48 / 50Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,978
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 719 (#142 most common name, -91.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112
Canva
49 / 50Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,202
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 325 (#309 most common name, -96.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 225,222
Canva
50 / 50Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 12,523
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 430 (#229 most common name, -96.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 581,791
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