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 Virginia 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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1 / 50Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning "peace".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,316
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 327 (#254 (tie) most common name, -75.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,911
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
2 / 50Melanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "black, dark"
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,324
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 664 (#124 most common name, -49.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 53,326
Lopolo // Shutterstock
3 / 50Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,332
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 613 (#134 most common name, -54.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,777
Canva
4 / 50Dana is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,341
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 121 (#603 most common name, -91.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 51,292
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
5 / 50Carrie is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,366
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34 (#1263 most common name, -97.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 66,837
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s_oleg // Shutterstock
6 / 50Tara is a name of Irish origin meaning "rocky hill".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,368
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63 (#944 most common name, -95.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,075
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
7 / 50Robin is a name of German origin meaning "fame-bright".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,369
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57 (#1001 most common name, -95.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #67
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 45,944
Unsplash
8 / 50Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,381
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 609 (#135 most common name, -55.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433
Red Light Films // Pexels
9 / 50Donna is a name of Italian origin meaning "lady of the home".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,485
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13 (#1735 (tie) most common name, -99.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,310
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
10 / 50Catherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,487
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 735 (#111 most common name, -50.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #73
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 43,840
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11 / 50Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,512
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10 (#1920 most common name, -99.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,784
Durganand // Shutterstock
12 / 50Tiffany is a name of Greek origin meaning "appearance of God".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,541
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 177 (#446 most common name, -88.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,151
Pixabay
13 / 50Sharon is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "a fertile plain".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,545
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 87 (#769 (tie) most common name, -94.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,718
Natalia Kirichenko // Shutterstock
14 / 50Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,686
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,303 (#45 most common name, -22.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 54,068
Canva
15 / 50Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,770
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 132 (#564 most common name, -92.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 103,241
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Africa Studio // Shutterstock
16 / 50Teresa is a name of Greek origin meaning "huntress".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,783
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111 (#638 (tie) most common name, -93.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,001
Pixabay
17 / 50Pamela is a name of Greek origin meaning "all sweetness".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,813
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 21 (#1493 most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,042
Canva
18 / 50Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,828
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#2097 most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 92,443
Oleggg // Shutterstock
19 / 50Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning "noble".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,850
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 83 (#812 most common name, -95.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,118
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
20 / 50Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,892
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 183 (#431 (tie) most common name, -90.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949
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21 / 50Tonya is a name of Russian origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,024
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 57,768
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
22 / 50Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,085
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6 (#2097 most common name, -99.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757
Canva
23 / 50Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning "moon goddess".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,111
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 119 (#612 most common name, -94.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 80,209
Canva
24 / 50Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,115
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 427 (#193 most common name, -79.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 144,672
Canva
25 / 50April is a name of Latin origin meaning "to open".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,192
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 161 (#484 most common name, -92.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,935
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26 / 50Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,203
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 61 (#956 (tie) most common name, -97.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188
Canva
27 / 50Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,267
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,538
Mcimage // Shutterstock
28 / 50Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,547
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86 (#780 most common name, -96.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327
George Rudy // Shutterstock
29 / 50Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,623
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 415 (#196 most common name, -84.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488
Canva
30 / 50Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,664
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 267 (#315 most common name, -90.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216
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Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
31 / 50Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,755
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 167 (#469 (tie) most common name, -93.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185
Pixabay
32 / 50Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,768
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 188 (#422 most common name, -93.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920
Canva
33 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,806
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,387 (#42 most common name, -50.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,841
Canva
34 / 50Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,888
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 240 (#347 most common name, -91.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568
Canva
35 / 50Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,010
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70 (#900 (tie) most common name, -97.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805
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Pixabay
36 / 50Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,010
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
37 / 50Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,032
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 279 (#301 most common name, -90.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
38 / 50Crystal is a name of Latin origin meaning "Earth mineral".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,221
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 119 (#612 most common name, -96.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 73,759
Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
39 / 50Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,318
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 492 (#167 most common name, -85.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 137,312
Canva
40 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,771
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 873 (#89 most common name, -76.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279
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Blend Images // Shutterstock
41 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,868
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,855 (#10 most common name, -26.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869
photoDiod // Shutterstock
42 / 50Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,257
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 367 (#223 most common name, -91.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470
PxHere
43 / 50Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,455
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 75 (#866 (tie) most common name, -98.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939
Pixabay
44 / 50Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,719
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57 (#1001 most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676
Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock
45 / 50Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,162
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 414 (#197 most common name, -92.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140
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Pixabay
46 / 50Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,090
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 272 (#310 most common name, -95.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
47 / 50Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,295
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 551 (#150 most common name, -91.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
48 / 50Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,342
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 624 (#130 most common name, -90.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
49 / 50Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,382
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 343 (#240 most common name, -94.6% 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".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 12,504
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 370 (#221 (tie) most common name, -97.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 581,791
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