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 Wisconsin 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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Darkdiamond67 // Shutterstock
1 / 50Kathryn is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,254
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 187 (#290 most common name, -85.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #90
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 36,423
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
2 / 50Renee is a name of French origin meaning "reborn".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,273
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15 (#1199 (tie) most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #87
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 37,581
Canva
3 / 50Kari is a name of Scandinavian origin meaning "pure".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,291
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #151
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 18,567
Canva
4 / 50Holly is a name of English origin meaning "the clearing by the hollow".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,337
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 138 (#394 (tie) most common name, -89.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 50,467
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
5 / 50Tara is a name of Irish origin meaning "rocky hill".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,378
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12 (#1267 (tie) most common name, -99.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,075
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6 / 50Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,402
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 388 (#145 most common name, -72.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 54,068
George Rudy // Shutterstock
7 / 50Tanya is a name of Slavic origin meaning "fairy queen".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,483
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 47,834
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
8 / 50Ann is a name of Latin origin meaning "grace".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,485
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#1320 (tie) most common name, -99.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #99
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 32,014
Mcimage // Shutterstock
9 / 50Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,721
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 121 (#429 (tie) most common name, -93.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 125,747
New Africa // Shutterstock
10 / 50Jodi is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Jewish woman".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,728
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #103
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 30,298
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Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
11 / 50Kristin is a name of Latin origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,746
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #74
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,381
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
12 / 50Karen is a name of Danish origin meaning "pure".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,803
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 54 (#739 (tie) most common name, -97.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,185
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
13 / 50Wendy is a name of English origin meaning "friend".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,833
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17 (#1154 most common name, -99.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 74,188
Pixabay
14 / 50Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,899
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 279 (#198 (tie) most common name, -85.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,777
Canva
15 / 50Jamie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "supplanter".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,914
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51 (#761 most common name, -97.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,812
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Canva
16 / 50Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,966
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 256 (#219 most common name, -87.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 86,433
Pixabay
17 / 50Susan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,050
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 59 (#697 (tie) most common name, -97.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 88,327
Canva
18 / 50Lori is a name of English origin meaning "bay laurel".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,082
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#1320 (tie) most common name, -99.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 77,784
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
19 / 50Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning "peace".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,110
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 165 (#333 (tie) most common name, -92.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 67,911
Blend Images // Shutterstock
20 / 50Brenda is a name of Norse origin meaning "sword".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,118
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 28 (#995 (tie) most common name, -98.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 48,589
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Canva
21 / 50Jill is a name of English origin meaning "child of the gods".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,147
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 55,073
Oleggg // Shutterstock
22 / 50Stacy is a name of Greek origin meaning "fruitful or productive".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,160
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 69,911
Canva
23 / 50Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning "worthy of love".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,173
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 139 (#390 most common name, -93.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 123,920
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24 / 50Tina is a name of English origin meaning "river".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,281
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 84,757
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
25 / 50Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning "wise river".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,282
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11 (#1320 (tie) most common name, -99.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,805
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
26 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,299
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 356 (#160 (tie) most common name, -84.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 126,279
Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
27 / 50Heidi is a name of German origin meaning "nobility".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,349
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 123 (#424 most common name, -94.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,214
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
28 / 50Carrie is a name of German origin meaning "free man".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,369
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 66,837
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
29 / 50Christine is a name of English origin meaning "follower of Christ".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,580
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 30 (#960 most common name, -98.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 103,241
Pixabay
30 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,732
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,528 (#16 most common name, -44.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 142,869
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Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
31 / 50Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,822
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 137 (#399 most common name, -95.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 160,470
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
32 / 50Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning "bay laurel plant".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,858
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 160 (#344 (tie) most common name, -94.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,216
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
33 / 50Tammy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "palm tree".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,915
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 98,830
Canva
34 / 50Dawn is a name of English origin meaning "daybreak".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,916
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 92,443
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
35 / 50Sara is a derivation of the name Sarah, of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,201
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180 (#304 (tie) most common name, -94.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 56,948
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36 / 50Tracy is a name of Irish origin meaning "fighter".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,235
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: data not available
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 95,538
Matva // Shutterstock
37 / 50Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning "from the wood of the royal forest".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,762
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 237 (#229 (tie) most common name, -93.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 229,112
Shyamalamuralinath // Shutterstock
38 / 50Julie is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,974
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 54 (#739 (tie) most common name, -98.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 121,949
Canva
39 / 50Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning "bright-headed".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,170
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 76 (#607 most common name, -98.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,568
Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
40 / 50Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "servant of God".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,570
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 206 (#269 (tie) most common name, -95.5% 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 / 50Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God beholds".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,914
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 217 (#253 (tie) most common name, -95.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 143,488
Lopolo // Shutterstock
42 / 50Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,088
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162 (#338 (tie) most common name, -96.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 144,672
Canva
43 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,161
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 400 (#139 (tie) most common name, -92.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 118,841
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
44 / 50Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning "a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,202
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25 (#1032 most common name, -99.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 203,939
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
45 / 50Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning "messenger of God".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,280
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141 (#384 most common name, -97.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 225,222
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Canva
46 / 50Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning "honey bee".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,292
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 137 (#399 most common name, -97.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 253,291
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
47 / 50Lisa is a name of English origin meaning "God's promise".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,050
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58 (#707 (tie) most common name, -99.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 228,676
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
48 / 50Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,753
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 137 (#399 most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 249,140
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
49 / 50Amy is a name of French origin meaning "beloved".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,375
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 165 (#333 (tie) most common name, -98.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 269,009
Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock
50 / 50Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning "white shadow, white wave".
Wisconsin
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 15,610
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 189 (#286 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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