Names can tell the story of a generation. To learn more about the culture of the 1970s, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys 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.
Bob Dylan's hits certainly put a spotlight on the name Dylan. Fans of Corey Baker on the late 1960s to early 1970s sitcom "Julia" might have been compelled to put Corey (or the other popular variation, Kory) on their son's birth certificates. People who came of age during the peace-and-love counterculture revolution may have been attracted to nature-inspired baby names, like Micah, while other newborns of the 1970s may have gotten their names from some of the biggest stars of the decade such as Jamey Sheridan or Ricky Nelson.
Keep reading to see if any familiar boys' names (or your own!) made our list.
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Canva
1 / 50Jerry is a name of English origin meaning "exalted of the Lord".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,349
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 132 (#504 most common name, -90.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 48,306
PxHere
2 / 50Chad is a name of English origin meaning "from the warrior's town".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,406
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68 (#770 most common name, -95.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,598
Pixabay
3 / 50Douglas is a name of Scottish origin meaning "black water".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,478
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 164 (#443 most common name, -88.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,212
Samuel Borges Photography // Shutterstock
4 / 50Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "earth".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,611
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,567 (#65 (tie) most common name, -2.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,829
Canva
5 / 50Travis is a name of French origin meaning "to cross".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,631
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 387 (#230 most common name, -76.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 64,139
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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
6 / 50Larry is a name of Latin origin meaning "from the place of the laurel leaves".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,671
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 148 (#476 (tie) most common name, -91.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,112
Canva
7 / 50Bryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,676
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 676 (#141 most common name, -59.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 71,405
2p2play // Shutterstock
8 / 50Sean is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,727
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 761 (#129 most common name, -55.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,945
Canva
9 / 50Gary is a name of English origin meaning "spearman".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,727
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 127 (#520 (tie) most common name, -92.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 68,301
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
10 / 50Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "high mountain".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,731
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,567 (#65 (tie) most common name, -9.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 101,539
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11 / 50Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,796
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,644 (#30 most common name, +47.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,756
PxHere
12 / 50Keith is a name of Celtic origin meaning "wood, forest".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,834
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 215 (#361 (tie) most common name, -88.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,737
Roman Sorkin // Shutterstock
13 / 50Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,846
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 848 (#112 most common name, -54.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,309
yifanjrb // Shutterstock
14 / 50Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,854
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,681 (#12 most common name, +98.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,386
Canva
15 / 50Edward is a name of English origin meaning "prosperous".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,944
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 729 (#133 most common name, -62.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 83,515
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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
16 / 50George is a name of Greek origin meaning "farmer".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,952
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 861 (#110 most common name, -55.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #53
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 64,754
burlakova_anna // Shutterstock
17 / 50Ronald is a name of English origin meaning "counsel rule".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,997
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 221 (#351 most common name, -88.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,778
Serenko Natalia // Shutterstock
18 / 50Donald is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "world ruler".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,109
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 197 (#392 (tie) most common name, -90.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 82,475
FamVeld // Shutterstock
19 / 50Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,207
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,028 (#22 most common name, +37.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 140,406
Unsplash
20 / 50Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning "appointed by God".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,299
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 671 (#143 most common name, -70.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,357
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21 / 50Shawn is a name of Irish origin meaning "God is gracious".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,538
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 346 (#252 (tie) most common name, -86.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 105,831
PxHere
22 / 50Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,624
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,960 (#23 most common name, +12.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,096
Unsplash
23 / 50Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning "humble".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,665
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 491 (#189 most common name, -81.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 136,498
Fotonium // Shutterstock
24 / 50Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning "watchful, alert".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,795
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 335 (#255 most common name, -88.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 115,646
Iren_Geo // Shutterstock
25 / 50Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning "a Scotsman".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,813
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 195 (#394 (tie) most common name, -93.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,707
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Pexels
26 / 50Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "handsome".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,937
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 575 (#169 most common name, -80.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 111,551
Pixabay
27 / 50Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning "wreath, crown".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,018
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 452 (#204 most common name, -85.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,880
PxHere
28 / 50Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,209
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,091 (#47 most common name, -34.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,996
Unsplash
29 / 50Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,656
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,435 (#35 most common name, -33.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 174,951
Canva
30 / 50Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,869
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 781 (#125 most common name, -79.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 188,214
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Pixabay
31 / 50Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning "sole ruler".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,028
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 744 (#132 most common name, -81.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 211,608
Tatiana Chekryzhova // Shutterstock
32 / 50Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning "pledge of peace".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,164
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 417 (#219 most common name, -90.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,965
Lipatova Maryna // Shutterstock
33 / 50Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,212
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 535 (#178 most common name, -87.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,442
Canva
34 / 50Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,243
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,137 (#18 most common name, -26.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,582
FamVeld // Shutterstock
35 / 50Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning "honouring God".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,505
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 833 (#115 most common name, -81.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 181,367
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Canva
36 / 50Richard is a name of German origin meaning "dominant ruler".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,617
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 691 (#140 most common name, -85.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,920
Burst
37 / 50Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,732
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,383 (#38 most common name, -49.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 186,901
Pixabay
38 / 50Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,939
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,920 (#26 most common name, -40.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,939
Adrie Molco // Shutterstock
39 / 50Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,122
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,247 (#40 most common name, -56.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 163,117
Pexels
40 / 50Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,530
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,193 (#17 most common name, -42.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 278,010
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41 / 50Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,878
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,223 (#82 most common name, -79.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 212,422
Unsplash
42 / 50Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,465
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 630 (#151 most common name, -91.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 322,870
Ramona Heim // Shutterstock
43 / 50Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning "healer".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,761
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,520 (#68 most common name, -82.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 462,954
Tomsickova Tatyana // Shutterstock
44 / 50William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,448
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,726 (#1 most common name, -39.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 283,588
Vasiuk Iryna // Shutterstock
45 / 50John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,750
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,334 (#14 most common name, -65.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 402,879
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Canva
46 / 50Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,844
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,936 (#53 most common name, -80.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 397,452
Vasilyev Alexandr // Shutterstock
47 / 50David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,336
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,926 (#25 most common name, -71.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 446,004
Unsplash
48 / 50James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 12,401
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,568 (#4 most common name, -63.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 444,982
Pixabay
49 / 50Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 13,413
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,048 (#20 most common name, -77.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 475,669
Canva
50 / 50Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Virginia
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 15,662
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,841 (#9 most common name, -75.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 707,737
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