Decade dossier

1970s baby names

The names that defined the 1970s: Michael and Jennifer led the decade, but the full roster tells a richer story.

The 1970s were defined by names that now read as cultural artifacts. Michael and Jennifer dominated the decade — names that crossed class lines and regional divides. Some have become vintage revival candidates; others remain frozen in time. Browse the full rankings below to see which names defined the 1970s classroom.

Girls

#1Jennifer581,729
#2Amy268,994
#3Melissa253,267
#4Michelle249,130
#5Kimberly229,097
#6Lisa228,690
#7Angela225,262
#8Heather203,902
#9Stephanie160,468
#10Nicole144,667
#11Jessica143,492
#12Elizabeth142,845
#13Rebecca137,285
#14Kelly133,545
#15Mary126,254
#16Christina125,747
#17Amanda123,920
#18Julie121,919
#19Sarah118,823
#20Laura118,204
#21Shannon113,793
#22Christine103,236
#23Tammy98,830
#24Tracy95,536
#25Karen95,173

Boys

#1Michael707,327
#2Christopher475,423
#3Jason462,709
#4David445,704
#5James444,713
#6John402,612
#7Robert397,225
#8Brian322,660
#9William283,401
#10Matthew277,727
#11Joseph244,825
#12Daniel244,454
#13Kevin212,231
#14Eric211,481
#15Jeffrey202,850
#16Richard202,804
#17Scott194,520
#18Mark194,260
#19Steven188,078
#20Thomas186,739
#21Timothy181,260
#22Anthony174,873
#23Charles163,021
#24Joshua140,318
#25Ryan139,635