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Most popular boy names in the 70s in Tennessee
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 Tennessee 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.
Pixabay
#50. Johnny
Johnny is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,483
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 271 (#289 (tie) most common name, -81.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #87
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 31,836
Unsplash
#49. Keith
Keith is a name of Celtic origin meaning "wood, forest".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,534
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 173 (#397 (tie) most common name, -88.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 76,737
PxHere
#48. Patrick
Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning "nobleman".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,579
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 459 (#188 most common name, -70.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,309
Canva
#47. Bradley
Bradley is a name of English origin meaning "woodland clearing".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,592
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 512 (#171 most common name, -67.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,688
Unsplash
#46. Benjamin
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,620
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,581 (#14 most common name, +59.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,386
Sidharth Sircar // Pexels
#45. Bobby
Bobby is a name of German origin meaning "bright fame".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,623
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 131 (#480 most common name, -91.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #93
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 28,888
Canva
#44. Bryan
Bryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,625
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 402 (#216 most common name, -75.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 71,405
Burst
#43. Brandon
Brandon is a name of English origin meaning "beacon hill" or "crow".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,655
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,074 (#83 most common name, -35.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,085
Lipatova Maryna // Shutterstock
#42. Jeffery
Jeffery is a name of German origin meaning "pledge of peace".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,670
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 164 (#407 most common name, -90.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #67
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,551
yifanjrb // Shutterstock
#41. Marcus
Marcus is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,771
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 518 (#169 most common name, -70.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 39,349
Pixabay
#40. Donald
Donald is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "world ruler".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,823
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 157 (#417 most common name, -91.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 82,475
Canva
#39. Ronald
Ronald is a name of English origin meaning "counsel rule".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,852
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170 (#399 most common name, -90.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,778
Canva
#38. Andrew
Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,881
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,085 (#30 most common name, +10.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,096
Pixabay
#37. Travis
Travis is a name of French origin meaning "to cross".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,899
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 363 (#232 most common name, -80.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 64,139
Unsplash
#36. Chad
Chad is a name of English origin meaning "from the warrior's town".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,899
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 84 (#648 most common name, -95.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,598
Canva
#35. Terry
Terry is a name of German origin meaning "power of the tribe".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,910
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 182 (#376 (tie) most common name, -90.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,358
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#34. Scott
Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning "a Scotsman".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,980
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 108 (#545 most common name, -94.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,707
PxHere
#33. Billy
Billy is a name of English origin meaning "resolute protection".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,012
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 138 (#463 most common name, -93.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #82
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 33,077
noBorders - Brayden Howie // Shutterstock
#32. Gary
Gary is a name of English origin meaning "spearman".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,023
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 138 (#463 most common name, -93.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 68,301
rSnapshotPhotos // Shutterstock
#31. Paul
Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning "humble".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,105
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 373 (#227 (tie) most common name, -82.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 136,498
Canva
#30. Jerry
Jerry is a name of English origin meaning "exalted of the Lord".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,169
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180 (#379 (tie) most common name, -91.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 48,306
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#29. Larry
Larry is a name of Latin origin meaning "from the place of the laurel leaves".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,331
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 198 (#356 (tie) most common name, -91.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,112
Mallmo // Shutterstock
#28. Stephen
Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning "wreath, crown".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,483
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 362 (#233 most common name, -85.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,880
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#27. Gregory
Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning "watchful, alert".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,622
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 259 (#300 (tie) most common name, -90.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 115,646
yifanjrb // Shutterstock
#26. Kenneth
Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "handsome".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,689
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 559 (#159 (tie) most common name, -79.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 111,551
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
#25. Joshua
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,087
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,372 (#19 most common name, -23.2% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 140,406
Yulia Sribna // Shutterstock
#24. Jonathan
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,304
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,498 (#59 most common name, -54.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,996
PxHere
#23. Daniel
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,377
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,059 (#31 most common name, -39.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,582
Ana Paula Lima // Pexels
#22. Steven
Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning "crown".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,543
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 576 (#149 (tie) most common name, -83.7% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 188,214
Canva
#21. Eric
Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning "sole ruler".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,588
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 553 (#161 most common name, -84.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 211,608
Lopolo // Shutterstock
#20. Jeffrey
Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning "pledge of peace".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,637
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 271 (#289 (tie) most common name, -92.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,965
Tomsickova Tatyana // Shutterstock
#19. Thomas
Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,641
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,756 (#49 most common name, -51.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 186,901
Canva
#18. Matthew
Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,649
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,051 (#32 most common name, -43.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 278,010
Gorynvd // Shutterstock
#17. Richard
Richard is a name of German origin meaning "dominant ruler".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,714
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 525 (#165 most common name, -85.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,920
Pixabay
#16. Mark
Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning "God of war".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,721
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 388 (#220 (tie) most common name, -89.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,442
Katrina Elena // Shutterstock
#15. Anthony
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,766
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,416 (#61 most common name, -62.4% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 174,951
Adrie Molco // Shutterstock
#14. Jeremy
Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning "appointed by God".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,969
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 464 (#186 most common name, -88.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,357
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
#13. Joseph
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,149
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,318 (#21 most common name, -44.1% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,939
Canva
#12. Timothy
Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning "honouring God".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,684
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 819 (#107 most common name, -82.5% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 181,367
Canva
#11. Kevin
Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,127
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 830 (#106 most common name, -83.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 212,422
Falcona // Shutterstock
#10. Charles
Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,627
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,010 (#36 most common name, -64.3% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 163,117
Pixabay
#9. Brian
Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 5,960
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 427 (#203 (tie) most common name, -92.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 322,870
Canva
#8. Robert
Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,527
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,792 (#47 most common name, -79.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 397,452
Burst
#7. John
John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,858
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,103 (#9 most common name, -65.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 402,879
Unsplash
#6. William
William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,892
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,460 (#1 most common name, -38.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 283,588
PxHere
#5. David
David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,170
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,296 (#23 most common name, -75.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 446,004
Thammasak Lek // Shutterstock
#4. Jason
Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning "healer".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,499
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 839 (#105 most common name, -92.0% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 462,954
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
#3. Christopher
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 11,839
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,396 (#18 most common name, -79.8% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 475,669
Vasilyev Alexandr // Shutterstock
#2. Michael
Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 13,918
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,793 (#11 most common name, -79.9% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 707,737
Pixabay
#1. James
James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 13,947
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,099 (#3 most common name, -70.6% compared to the 70s)
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 444,982