Groovy man! These were the most popular boy names in the 70s in Kentucky
Published 11:52 am Saturday, June 19, 2021
Tatiana Dyuvbanova // Shutterstock
Most popular boy names in the 70s in Kentucky
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 Kentucky 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.
Adrie Molco // Shutterstock
#50. Bobby
Bobby is a name of German origin meaning “bright fame”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,295
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86 (#443 most common name, -93.4% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #93
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 28,888
Lopolo // Shutterstock
#49. Brandon
Brandon is a name of English origin meaning “beacon hill” or “crow”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,306
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 586 (#95 most common name, -55.1% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #51
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 65,085
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#48. Patrick
Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning “nobleman”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,318
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 295 (#185 most common name, -77.6% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #37
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,309
marina shin // Shutterstock
#47. Phillip
Phillip is a name of Greek origin meaning “fond of horses”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,343
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 131 (#327 (tie) most common name, -90.2% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #70
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 39,785
Canva
#46. Benjamin
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “son of my days”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,365
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,686 (#20 most common name, +23.5% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #44
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,386
Unsplash
#45. Jeffery
Jeffery is a name of German origin meaning “pledge of peace”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,376
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 108 (#385 most common name, -92.2% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #66
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 44,551
Jeremy Bishop // Unsplash
#44. Terry
Terry is a name of German origin meaning “power of the tribe”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,418
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85 (#445 (tie) most common name, -94.0% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #68
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 42,358
Min An // Pexels
#43. Bryan
Bryan is a name of Irish origin meaning “noble”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,454
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 220 (#237 most common name, -84.9% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #46
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 71,405
Pshenina_m // Shutterstock
#42. Andrew
Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning “brave”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,455
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,334 (#36 most common name, -8.3% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #28
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 133,096
Pexels
#41. Aaron
Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “high mountain”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,457
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 643 (#91 most common name, -55.9% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #35
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 101,539
Serenko Natalia // Shutterstock
#40. Adam
Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “earth”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,458
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 469 (#118 (tie) most common name, -67.8% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #36
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 91,829
Unsplash
#39. Bradley
Bradley is a name of English origin meaning “woodland clearing”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,554
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 343 (#166 (tie) most common name, -77.9% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #56
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,688
Canva
#38. Jerry
Jerry is a name of English origin meaning “exalted of the Lord”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,671
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 112 (#374 most common name, -93.3% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #62
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 48,306
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
#37. Billy
Billy is a name of English origin meaning “resolute protection”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,744
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93 (#424 (tie) most common name, -94.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #82
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 33,077
Irisska // Shutterstock
#36. Ronald
Ronald is a name of English origin meaning “counsel rule”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,765
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 101 (#406 most common name, -94.3% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #43
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 81,778
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
#35. Shawn
Shawn is a name of Irish origin meaning “God is gracious”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 1,915
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 190 (#257 (tie) most common name, -90.1% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #34
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 105,831
Canva
#34. Gary
Gary is a name of English origin meaning “spearman”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,025
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 108 (#385 most common name, -94.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #47
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 68,301
PxHere
#33. Larry
Larry is a name of Latin origin meaning “from the place of the laurel leaves”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,031
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102 (#403 (tie) most common name, -95.0% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #57
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 58,112
Canva
#32. Chad
Chad is a name of English origin meaning “from the warrior’s town”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,050
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 33 (#663 most common name, -98.4% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #30
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 113,598
Anna Grigorjeva // Shutterstock
#31. Scott
Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning “a Scotsman”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,086
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 52 (#563 (tie) most common name, -97.5% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #17
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,707
Canva
#30. Donald
Donald is a name of Gaelic origin meaning “world ruler”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,130
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 123 (#342 (tie) most common name, -94.2% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #42
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 82,475
Canva
#29. Kenneth
Kenneth is a name of Gaelic origin meaning “handsome”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,327
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 376 (#154 (tie) most common name, -83.8% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #31
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 111,551
yifanjrb // Shutterstock
#28. Paul
Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning “humble”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,363
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 261 (#203 most common name, -89.0% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #27
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 136,498
PxHere
#27. Stephen
Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning “wreath, crown”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,365
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 289 (#189 most common name, -87.8% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #33
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,880
My Good Images // Shutterstock
#26. Jonathan
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God has given”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,494
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 880 (#66 most common name, -64.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #32
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 107,996
PxHere
#25. Gregory
Gregory is a name of Latin origin meaning “watchful, alert”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,503
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170 (#274 most common name, -93.2% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #29
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 115,646
Unsplash
#24. Joshua
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God Is my salvation”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,510
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,357 (#33 most common name, -45.9% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #24
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 140,406
Unsplash
#23. Daniel
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is my judge”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 2,904
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,141 (#48 most common name, -60.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #12
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,582
morrowlight // Shutterstock
#22. Thomas
Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning “twin”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,051
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 968 (#58 most common name, -68.3% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #20
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 186,901
Tatiana Chekryzhova // Shutterstock
#21. Richard
Richard is a name of German origin meaning “dominant ruler”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,098
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 340 (#168 most common name, -89.0% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #16
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,920
Gorynvd // Shutterstock
#20. Eric
Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning “sole ruler”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,200
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 296 (#184 most common name, -90.8% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #14
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 211,608
Roman Sorkin // Shutterstock
#19. Jeffrey
Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning “pledge of peace”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,269
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 182 (#265 most common name, -94.4% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #15
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 202,965
Canva
#18. Jeremy
Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning “appointed by God”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,369
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 227 (#233 most common name, -93.3% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #26
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 139,357
Burst
#17. Anthony
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning “praiseworthy”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,397
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 924 (#61 most common name, -72.8% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #22
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 174,951
noBorders – Brayden Howie // Shutterstock
#16. Mark
Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning “God of war”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,428
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 254 (#209 most common name, -92.6% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #18
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 194,442
Yulia Sribna // Shutterstock
#15. Steven
Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning “crown”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,667
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 411 (#137 most common name, -88.8% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #19
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 188,214
Canva
#14. Matthew
Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “Gift of Yahweh”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 3,754
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,326 (#38 most common name, -64.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #10
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 278,010
Pixabay
#13. Timothy
Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning “honouring God”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,153
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 537 (#107 most common name, -87.1% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #21
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 181,367
Vasilyev Alexandr // Shutterstock
#12. Kevin
Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning “noble”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,357
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 449 (#123 most common name, -89.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #13
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 212,422
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
#11. Joseph
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “he will add”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,536
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,536 (#28 most common name, -66.1% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #11
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 244,939
Canva
#10. Charles
Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning “free man”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 4,925
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,282 (#41 most common name, -74.0% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #23
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 163,117
Falcona // Shutterstock
#9. Brian
Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning “noble”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 6,256
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 268 (#200 most common name, -95.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #8
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 322,870
Tatiana Chekryzhova // Shutterstock
#8. John
John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “Yahweh has been gracious”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,520
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,833 (#10 most common name, -75.6% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #6
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 402,879
Pixabay
#7. Robert
Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning “fame” or “bright”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,598
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,009 (#55 most common name, -86.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #7
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 397,452
Canva
#6. William
William is a name of Germanic origin meaning “vehement protector”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 7,839
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,309 (#1 most common name, -57.8% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #9
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 283,588
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#5. David
David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “beloved”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 8,254
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,273 (#43 most common name, -84.6% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #4
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 446,004
Canva
#4. Jason
Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning “healer”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 9,136
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 552 (#104 most common name, -94.0% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #3
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 462,954
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
#3. Christopher
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning “Christ-bearer”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 10,924
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,375 (#32 most common name, -87.4% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #2
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 475,669
Unsplash
#2. Michael
Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God?”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 12,222
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,711 (#18 most common name, -86.0% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #1
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 707,737
MIA Studio // Shutterstock
#1. James
James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “supplanter”.
Kentucky
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 12,352
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,628 (#4 most common name, -78.7% compared to the 70s)
National
– Rank: #5
– Number of babies from 1970 to 1979: 444,982
