Popular Names from the 70s

The 1970s was a decade of transformative social and cultural change, flares, disco beats and a wealth of brilliant 70s baby names for boys and girls. Picking a 1970s name can be a fun way to honour a family member, tap into nostalgia or reflect a sense of retro charm. Popular 1970s names are classic and both familiar and fresh, meaning they can stand out among names currently trending in the 2020s.

We explore the top 25 baby names for boys and girls from the 1970s in the UK, as well as the origin and meaning of each 70s name.

Highlights

• Love the 1970s? Here are 50 popular baby names from the decade
• We look at the top 25 baby names for boys and girls from the 1970s for boys and girls, with classic name choices and more modern options for the era
• We also look at the meaning and origin of each 70s baby names

Most Popular 70s Baby Names (Quick Answer)

• The most popular baby names in the UK during the 1970s included classic and timeless choices influenced by biblical, royal, and cultural trends.
• For girls, names like Sarah, Claire, Nicola, Emma, and Lisa were widely used.
• For boys, Paul, Mark, David, Andrew, and Richard were among the most popular.

70s Girl Names

Looking for 1970s inspired names for girls? Here are the top 25 baby girls names from the 70s, plus meanings. This list includes classic choices for girls with royal, biblical and mythological inspiration, along with newer names for the decade.

1. Sarah - Meaning: Sarah is a name of Hebrew origins, and the meaning is princess or noble lady. A Biblical matriarch, Sarah was the wife of Abraham and remained childless until the age of 90, when she became the mother of Isaac. Famous Sarahs include actors Sarah Snook, Sarah Paulson and Sarah Jessica Parker.
2. Claire - Meaning: The name Claire is of French and Latin origin, and the meaning is clear. While not a biblical name, it has spiritual origins as it is often associated with St. Clare of Assisi, who dedicated her life to reflecting God's love and truth.
3. Nicola - Meaning: Nicola has Greek origins and means victory of the people. Derived from the Greek words Nike (victory) and laos (people), it is a name associated with strength and triumph over adversity. Nicola is also the feminine version of the male name Nicholas.
4. Emma - Meaning: Emma is a female name of Germanic origin, derived from the word ermen, which means whole. The name Emma was popularized in the Middle Ages by Emma of Normandy, a noblewoman who became the English, Danish, and Norwegian queen through her marriages to the Anglo-Saxon King Æthelred the Unready and the Danish King Cnut the Great. When it comes to baby names, it remains a timeless classic. Famous women named Emma include actors Emma Stone (who is named Emily) Emma Watson and Emma Thompson.
5. Lisa - Meaning: Lisa has Hebrew origins, and means God is my oath. It is derived from the name Elisheba (Elizabeth) and was often used as a short form or nickname of Elizabeth. However, Lisa became popular as a standalone name in the UK and the US throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
6. Joanne - Meaning: The name Joanne has Hebrew and Greek origins and means God is gracious. It is derived from the Hebrew word Yochanan (meaning Yahweh or God is gracious) and the Greek word Ioanna. It is a female variant of the name John. Joanne is also a biblical name, from the Gospel of Luke, where Joanna was the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward.
7. Michelle - Meaning: A feminine given name of French and Hebrew origin, Michelle means ‘who is like God?’ It is the French female variant of the name Michel or Michael. Historically linked to the Archangel Michael, the name Michelle is a biblical name that is commonly in Christian traditions. Modern day Michelles include former US first lady Michelle Obama. The Beatles also had a song, Michelle, which was a French-inspired love ballad.
8. Helen - Meaning: Helen has Ancient Greek origin, meaning light. It is associated with the mythological figure of Helen of Troy, a central figure in Greek mythology as the daughter of Zeus who was known for her beauty. Her story has influenced literature and culture for centuries, and the name Helen remains a timeless and classic choice when naming your baby.
9. Samantha - Meaning: Samantha has Hebrew and Greek origins, and is the feminine form of the male name Samuel. Samantha is thought to have originated as a female name choice in the 18^th century as a combination of the male Hebrew name Samuel (meaning God has heard) and the Greek word Anthea (meaning flower), with the meaning as listener or flower of God. Popularised by the 1960s TV show Bewitched, it’s also the name of Sex and the City character Samantha Jones.
10. Karen - Meaning: Karen is a condensed version of the Greek name Katherine, derived from the Greek word katharos, meaning pure. While in recent years Karen has been popularised as a slang term for a demanding person, the name has a strong history - Karen is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Danish diminutive of Katherine. It was historically popular in Scandinavia before spreading in popularity around the world.
11. Amanda - Meaning: The name Amanda originates from the Latin word amare, (to love), and means ‘worthy of love.’ Amanda as a name has historically been a popular choice in classic literature, including Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie. Famous women named Amanda include TV presenter Amanda Holden and actor Amanda Seyfried.
12. Rachel - Meaning: Rachel is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning is ewe or female sheep. Rachel was the name of a biblical matriarch, the beloved wife of Jacob, who was known for her beauty. As a name it signifies innocence, purity, and gentleness. Modern day Rachels include singer and actor Rachel Zeigler, and actors Rachel McAdams, Rachel Weisz, and Rachel Brosnahan. Rachel was also the name of one of the central characters in the TV show Friends.
13. Louise - Meaning: Louise has French and German origins and means famous warrior. It is the feminine form of the name Louis, which was derived from the Germanic name Ludwig. It is also a common royal family name, given to Princess Louise the (daughter of Queen Victoria) and Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, the eldest daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
14. Julie - Meaning: Julie is a feminine name of Latin and French origin, meaning youthful, downy haired or devoted to Jove (Jupiter). It is derived from the name Julia or Julius, which was a Roman family name. The most famous modern Julie is Julie Andrews, the actress and singer known for her roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music.
15. Clare - Meaning: A variant of the name Claire, Clare is of French and Latin origins and means clear. While the name Clare and Claire do not appear in the bible, it is often associated with St. Clare of Assisi, who dedicated her life to reflecting God's love and truth.
16. Rebecca - Meaning: Rebecca is a biblical name with Hebrew origins, derived from the name Hebrew name Rivkah, meaning to tie, bind or to join. A biblical name, Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau in the Book of Genesis. It’s also a name commonly used in literature, and is the title character from the Daphne du Marrier book Rebecca.
17. Sharon - Meaning: The name Sharon is a biblical name with Hebrew origins. It is derived from the Hebrew word šārôn, which translates as plain or level land, as it refers to the Sharon plain between the Samarian Hills and the Mediterranean coast, an area known for its flowers. It is also a name of biblical significance, as it appears in the Song of Songs in association with a flower, the rose of Sharon.
18. Victoria - Meaning: Victoria is a name of Latin origin, meaning victory, conquer or winner, taken from the Latin term vincere. In Greek mythology, the name was associated with the Roman goddess of victory, equivalent to the Greek goddess Nike, and as such carries connotations of strength. It is the feminine equivalent of the male name Victor, as well as a royal baby name, linked to Queen Victoria. Famous Victorias include pop star, designer and style icon Victoria Beckham.
19. Caroline - Meaning: Love the name Caroline? It is a feminine name of French, German, and Latin origin derived from the name Charles, which was itself derived from the Latin name Carolus. Caroline means free woman or freeholder and represents strength and elegance. Both Caroline and Charles and associated with royalty, and is the name of Princess Caroline of Hanover, eldest child of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, and sister to Prince Albert II of Monaco. A central figure in Monaco’s Grimaldi family, she has often served as the country’s de facto first lady and is third in line to the throne.
20. Susan - Meaning: Susan is a female given name of Hebrew origin, with historical use in Persian, Greek and Egyptian. Susan translates to lily, lotus flower or water lily, and signifies purity, innocence, and beauty. There are many variations of the name Susan, including Susanna/Susannah (Latin/Greek), Suzanne (French), Susana (Spanish/Portuguese), Susanne (German) and Zuzana/Zuzanna (Czech/Polish/Hungarian).
21. Alison - Meaning: Alison is a female name of English, French, Germanic and Scottish origins, meaning noble or of noble kind, and carries connotations as a name of a defender of men. It potentially originated as a short form of Alice from the name Adelheidis, or a short from of the name Alexandra, the female version of Alexander. It is a name used in Scotland from as early as the 12^th century.
22. Catherine - Meaning: Catherine is a classic feminine name of Greek origin, meaning pure. It is also a popular royal name and is associated with numerous queens including Catherine the Great of Russia and Catherine of Aragon. A current-day royal Catherine is the Princess of Wales, member of the British royal family and future Queen of England. As a name Catherine is commonly found in literature, and is the name of the character Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights.
23. Elizabeth - Meaning: Elizabeth is a female given name of Hebrew origin, and is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means God is my oath or pledged to God. It is a biblical name, as Elisheba was the wife of Aaron in the book of Exodus, and the mother of John the Baptist in the Gospel of Luke. Elizabeth also has a long tradition as a royal name, and was the name of Queen Elizabeth I, the last monarch of the House of Tudor, and Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in the UK royal family. There are many commonly used nicknames for Elizabeth including Liz, Lizzie, Libby, Eliza, Beth, Bess, and Ellie.
24. Deborah - Meaning: The name Deborah is of Hebrew origin, and means bee. It’s a name that symbolises hard work, sweetness and wisdom. Deborah is a biblical name from the Old Testament, where Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge of Israel. Variants of the name Deborah include Debra, Debora, Devorah (the Hebrew version), Débora (the French, Portuguese and Spanish version).
25. Donna - Meaning: Donna as a name has Italian and Latin origins, and means lady or woman. It also denotes a historical female figure of high status, from the Latin word domna, a feminine title of respect equivalent to Don or Madonna. Donna first rose to popularity as a first name during the 1950s and 1960s, and is associated with elegance, strength, and femininity.

70s Boy Names

If you love 1970s inspired names for boys, read the top 25 boys names from the 1970s, plus the name origins and meanings. Baby boy names from this decade feature biblical classics, those inspired by Greek mythology and cool 70s name choices.

1. Paul - Meaning: The most popular name for boys in the UK in the 1970s, Paul is a name of Latin origins, derived from the name Paulus or Paullus, meaning small or little. Historically used as a Roman family name to distinguish between the younger or smaller of two people, Paul is also a biblical name, and gained popularity as the name used by St Paul the Apostle in the Bible.
2. Mark - Meaning: A name of Latin origin, Mark is derived from the name Marcus and the Roman god of war, Mars. It means warlike, consecrated to the god Mars or God of war. Mark is a biblical name, taken from Mark the Evangelist, author of the second Gospel. Famous men named Mark include Facebook tech entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg and actors Mark Wahlberg, Mark Hamill, and Mark Ruffalo.
3. David - Meaning: David means beloved or friend, and is derived from the Hebrew word dod. It’s also a biblical name, associated with the story of David and Goliath, where David, a young shepherd, defeated Goliath, a giant, using faith and skill against overwhelming odds.
4. Andrew - Meaning: The name Andrew is of Greek origin, meaning manly or strong. It is a biblical name, as Andrew was Jesus’s first apostle. There are variants of Andrew in many other countries and cultures, including Andre / André (French / Portuguese), Andreas (Greek / German), Andres / Andrés (Spanish), Andrei (Russian / Romanian), Andrej (Slavic), Anders (Scandinavian), Andor (Hungarian) and Andrea (Italian).
5. Richard - Meaning: Richard is of Germanic origin, meaning brave ruler or strong king. It’s also a royal name, from King Richard I of England (Richard the Lionheart) who was known for his military prowess during the Third Crusade. As such, Richard is a name associated with strength, power and leadership.
6. Christopher - Meaning: Christopher is a male name of Greek origin that has been around since the 10^th century. It is derived from the word Christophoros – itself created from the words Christós and phérein - meaning Christ-bearer or bearer of Christ. While the name doesn’t specifically appear in the bible, it is historically tied to the legend of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, and as a name it represents the carrying of faith. Common nicknames include Chris, Topher, and Kit
7. James - Meaning: The name James has Hebrew origins, from the name Yaakov (Jacob), meaning supplanter. James is a prominent biblical name, as James, the son of Zebedee (an Apostle) and James, brother of Jesus. A classic name for boys, James signifies royalty, strength and leadership and has been used by 13 Scottish and English monarchs.
8. Simon - Meaning: Of both Hebrew and Greek origin, Simon means he has heard. It is associated with the Biblical figure Simon Peter, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles. Simon has variants and equivalents in many languages include Simeon (Hebrew), Simón (Spanish), Simone (Italian), and Symon.
9. Michael - Meaning: Michael is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘Who is like God?’ It is associated with the archangel who conquered Satan, representing a protector or warrior. A biblical name, it has variants in many different languages and countries, including Mihály (Hungarian). Famous men named Michael include Oscar winning actor Michael B. Jordan, basketball player Michael Jordan and singer Michael Buble.
10. Matthew - Meaning: The name Matthew is of Hebrew origin, derived from Mattityahu, meaning gift of Yahweh or gift of God. It is a classic boy's name with deep biblical roots, referring to one of the twelve apostles and author of the first Gospel. Variations of Matthew include Matteo (Italian), Matthieu or Mathieu (French), Matthias/Mathis (German/Scandinavian) and Mateo (Spanish).
11. Stephen - Meaning: The name Stephen (alternative spelling Steven) is of Greek origin, meaning crown or garland. A biblical name, it is strongly associated with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Famous Stephens include scientist Stephen Hawking, writer Stephen King and actor Stephen Fry.
12. Lee - Meaning: Lee has Old English, Irish and Chinese origins, meaning clearing, meadow or field, and was a name given to someone who lived in those locations. It was used as an anglicised form of the name Ó Laoidigh, which means descendant of Liathach.
13. John - Meaning: The name John originates from the Hebrew name Yohanan or Yehochanan, the Greek Ioannes and the Latin Iohannes, meaning God is gracious. It’s a biblical name that appears in the New Testament and is popular due to associations with John the Baptist and John the Apostle. It is considered a strong male name, associated with kindness and loyalty.
14. Robert - Meaning: Robert is a male given name of Germanic origins, derived from the word Hrodebert, which is made up of two words, hrod (fame) and berht (bright). The name Robert means bright fame. It was popularized by Norman nobility and is a classic, popular name associated with royalty, poets, singers and actors including Scottish king Robert the Bruce, poet Robert Burns and singer Robbie Williams.
15. Darren - Meaning: Darren is a male given name of Irish and Gaelic origin, with roots in the Welsh language. The meaning of Darren is taken to be oak tree, from the Gaelic names derived from Darragh or Dáire. Other meanings are potentially great, small or rocky hill, or potentially edge. The name is said to symbolise strength and longevity.
16. Daniel - Meaning: Meaning God is my judge, Daniel has Hebrew origins and as a name it represents loyalty, wisdom, and faith. A classical biblical name that is popular around the world, the name is linked to the prophet Daniel in the Old Testament, a figure known for surviving the lions' den by displaying strong faith in captivity.
17. Steven - Meaning: The name Steven (alternative spelling of Stephen) is of Greek origin, meaning crown or garland. A biblical name, it is strongly associated with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Famous examples of Stevens include director Steven Spielberg and Apple founder Steve Jobs.
18. Jason - Meaning: Jason has Greek and Hebrew origins, meaning healer. A classical name, it is linked to the famous Greek mythological hero Jason, who led the Argonauts on a quest to find the Golden Fleece. In the Bible, Jason of Thessalonica is a New Testament figure who faced persecution due to his religious beliefs and acts.
19. Nicholas - Meaning: The name Nicholas is of Greek origin, deriving from the words Nike (meaning victory) and laos (meaning people) combined to mean victory of the people. If you want a Christmas-themed name, it’s also associated with Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus.
20. Jonathan - Meaning: Jonathan is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Jonathan is God has given. In the bible, Jonathan is the eldest son of King Saul and a devoted friend to David. A courageous warrior skilled in archery and slinging, he was victorious in battle against the Philistines. Despite being heir to the throne, he accepted David as the future king and sacrificed his own ambition, and as result of this the name symbolises loyalty and friendship.
21. Ian - Meaning: Ian is the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of the name John, which is of Hebrew origin, meaning God is gracious or the Lord is gracious. Famous men called Ian include actor Ian McKellen and footballer and presenter Ian Wright.
22. Neil - Meaning: Neil is a male given name of Irish and Gaelic origin, meaning champion, passionate or cloud. It is believed to have been derived from the Gaelic name Niall, and gained popularity on a wider scale in the mid-20th century.
23. Peter - Meaning: The name Peter is derived from the Greek word petros, meaning rock or stone. A biblical name, it was chosen by Jesus for the Apostle Peter, signifying him as the rock upon which the church was built. There are also versions of Peter in many other languages, including the French Name Pierre. Peter is also the name of classic literature and film figure Peter Pan, a fictional boy who refuses to grow up, created by Scottish author J. M. Barrie.
24. Stuart - Meaning: Stuart is a name with Scottish, French, and English origins. The meaning is steward, from the Old English word stigweard which means house guard. Considered a royal name, it was famously associated with the royal House of Stuart.
25. Anthony - Meaning: Anthony is a masculine name of Latin and Greek origin, and is believed to have been derived from the Latin name Antonius, which was also a Roman family name. The meaning of Anthony is priceless one or highly praiseworthy. It is also believed to have originated from the Greek word anthos, meaning flower or flourishing. Historically, the name is associated with the Roman general Mark Antony and St. Anthony of Padua.

FAQs about 70s Baby Names

What were popular baby names in the 1970s?

Baby names in the 1970s in the UK were typically traditional, with strong influences from biblical, royal, and classic European origins. Many of the most popular names were simple, widely recognised, and easy to spell and pronounce, reflecting a preference for timeless choices over more unusual or modern names.

Are 70s names making a comeback?

Yes, many baby names from the 1970s are becoming popular again as part of a wider trend towards vintage and retro names. Parents are increasingly drawn to names that feel familiar yet distinctive today, with classic choices continuing to return to popularity across the UK.

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