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Popular Baby Names from the 1980s

The most popular baby names of the 1980s, ranked by number of births recorded by the Social Security Administration.

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1880s

Girl Names of the 1980s

  1. 1.
    Jessica

    Hebrew · God beholds

    469,510 births
  2. 2.
    Jennifer

    Cornish / Welsh · Fair one, a gentle beauty and radiance of spirit

    440,914 births
  3. 3.
    Amanda

    Latin · Worthy of love, beloved and admirable

    369,727 births
  4. 4.
    Ashley

    Old English · Ash tree meadow, natural grace and peaceful strength

    352,185 births
  5. 5.
    Sarah

    Hebrew · Princess, a woman of dignity and grace

    272,637 births
  6. 6.
    Stephanie

    Greek · Crown bearer, dignity and honor personified

    218,173 births
  7. 7.
    Melissa

    Greek · Sweet as a honeybee, industrious and nurturing

    217,922 births
  8. 8.
    Nicole

    Greek · Victory of the people

    210,494 births
  9. 9.
    Elizabeth

    Hebrew · My God is a promise

    198,972 births
  10. 10.
    Heather

    English · A blooming flowering plant of the moor, resilient and wild

    191,852 births
  11. 11.
    Tiffany

    Greek / Old French · Divine revelation and radiant manifestation of God

    158,625 births
  12. 12.
    Michelle

    Hebrew · Who is like God?

    154,027 births
  13. 13.
    Amber

    Arabic / English · Warm golden resin, glowing with light and warmth

    153,951 births
  14. 14.
    Megan

    Welsh · Pearl, precious and radiant

    153,500 births
  15. 15.
    Amy

    Latin / French · Deeply beloved, cherished with affection

    150,662 births
  16. 16.
    Rachel

    Hebrew · Ewe of gentleness; innocent and tender grace

    146,675 births
  17. 17.
    Kimberly

    Old English · Royal fortress meadow

    146,452 births
  18. 18.
    Christina

    Latin / Greek · Follower of Christ, anointed one

    146,008 births
  19. 19.
    Lauren

    Latin · Laurel

    145,161 births
  20. 20.
    Crystal

    Latin / Greek · Clarity and brightness, transparent beauty within

    141,007 births
  21. 21.
    Brittany

    Latin · From Brittany; spirited and independent strength

    140,854 births
  22. 22.
    Rebecca

    Hebrew · Captivating, or joined together

    136,248 births
  23. 23.
    Laura

    Latin · Crowned with laurel, honored and evergreen

    134,608 births
  24. 24.
    Danielle

    Hebrew · God is my judge

    134,379 births
  25. 25.
    Emily

    Latin · Striving to excel

    131,764 births
  26. 26.
    Samantha

    Hebrew / Greek · God has heard

    121,124 births
  27. 27.
    Angela

    Latin / Greek · Messenger angel, heavenly and graceful

    116,595 births
  28. 28.
    Erin

    Irish Gaelic · Ireland

    115,811 births
  29. 29.
    Kelly

    Irish Gaelic · Bright-headed, spirited and lively

    109,539 births
  30. 30.
    Sara

    Hebrew · Princess, noble and dignified

    104,682 births
  31. 31.
    Lisa

    Hebrew · God's sacred oath and devotion

    102,610 births
  32. 32.
    Katherine

    Greek · Pure

    99,175 births
  33. 33.
    Andrea

    Greek · Strength and courage, valiant spirit of a warrior

    98,263 births
  34. 34.
    Jamie

    Hebrew · Supplanter, or may God protect

    96,556 births
  35. 35.
    Mary

    Hebrew · Beloved

    95,862 births
  36. 36.
    Erica

    Old Norse · Eternal ruler, powerful and enduring leader

    93,159 births
  37. 37.
    Courtney

    Old French · Grace and elegance of the royal court

    84,309 births
  38. 38.
    Kristen

    Latin · Follower of Christ, believer's faithful heart

    83,228 births
  39. 39.
    Shannon

    Irish Gaelic · Wise river, flowing with ancient grace

    78,420 births
  40. 40.
    April

    Latin · Blooming renewal and springtime awakening

    75,950 births
  41. 41.
    Katie

    Greek · Pure

    72,883 births
  42. 42.
    Lindsey

    Old English · Linden tree island, graceful and grounded strength

    71,940 births
  43. 43.
    Kristin

    Latin / Scandinavian · Follower of Christ, steadfast in faith and grace

    70,558 births
  44. 44.
    Lindsay

    Old English / Scottish · From the island of linden trees, gentle beauty

    68,491 births
  45. 45.
    Christine

    Latin / Greek · Follower of Christ; devoted and graceful

    68,016 births
  46. 46.
    Alicia

    Old Germanic · Noble

    66,966 births
  47. 47.
    Maria

    Hebrew / Latin · Beloved

    65,778 births
  48. 48.
    Vanessa

    Modern English · Butterfly

    65,731 births
  49. 49.
    Kathryn

    Greek · Pure

    62,443 births
  50. 50.
    Allison

    English, from Old Germanic · Noble

    62,327 births
  51. 51.
    Julie

    Latin · Youthful

    61,682 births
  52. 52.
    Anna

    Hebrew · Graceful favor and cherished blessing

    57,327 births
  53. 53.
    Tara

    Irish Gaelic / Sanskrit · Star of the sea, and sacred hill of ancient wisdom

    56,338 births
  54. 54.
    Kayla

    Modern American / Irish · Crown of laurel, or pure

    55,291 births
  55. 55.
    Natalie

    Latin · Born at Christmas, blessed with joy and renewal

    54,428 births
  56. 56.
    Victoria

    Latin · Victory and triumph, strength through conquest

    53,272 births
  57. 57.
    Monica

    Latin · Advisor

    51,863 births
  58. 58.
    Jacqueline

    French · Supplanter, or may God protect

    51,561 births
  59. 59.
    Holly

    English · The holly plant—symbol of protection and cheer

    49,653 births
  60. 60.
    Kristina

    Greek · Follower of Christ, anointed one

    45,947 births
  61. 61.
    Patricia

    Latin · Noble and of patrician birth, dignified and proud

    45,127 births
  62. 62.
    Cassandra

    Greek · She who shines upon people

    44,911 births
  63. 63.
    Brandy

    Dutch / Modern American · Spirited and warm, a name distilled from nature

    44,527 births
  64. 64.
    Whitney

    Old English · White island, pure and independent spirit

    44,373 births
  65. 65.
    Chelsea

    Old English · Chalk landing place

    43,163 births
  66. 66.
    Brandi

    Modern American / Dutch · Fiery spirit of the burn; strong-willed and bold

    42,890 births
  67. 67.
    Catherine

    Greek · Pure

    42,437 births
  68. 68.
    Cynthia

    Greek · Goddess of the moon, radiant and divine

    41,666 births
  69. 69.
    Kathleen

    Irish / Greek · Pure and clear, with strength of spirit

    39,394 births
  70. 70.
    Veronica

    Latin · True image, or bringer of victory

    39,231 births
  71. 71.
    Leslie

    Scottish Gaelic · Holly garden

    38,729 births
  72. 72.
    Natasha

    Russian / Latin · Reborn and joyful, Christmas child blessed with grace

    38,213 births
  73. 73.
    Krystal

    Greek · Clear and brilliant, transparent beauty

    37,496 births
  74. 74.
    Stacy

    Greek · Resurrection and new beginning's promise

    36,990 births
  75. 75.
    Diana

    Latin · Divine huntress; light, illumination, and independence

    36,904 births
  76. 76.
    Erika

    Old Norse / Scandinavian · Eternal ruler, forever brave and powerful

    36,852 births
  77. 77.
    Dana

    Hebrew / Persian / Irish Gaelic · Wise judge, divine gift, bright beauty

    36,826 births
  78. 78.
    Jenna

    Arabic / Hebrew · Fair one

    36,601 births
  79. 79.
    Meghan

    Irish Gaelic / Hebrew · Pearl of gentle strength and beauty

    36,206 births
  80. 80.
    Carrie

    English · Graceful and beloved bearer of love

    36,079 births
  81. 81.
    Leah

    Hebrew · Weary, or cow, or delicate

    36,056 births
  82. 82.
    Melanie

    Greek · Dark

    35,952 births
  83. 83.
    Brooke

    Old English · Small flowing stream, gentle and natural

    34,977 births
  84. 84.
    Karen

    Greek · Pure-hearted and luminously sincere

    34,914 births
  85. 85.
    Alexandra

    Greek · Defender of the people

    34,817 births
  86. 86.
    Valerie

    Latin · Strong, valiant, and full of vigor

    34,629 births
  87. 87.
    Caitlin

    Irish Gaelic · Pure light and innocent grace

    33,584 births
  88. 88.
    Julia

    Latin · Youthful

    33,354 births
  89. 89.
    Alyssa

    Germanic / Old English · Noble

    32,952 births
  90. 90.
    Jasmine

    Persian · The jasmine flower

    32,952 births
  91. 91.
    Hannah

    Hebrew · Grace and compassion, deeply cherished

    32,702 births
  92. 92.
    Stacey

    Greek · Resurrection and new beginnings, renewed spirit

    32,138 births
  93. 93.
    Brittney

    Latin · From Brittany, a land of strength and timeless beauty

    31,532 births
  94. 94.
    Susan

    Hebrew · Graceful lily, blooming with beauty and purity

    30,549 births
  95. 95.
    Margaret

    Greek · Pearl of great price, luminous and precious

    30,352 births
  96. 96.
    Sandra

    Greek · Defender of humanity, strong and protective spirit

    30,048 births
  97. 97.
    Candice

    Latin · Brilliant radiance and clarity

    29,847 births
  98. 98.
    Latoya

    Modern American · Victory

    29,537 births
  99. 99.
    Bethany

    Hebrew / Aramaic · House of figs

    29,331 births
  100. 100.
    Misty

    Modern English · Ethereal and softly mysterious

    29,114 births

Boy Names of the 1980s

  1. 1.
    Michael

    Hebrew · Who is like God?

    663,807 births
  2. 2.
    Christopher

    Greek · Bearer of Christ, a protector and guide with divine purpose

    554,863 births
  3. 3.
    Matthew

    Hebrew · Gift of God, a blessing bestowed with grace

    458,951 births
  4. 4.
    Joshua

    Hebrew · God is salvation, a deliverer and guide

    396,524 births
  5. 5.
    David

    Hebrew · Beloved one; cherished with tenderness and grace

    383,687 births
  6. 6.
    James

    Hebrew · Supplanter, or may God protect

    356,491 births
  7. 7.
    Daniel

    Hebrew · God is my judge, a name of faith and divine wisdom

    345,537 births
  8. 8.
    Robert

    Germanic (Old German) · Bright fame; shining with renown and honor

    321,655 births
  9. 9.
    John

    Hebrew · God is gracious

    321,150 births
  10. 10.
    Joseph

    Hebrew · God will increase; blessed with abundance and growth

    299,411 births
  11. 11.
    Jason

    Greek · Healer

    292,120 births
  12. 12.
    Justin

    Latin · Just and righteous, fair and true

    289,825 births
  13. 13.
    Andrew

    Greek · Strong and courageous, a true warrior spirit

    285,074 births
  14. 14.
    Ryan

    Irish Gaelic · Little king

    278,938 births
  15. 15.
    William

    Germanic (Old German) · Resolute protector; steadfast guardian with iron will

    248,277 births
  16. 16.
    Brian

    Irish Gaelic · High and noble

    233,993 births
  17. 17.
    Brandon

    Old English · Hill covered in broom

    232,206 births
  18. 18.
    Jonathan

    Hebrew · God has given

    229,953 births
  19. 19.
    Nicholas

    Greek · People's victory and noble triumph

    223,308 births
  20. 20.
    Anthony

    Latin · Highly praiseworthy, or priceless

    211,861 births
  21. 21.
    Eric

    Old Norse · Eternal ruler, strength and honorable leadership

    204,230 births
  22. 22.
    Adam

    Hebrew · Man of the red earth

    195,086 births
  23. 23.
    Kevin

    Irish Gaelic · Gentle and kind-hearted, noble of spirit

    188,670 births
  24. 24.
    Thomas

    Aramaic · Twin, a name of deep connection and spiritual resonance

    177,817 births
  25. 25.
    Steven

    Greek · Crown-bearer, victor adorned with laurels

    177,454 births
  26. 26.
    Timothy

    Greek · One who honors God with reverent devotion

    172,835 births
  27. 27.
    Richard

    Germanic (Old German) · Powerful ruler; brave heart with courageous strength

    154,745 births
  28. 28.
    Jeremy

    Hebrew · God will uplift and exalt

    153,413 births
  29. 29.
    Jeffrey

    Germanic / Hebrew · God's peace

    144,789 births
  30. 30.
    Kyle

    Scottish Gaelic · Narrow strait, where waters meet and connect

    141,947 births
  31. 31.
    Benjamin

    Hebrew · Son of the right hand, favored and strong

    141,366 births
  32. 32.
    Aaron

    Hebrew · Exalted, or high mountain

    138,357 births
  33. 33.
    Charles

    Germanic (Old German) · Free man

    131,902 births
  34. 34.
    Mark

    Latin · Devoted to Mars, bearing the strength of a warrior

    129,442 births
  35. 35.
    Jacob

    Hebrew · Supplanter, or may God protect

    124,254 births
  36. 36.
    Stephen

    Greek · Crown

    113,631 births
  37. 37.
    Patrick

    Latin · Nobleman

    111,408 births
  38. 38.
    Scott

    Old English · From Scotland

    108,144 births
  39. 39.
    Nathan

    Hebrew · God gave; a blessing bestowed with purpose

    105,987 births
  40. 40.
    Paul

    Latin · Small, or humble

    104,397 births
  41. 41.
    Sean

    Irish Gaelic · God is gracious

    103,870 births
  42. 42.
    Travis

    Old French · Keeper of the crossing

    102,927 births
  43. 43.
    Zachary

    Hebrew · God remembers with infinite love and care

    101,818 births
  44. 44.
    Dustin

    Norse / Old English · Thor's stone

    97,314 births
  45. 45.
    Gregory

    Greek · Watchful protector, vigilant and wise

    93,655 births
  46. 46.
    Kenneth

    Scottish Gaelic · Handsome, or born of fire

    89,110 births
  47. 47.
    Jose

    Hebrew · God will increase; blessed and abundant

    86,647 births
  48. 48.
    Tyler

    English · Builder of roofs, skilled and constructive maker

    86,451 births
  49. 49.
    Jesse

    Hebrew · Gift

    85,908 births
  50. 50.
    Alexander

    Greek · Defender of the people

    82,010 births
  51. 51.
    Bryan

    Irish Gaelic / Old English · High and noble

    80,502 births
  52. 52.
    Samuel

    Hebrew · God has heard

    73,456 births
  53. 53.
    Derek

    Old German · Ruler of the people, true leader with dignity

    72,923 births
  54. 54.
    Bradley

    Old English · Broad meadow of strength and freedom

    69,352 births
  55. 55.
    Chad

    Old English · Defender of warriors, strong fighter of the land

    69,051 births
  56. 56.
    Shawn

    Irish Gaelic · God's gracious gift, full of divine favor

    65,598 births
  57. 57.
    Edward

    Old English · Prosperous guardian, protector of wealth and wellbeing

    60,832 births
  58. 58.
    Jared

    Hebrew · Descent

    60,308 births
  59. 59.
    Cody

    Irish Gaelic · Helpful and kind, a true companion

    60,289 births
  60. 60.
    Jordan

    Hebrew · One who flows downward with grace and clarity

    57,172 births
  61. 61.
    Peter

    Greek · Rock and foundation; steadfast and solid

    56,713 births
  62. 62.
    Corey

    Irish Gaelic / Old Norse · From the hollow

    53,598 births
  63. 63.
    Keith

    Scottish Gaelic · Woodland

    52,647 births
  64. 64.
    Marcus

    Latin · Devoted to Mars, warrior with strength and courage

    51,807 births
  65. 65.
    Juan

    Hebrew · God is gracious

    51,447 births
  66. 66.
    Donald

    Scottish Gaelic · Proud ruler of the world with great dominion

    50,843 births
  67. 67.
    Ronald

    Old Norse · Ruler's counselor

    46,670 births
  68. 68.
    George

    Greek · Farmer of the earth, connected to growth and stewardship

    45,712 births
  69. 69.
    Phillip

    Greek · Lover of horses

    45,707 births
  70. 70.
    Cory

    Greek / Old Norse · From the hollow, warrior of the ancient peoples

    44,358 births
  71. 71.
    Joel

    Hebrew · The Lord is God

    43,566 births
  72. 72.
    Shane

    Irish Gaelic · God is gracious

    43,169 births
  73. 73.
    Douglas

    Scottish Gaelic · From the dark water; strong and mysterious

    41,746 births
  74. 74.
    Antonio

    Latin · Highly praiseworthy, or priceless

    41,616 births
  75. 75.
    Carlos

    Spanish / Latin · Free man

    41,506 births
  76. 76.
    Raymond

    Germanic · Wise protector and counsel, strong guardian

    41,504 births
  77. 77.
    Brett

    Old French / Celtic · One from Brittany, bearer of Celtic strength

    41,289 births
  78. 78.
    Gary

    Old English · Spear warrior, steadfast and noble protector

    40,230 births
  79. 79.
    Alex

    Greek · Defender of people, noble protector

    38,712 births
  80. 80.
    Nathaniel

    Hebrew · Gift of God, blessed with divine favor

    38,652 births
  81. 81.
    Craig

    Scottish Gaelic · One who dwells on the rocky crag, strong and bold

    38,095 births
  82. 82.
    Ian

    Scottish Gaelic · God is gracious

    37,770 births
  83. 83.
    Luis

    Spanish / Latin · Renowned warrior, famous in battle

    37,447 births
  84. 84.
    Erik

    Old Norse · Eternal ruler, powerful leader with enduring strength

    36,350 births
  85. 85.
    Derrick

    Germanic · Ruler of the people

    36,342 births
  86. 86.
    Casey

    Irish Gaelic · Brave warrior, vigilant protector of others

    35,968 births
  87. 87.
    Philip

    Greek · Lover of horses

    35,733 births
  88. 88.
    Frank

    Germanic · Free and honest-hearted soul

    33,590 births
  89. 89.
    Evan

    Welsh · God is gracious

    32,484 births
  90. 90.
    Gabriel

    Hebrew · God is my strength

    32,320 births
  91. 91.
    Victor

    Latin · Triumphant conqueror, strength in victory

    32,286 births
  92. 92.
    Vincent

    Latin · Conquering; strength and triumphant determination

    32,054 births
  93. 93.
    Austin

    Latin · Majestic and dignified, great and worthy

    31,307 births
  94. 94.
    Brent

    Old English · Hilltop dweller, steep and steadfast

    31,279 births
  95. 95.
    Larry

    Latin · Crowned with laurel, victorious and honored

    31,278 births
  96. 96.
    Seth

    Hebrew · Appointed

    31,129 births
  97. 97.
    Wesley

    Old English · Western meadow of peace and tranquility

    31,088 births
  98. 98.
    Dennis

    Greek · Devoted to Dionysus, festive and joyful spirit

    30,463 births
  99. 99.
    Todd

    English, Scottish · Fox-like cunning and swift wilderness intelligence

    30,325 births
  100. 100.
    Christian

    Latin · Follower of Christ

    30,289 births

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