Girls of '72 (Top 50)

  1. Deborah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "bee"
    • Description:

      Deborah has suffered from the fact that in the mid-twentieth century there were so many Debbies on the block that the beauty and meaning of the original name got lost. Deborah may no longer be among the most popular girl names starting with D, but now this lovely name of an Old Testament prophetess suddenly sounds fresher than overused Sarah, Rachel, and Rebecca.
  2. Stacy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Anastasia
    • Description:

      A key cheerleader in the nickname game of the 1970s, Stacy is now the mom. Consider Stacia, or the original Anastasia.
  3. Tammy
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Tamara
    • Description:

      Made famous in fifties movies as a wholesome backwoods gal, Tammy was a Top 10 choice from the mid-60s to early-70s, but is now given to fewer than 100 babies per year in the US.
  4. Brenda
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "blade of a sword"
    • Description:

      First the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's 1822 novel The Pirate, then a glamorous 1940s debutante, then the troubled twin on Beverly Hills 90210, and now fading in favor of more modern Brenna, Briana, and Bryn. Much more likely to be worn by a mother or grandmother these days. The song "Brenda's Got a Baby" was late rap megastar Tupac's debut single.
  5. Lori
    • Origin:

      English spelling variation of Laurie; diminutive of Laura
    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentium or bay laurel"
    • Description:

      Lori, with this sleek modern spelling, was an extremely popular name in the middle of the 20th century, ranking among the Top 100 girls' names from the early 1950s until the early 1980s.
  6. Sharon
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "a plain"
    • Description:

      This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.
  7. Tonya
    • Origin:

      Variation of Tanya
    • Description:

      This common variation of Tanya makes it less international and more ordinary.
  8. Stacey
    • Description:

      Stacey is a feminine name (though also used for boys) with Greek origins, derived from Eustace, meaning 'fruitful' or 'productive.' Initially a diminutive of Anastasia, meaning 'resurrection,' Stacey emerged as an independent name in its own right. The name reached peak popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming emblematic of that era. Stacey conveys a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a certain spirited energy. While its usage has declined since its heyday, the name retains nostalgic appeal and continues to be appreciated for its pleasant sound and unpretentious charm. Various spelling variations exist, including Stacy and Stacie, each offering slight personalization while preserving the name's essential character.
  9. Tracy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of Thracia"
    • Description:

      In the Top 25 in the unisex seventies, these days Tracy would more likely be Gracie.
  10. Michele
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Michael, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      Onetime superstar name (Number 4 in the seventies) that's now in steep decline. Today's feminine is more likely to be some form of Michaela...or Makayla.

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