Girls of '72 (Top 50)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Shannon
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "old and wise"
    • Description:

      Irish place-name -- it's a river, a town, and an airport -- once popular but now supplanted by such newer immigrants as Saoirse and Seanan.
  4. 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.
  5. Tracy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of Thracia"
    • Description:

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

      Diminutive of Alessandra, Italian from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      2012's Hurricane Sandy blew away whatever style currency Sandra retained from its 1960s Sandra Dee heyday. While in recent years it's been associated with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, as a baby name Sandra is sinking beneath the waves.
  7. 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.
  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. 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.
  10. Tonya
    • Origin:

      Variation of Tanya
    • Description:

      This common variation of Tanya makes it less international and more ordinary.

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