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Most popular girl names in the 80s in California


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Most popular girl names in the 80s in California

Whether it’s a long-held family name, a biblical name, or a name that holds special meaning for mom or dad, choosing the moniker that your child will carry for life isn’t something to take lightly. Over the years, certain[ names have peaked and then faded in popularity while others stayed at the top of the rankings for multiple decades. And while traditional and biblical names always seem to be in style, we’ve also seen some more uncommon names become trendy.

Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for girls in the 80s in California using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies born.

Many baby names are inspired by pop culture of the time, whether movies, music, or television. Others represent familial names or have other traditional significance. Keep reading to see if your name made the list.



Canva

#50. Sandra

Sandra is a name of Greek origin meaning “defender of man”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 7,517
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 751 (#522 (tie) most common name, -90.0% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #96
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 29,916



Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock

#49. Patricia

Patricia is a name of Latin origin meaning “noble”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 7,751
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 563 (#652 most common name, -92.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #61
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 45,097



FreelySky // Shutterstock

#48. Erika

Erika is a name of Norse origin meaning “eternal ruler”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,016
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 828 (#479 most common name, -89.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #75
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 36,816



Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock

#47. Alicia

Alicia is a name of Spanish origin meaning “noble”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,029
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,022 (#195 most common name, -74.8% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #46
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 66,958



Nitin Kumar // Pexels

#46. Shannon

Shannon is a name of Irish origin meaning “wise river”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,389
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 276 (#1,116 (tie) most common name, -96.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #39
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 78,412



s_oleg // Shutterstock

#45. Nancy

Nancy is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “grace”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,481
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 807 (#488 (tie) most common name, -90.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #115
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,313



Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock

#44. Jacqueline

Jacqueline is a name of French origin meaning “may God protect”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 8,719
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,074 (#126 most common name, -64.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #58
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,525



pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock

#43. Jamie

Jamie is a name of Scottish origin meaning “supplanter”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,121
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,038 (#396 most common name, -88.6% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #34
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 96,548



Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#42. Christine

Christine is a name of English origin meaning “follower of Christ”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,316
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 638 (#594 most common name, -93.2% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #45
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 67,999



Durganand // Shutterstock

#41. Diana

Diana is a name of Roman origin meaning “goddess of the hunt”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,328
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,956 (#133 most common name, -68.3% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #76
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 36,768



Canva

#40. Natalie

Natalie is a name of French origin meaning “birthday of the Lord”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,620
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,323 (#17 most common name, +7.3% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #55
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 54,397



Max Bukovski // Shutterstock

#39. Kelly

Kelly is a name of Irish origin meaning “bright-headed”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,940
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,299 (#312 most common name, -86.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #29
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 109,541



Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock

#38. Cynthia

Cynthia is a name of Greek origin meaning “moon goddess”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,034
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,337 (#305 most common name, -86.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #68
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 41,572



Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock

#37. Katherine

Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning “pure”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,058
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,982 (#72 most common name, -50.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #32
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 99,154



Canva

#36. Emily

Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning “to strive”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,565
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 20,672 (#6 most common name, +95.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #25
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 131,752



Lopolo // Shutterstock

#35. Erin

Erin is a name of Irish origin meaning “peace”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,726
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,070 (#380 most common name, -90.0% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #28
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 115,814



Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock

#34. Monica

Monica is a name of Greek origin meaning “solitary”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,946
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,213 (#336 most common name, -88.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #57
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,821



Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock

#33. Angela

Angela is a name of Latin origin meaning “messenger of God”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,075
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,843 (#103 most common name, -65.3% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #27
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 116,585



Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock

#32. Erica

Erica is a name of Norse origin meaning “eternal ruler”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,256
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 530 (#684 most common name, -95.3% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #36
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 93,145



Pexels

#31. Sara

Sara is a derivation of the name Sarah, of Hebrew origin meaning “princess”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,373
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,539 (#154 most common name, -77.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #30
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 104,640



Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock

#30. Veronica

Veronica is a name of Latin origin meaning “she who brings victory”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,411
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,239 (#323 most common name, -89.1% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #70
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 39,065



Canva

#29. Samantha

Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “told by God”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,670
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,739 (#12 most common name, +0.6% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #26
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 121,122



pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock

#28. Lisa

Lisa is a name of English origin meaning “God’s promise”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,752
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 604 (#614 most common name, -94.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #31
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 102,597



Oleggg // Shutterstock

#27. Andrea

Andrea is a name of Greek origin meaning “brave”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,965
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,383 (#47 most common name, -46.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #33
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 98,241



Canva

#26. Brittany

Brittany is a name of French origin meaning “from Briton”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,214
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 915 (#434 most common name, -92.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #21
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 140,795



Canva

#25. Amy

Amy is a name of French origin meaning “beloved”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,429
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,456 (#82 most common name, -64.1% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #15
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 150,650



javi_indy // Shutterstock

#24. Rebecca

Rebecca is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “servant of God”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 13,234
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,188 (#182 most common name, -83.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #22
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 136,220



Dasha Muller // Shutterstock

#23. Rachel

Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “ewe”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 13,630
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,145 (#185 most common name, -84.3% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #16
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 146,657



Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock

#22. Kimberly

Kimberly is a name of English origin meaning “from the wood of the royal forest”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,079
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,528 (#46 most common name, -53.6% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #17
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 146,435



Pixabay

#21. Lauren

Lauren is a name of Latin origin meaning “the bay or laurel plant”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,365
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,891 (#134 most common name, -79.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #19
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 145,122



FamVeld // Shutterstock

#20. Megan

Megan is a name of Welsh origin meaning “pearl”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,397
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,518 (#272 most common name, -89.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #14
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,500



Fuller Photography // Shutterstock

#19. Laura

Laura is a name of Latin origin meaning “bay laurel plant”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,400
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,141 (#357 most common name, -92.1% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #23
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 134,569



Studio Romantic // Shutterstock

#18. Tiffany

Tiffany is a name of Greek origin meaning “appearance of God”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,730
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,662 (#238 most common name, -88.7% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #11
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 158,610



Canva

#17. Danielle

Danielle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is my judge”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,986
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,496 (#277 most common name, -90.0% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #24
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 134,359



Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock

#16. Crystal

Crystal is a name of Latin origin meaning “Earth mineral”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,675
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,529 (#266 most common name, -90.2% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #20
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 140,998



CroMary // Shutterstock

#15. Amber

Amber is a name of Persian origin meaning “ambergris”, a fragrant material extracted from a type of whale.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,714
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,806 (#219 most common name, -88.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #13
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,935



Bodler // Shutterstock

#14. Heather

Heather is a name of Scottish origin meaning “a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 17,184
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 358 (#929 (tie) most common name, -97.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #10
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 191,841



PxHere

#13. Vanessa

Vanessa is a name of Greek origin meaning “butterfly”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 18,226
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,105 (#94 most common name, -77.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #47
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 65,690



Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock

#12. Maria

Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “sea of bitterness”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 18,407
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,447 (#83 most common name, -75.8% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #48
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 65,648



riggleton // Shutterstock

#11. Christina

Christina is a name of Latin origin meaning “follower of Christ”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 22,006
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,352 (#300 most common name, -93.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #18
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 145,982



Natalia Kirichenko // Shutterstock

#10. Michelle

Michelle is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God?”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 22,799
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,903 (#102 most common name, -82.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #12
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,988



ucchie79 // Shutterstock

#9. Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “god is my oath”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 24,570
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,360 (#16 most common name, -57.8% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #9
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 198,938



DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock

#8. Stephanie

Stephanie is a name of Greek origin meaning “crown”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,400
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,673 (#113 most common name, -85.5% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #6
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 218,131



Nina Buday // Shutterstock

#7. Nicole

Nicole is a name of Greek origin meaning “victory of the people”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,571
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,576 (#78 most common name, -82.1% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #8
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 210,456



Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#6. Melissa

Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning “honey bee”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 26,196
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,782 (#107 most common name, -85.6% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #7
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 217,896



phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock

#5. Sarah

Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “princess”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 27,698
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,247 (#68 most common name, -81.1% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #5
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 272,559



Canva

#4. Amanda

Amanda is a name of Latin origin meaning “worthy of love”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 28,941
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,973 (#201 most common name, -93.2% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #3
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 369,698



Coy_Creek // Shutterstock

#3. Ashley

Ashley is a name of English origin meaning “ash tree meadow”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 29,561
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,137 (#39 most common name, -75.9% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #4
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 352,147



Canva

#2. Jennifer

Jennifer is a name of English origin meaning “white shadow, white wave”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 49,353
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,069 (#127 most common name, -93.8% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #2
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 440,836



Aaron Amat // Shutterstock

#1. Jessica

Jessica is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God beholds”.

California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,799
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,750 (#109 most common name, -92.8% compared to the 80s)

National
– Rank: #1
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 469,439


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