Known for the emergence of MTV, the rise of neon, and the invention of the mixtape, the 1980s were certainly a rockin’ era in American history. New economic policies were introduced, the news network CNN launched, and, much less enjoyable, Wall Street crashed on the infamous Black Monday—the worst one-day decline in American stock market history. Sandra Day O’Connor was nominated by President Ronald Reagan as the first female Supreme Court justice, the Cold War saw the beginning of the end as the Berlin Wall began to fall, and millions watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on live television.
Among all the big hair, Rubix cubes, and shoulder pads, however, there were still plenty of babies being born during this defining time. And with celebrities like Michael J. Fox and Robert Palmer reaching their peak fame during the ‘80s, it’s no surprise that many parents chose to name their kids after them.
To see just how popular these names were, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys in the 80s in California using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies born.
Just like scrunchies and PAC MAN, Americans can still hold onto some of the best aspects of the ‘80s, including baby names (some things never get old). So whether you’re welcoming a new little one into the world this year or just curious, these are the 100 most popular baby names of the 1980s in California.
#50. Travis
Travis is a name of French origin meaning “to cross”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,482
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,767 (#266 most common name, -81.4% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #42
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 102,915
#49. Stephen
Stephen is a name of Greek origin meaning “wreath, crown”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,875
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,356 (#311 most common name, -86.3% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #36
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 113,597
#48. Bryan
Bryan is a name of Irish origin meaning “noble”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 9,978
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,911 (#106 most common name, -50.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #51
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 80,488
#47. Miguel
Miguel is a name of Spanish origin meaning “who is like God?”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,137
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,645 (#76 most common name, -34.4% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #116
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,189
#46. Charles
Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning “free man”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,350
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,573 (#95 most common name, -46.2% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #33
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 131,861
#45. Patrick
Patrick is a name of Latin origin meaning “nobleman”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 10,775
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,278 (#212 most common name, -78.9% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #37
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 111,365
#44. Jesus
Jesus is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “to deliver”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,140
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,435 (#48 most common name, -15.3% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #106
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 27,012
#43. Jesse
Jesse is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “the Lord exists”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 11,888
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,776 (#110 most common name, -59.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #49
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 85,897
#42. Scott
Scott is a name of Scotland origin meaning “a Scotsman”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,011
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 752 (#445 most common name, -93.7% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #38
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 108,165
#41. Jacob
Jacob is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “to follow”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,021
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25,368 (#2 most common name, +111.0% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #35
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 124,186
#40. Benjamin
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “son of my days”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,416
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,591 (#16 most common name, +41.7% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #31
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 141,341
#39. Jeremy
Jeremy is a name of English origin meaning “appointed by God”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,485
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,534 (#147 most common name, -71.7% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #28
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 153,418
#38. Luis
Luis is a name of German origin meaning “famous warrior”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,595
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,187 (#50 most common name, -27.1% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #83
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 37,123
#37. Carlos
Carlos is a name of Spanish origin meaning “free man”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,616
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,261 (#61 most common name, -34.5% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #76
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 41,320
#36. Paul
Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning “humble”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 12,886
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,212 (#217 (tie) most common name, -82.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #40
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 104,339
#35. Alexander
Alexander is a name of Greek origin meaning “defender of man”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 13,412
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22,650 (#6 most common name, +68.9% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #50
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 81,932
#34. Mark
Mark is a name of Latin origin meaning “God of war”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 13,468
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,871 (#179 most common name, -78.7% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #34
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 129,371
#33. Sean
Sean is a name of Irish origin meaning “God is gracious”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 14,768
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,905 (#176 most common name, -80.3% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #41
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 103,828
#32. Kyle
Kyle is a name of Scottish origin meaning “narrow strait”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,011
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,110 (#164 most common name, -79.3% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #30
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 141,910
#31. Timothy
Timothy is a name of Greek origin meaning “honouring God”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,022
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,704 (#187 most common name, -82.0% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #26
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 172,811
#30. Aaron
Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “high mountain”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,217
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,606 (#25 most common name, -4.0% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #32
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 138,343
#29. Thomas
Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning “twin”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 15,284
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,088 (#81 most common name, -60.2% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #24
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 177,743
#28. Jeffrey
Jeffrey is a name of English origin meaning “pledge of peace”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 16,316
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,644 (#276 most common name, -89.9% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #29
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 144,781
#27. Adam
Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “earth”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 16,974
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,370 (#59 most common name, -50.7% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #22
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 195,049
#26. Juan
Juan is a name of Spanish origin meaning “God is gracious”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 17,819
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,602 (#56 most common name, -51.7% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #65
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,205
#25. William
William is a name of Germanic origin meaning “vehement protector”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 19,908
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,227 (#29 most common name, -28.5% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #15
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 248,240
#24. Richard
Richard is a name of German origin meaning “dominant ruler”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 21,722
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,134 (#125 most common name, -81.0% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #27
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 154,710
#23. Brandon
Brandon is a name of English origin meaning “beacon hill” or “crow”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 21,788
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,559 (#46 most common name, -56.1% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #17
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 232,173
#22. Kevin
Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning “noble”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 22,426
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,946 (#43 most common name, -55.6% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #23
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 188,638
#21. Steven
Steven is a name of Greek origin meaning “crown”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 22,709
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,453 (#119 most common name, -80.4% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #25
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 177,405
#20. Eric
Eric is a name of Norse origin meaning “sole ruler”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 24,165
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,837 (#87 most common name, -75.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #21
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 204,199
#19. Nicholas
Nicholas is a name of Greek origin meaning “victory of the people”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,411
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,006 (#53 most common name, -64.6% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #19
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 223,293
#18. Brian
Brian is a name of Irish origin meaning “noble”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 25,550
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,874 (#131 most common name, -84.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #16
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 233,976
#17. Justin
Justin is a name of Latin origin meaning “righteous”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 26,030
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,661 (#92 most common name, -78.3% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #12
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 289,755
#16. Jonathan
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God has given”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 27,730
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,779 (#32 most common name, -50.3% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #18
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 229,906
#15. Jason
Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning “healer”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 29,187
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,514 (#57 most common name, -70.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #11
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 292,016
#14. Anthony
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning “praiseworthy”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 29,342
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 19,694 (#8 most common name, -32.9% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #20
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 211,804
#13. John
John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “Yahweh has been gracious”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 30,260
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,235 (#62 most common name, -72.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #9
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 321,034
#12. James
James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “supplanter”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 30,850
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,244 (#28 most common name, -53.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #6
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 356,362
#11. Joseph
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “he will add”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 30,908
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,781 (#24 most common name, -52.2% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #10
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 299,367
#10. Andrew
Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning “brave”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 31,998
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,277 (#17 most common name, -46.0% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #13
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 285,013
#9. Jose
Jose is a name of Spanish origin meaning “God will increase”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 32,228
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,032 (#34 most common name, -59.6% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #48
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 86,349
#8. Ryan
Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning “little king” or “illustrious”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 33,476
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,557 (#35 most common name, -62.5% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #14
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 278,848
#7. Joshua
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God Is my salvation”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 35,500
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,280 (#27 most common name, -59.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #4
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 396,533
#6. Robert
Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning “fame” or “bright”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 36,320
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,154 (#73 most common name, -80.3% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #8
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 321,598
#5. Matthew
Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “Gift of Yahweh”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 44,264
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22,661 (#5 most common name, -48.8% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #3
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 458,894
#4. Daniel
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is my judge”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 50,145
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 24,502 (#3 most common name, -51.1% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #7
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 345,414
#3. David
David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “beloved”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 51,612
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 18,868 (#11 most common name, -63.4% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #5
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 383,610
#2. Christopher
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning “Christ-bearer”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 61,487
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,923 (#31 most common name, -77.4% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #2
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 554,793
#1. Michael
Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God?”.
California
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 73,620
– Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,941 (#14 most common name, -75.6% compared to the 80s)
National
– Rank: #1
– Number of babies from 1980 to 1989: 663,592