Born in 1971? What Happened the Year You Were Born

Born in 1971? Here's a quick look at the year you arrived: what made the news, who shares your birth year, and how old you'll be in 2026.

Great for birthday cards, party quizzes and speeches. For the bigger picture, see our look back at the 1970s: Look back to the 1970s

What happened in 1971

• Decimal Day: Britain switched to decimal currency on 15 February

Famous people born in 1971

• Ewan McGregor

If you were born in 1971

• You turn 55 in 2026.
• Your Chinese zodiac animal is the Pig (if your birthday falls before Chinese New Year in late January or February, you belong to the year before). Read more
• Childhood memories: look back at the 1970s: Look back to the 1970s

Birthday ideas

• Birthday cards: Birthday cards
• A "the year you were born" quiz or fact sheet for the party.
• A 1970s playlist and decorations. Look back: Look back to the 1970s
• Star sign gifts: Star sign gifts

Key things to remember

• Print a fact sheet of their birth year to pop inside the card.
• Pair facts with photos from the year for a party display.

Frequently asked questions

How old are you if you were born in 1971?

You turn 55 in 2026.

What Chinese zodiac animal is 1971?

1971 is the year of the Pig, for birthdays after Chinese New Year.

What happened in 1971?

Decimal Day: Britain switched to decimal currency on 15 February.

What is a good example of born in 1971: what happened the year you were born?

"Decimal Day: Britain switched to decimal currency on 15 February" is one of 9 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Where to shop next

• Born in 1970
• Born in 1972
• Look back to the 1970s
• The year you were born: all years
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Good luck cards
• All guides