If there’s one thing about songs containing a girl’s name in the title, it’s their timeless appeal. They carry a sentiment, whether a heartfelt ode to a beloved or a playful nod to a fleeting romance.
Personalizing a song with a woman’s name adds a layer of intimacy and individuality. By doing so, the song becomes more relatable and memorable for listeners.
Today, we will go through 22 of the best songs with a girl’s name in the title. Let’s find out how songwriters bring to life the titular characters behind their unique narratives.
1. “Angie” By The Rolling Stones
Up first, we have “Angie,” the lead single to The Rolling Stones‘ Goats Head Soup album. Released in 1973, it’s a touching narrative about ending love.
In the lyrics, the narrator is in a troubled relationship with a woman named Angie. There’s a sense of heartbreak and longing, as expressed in the lines “Where will it lead us from here / with no lovin’ in our souls.”
There has been much speculation over who Angie is. Some say the song is about David Bowie’s wife. Others believe it’s band member Keith Richards’ love interest. Nevertheless, this song captures the essence of personalizing a song using a woman’s name.
2. “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” By The Beatles
Among the many popular and timeless songs of The Beatles is “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” This classic song came out in 1967 from their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Throughout the years, this song has sparked many discussions regarding its meaning. Some observe that the title conveniently spells out LSD. Turns out that the inspiration behind the song is a harmless one.
Apparently, the song was inspired by a drawing made by John Lennon’s son, Julian. The latter described it as “Lucy — in the sky with diamonds.” Lucy here was his classmate, Lucy O’Donnell. And so she became the basis for one of The Beatles’ most famous songs.
3. “Think Of Laura” By Christopher Cross
From Christopher Cross‘ album Another Page comes a poignant song about a particular lady. “Think of Laura” carries an emotional depth, written in memory of a real person — Laura Carter.
Cross came to know Carter through her friend Paige, whom Cross dated. Carter tragically lost her life when she was struck by a stray bullet. Cross penned the song as a tribute to her, transforming grief into a touching ode that has since transcended time.
“Think of Laura” stands out for its emotional resonance and the real-life tragedy behind it. It’s a reminder of the power of music to honor and immortalize the memory of a loved one.
4. “My Sharona” By The Knack
Let’s take a trip back to 1979 when The Knack‘s “My Sharona” was released. This infectious song was an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It still stands as one of the biggest-selling songs.
The titular character is Sharona Alperin, whom lead vocalist Doug Fieger met when he was 25 and she was 17. He fell head over heels in love, and this spurred songwriting that ran for two months. Alperin eventually became his girlfriend for four years.
“My Sharona” remains a popular and relevant song. It’s known for its drums and guitar work, and candid lyrics. It’s a testament to the power of infatuation and desire encapsulated in a woman’s name — Sharona.
5. “Mandy” By Barry Manilow
The hit song “Mandy” by Barry Manilow is a notable addition to our list. Did you know it was originally titled “Brandy,” as performed by Scott English? For Manilow’s version, the character was changed to “Mandy” to avoid being confused with the song “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass.
Lyrically, the narrator expresses deep regret and longing for Mandy. She was the right woman for him, making him happy and giving her all. But he threw her love away and “sent [her] away.” And when he realizes how much she means to him, it’s too late.
Despite changing the titular character out of necessity, “Mandy” became a beloved and enduring song of Manilow.
6. “Hey There Delilah” By Plain White T’s
Many songs having a girl’s name in the title have been inspired by real people. One such is “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s. This is an acoustic love letter to a girl named Delilah.
Lyrically, the narrator expresses his longing and affection for Delilah. She is in New York City while he is far away from her.
He sings about how they will be together eventually despite the miles between them. With the heartfelt lyrics, listeners can easily identify with the narrative.
The Delilah in the song is inspired by Delilah DiCrescenzo, a steeplechase runner. Lead vocalist Tom Higgenson met her and was taken by her beauty. Though they did not end up together, Higgenson got a song out of the experience.
7. “Delilah” By Tom Jones
The name Delilah appears a second time on our list, this time from Tom Jones. This “Delilah,” however, features a dramatic and dark story of passion, betrayal, and revenge.
The lyrics are from the point of view of a jilted lover. The narrator passes by his woman’s window and catches her with another man.
He waits all night until the other man leaves, after which he confronts her. The narrator is filled with rage when she laughs in his face. He takes drastic action and kills her.
This narrative has sparked controversy due to its depiction of domestic violence. It has even been banned at certain events, such as the 2023 Six Nations Championship. However, despite or perhaps because of this controversy, “Delilah” remains a well-known and enduring hit.
8. “Maria Maria” By Santana Ft. The Product G&B
The rock band Santana has many great songs in their discography. One that fits perfectly into our list is “Maria Maria,” in collaboration with The Product G&B.
This global hit is about a resilient woman named Maria from a marginalized neighborhood. The song is a tribute to the strength and perseverance of women, with Maria serving as a symbol for all of them.
The song features a distinctive riff that has been recognized as a signature element of “Maria Maria.” This combination of memorable music and storytelling helped the song become successful.
9. “Cecilia” By Simon & Garfunkel
Released in 1970, Simon & Garfunkel‘s “Cecilia” deserves a spot on this list. It is the third single from their studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water.
This song is mainly the narrator’s lament over his lover, who brings him joy and heartache at the same time. The line “You’re shaking my confidence daily” suggests a sense of emotional turmoil and insecurity. This is brought about by Cecilia’s unpredictable nature.
The name Cecilia also carries added significance as it is the name of the Catholic patron saint of musicians. Thus, Cecilia can be seen as an inspiring yet elusive figure for artists.
10. “Billie Jean” By Michael Jackson
In our list, we can’t forget Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean.” Released in 1983 from his album Thriller, the track became one of Jackson’s most iconic hits.
The narrative revolves around Billie Jean, who claims that the narrator is the father of her child. The lines “Billie Jean is not my lover” and “the kid is not my son” underline this.
The song was a huge success for Jackson, as it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1983, it was one of the best-selling singles, propelling Thriller to become the best-selling album of all time.
11. “Rosanna” By Toto
An example of a song lending a personal touch by using a girl’s name is “Rosanna” by the rock band Toto. It was written by the band’s principal songwriter, David Paich.
The song finds the narrator expressing his love and longing for a woman named Rosanna. The line “All I wanna do when I wake up in the morning is see your eyes” reflects his deep affection and desire.
“Rosanna” is a composite of the many girls Paich knew. But since keyboardist Steve Porcaro was dating actress Rosanna Arquette at the time, they played along with the joke that it was about her.
12. “Amanda” By Boston
The power ballad “Amanda” was Boston‘s highest-charting song in the US and Canada, and it fits right into our list.
The song is a story of love and commitment, with the lyrics expressing deep affection for a woman named Amanda. The narrator lets his feelings known and his desire to make her his wife. This is addressed in the lines “We can share a life together / It’s now or never.”
Notably, “Amanda” is not about a specific person. It seems that the name was chosen for its lyrical qualities and its fit within the song.
13. “Jolene” By Dolly Parton
Up next is one of Dolly Parton‘s most popular songs. “Jolene” came out in 1973 from her album of the same name.
The song finds the narrator pleading with Jolene not to take her man “just because [she] can.” She expresses desperation and fear of losing her partner due to the stunningly beautiful Jolene.
It’s no surprise that Jolene was inspired by a real person. According to Parton, the narrative was inspired by a red-haired bank teller who had a crush on her husband. The name and the character’s appearance, though, were based on a fan who asked for Parton’s autograph.
14. “Aubrey” By Bread
Though “Aubrey” by the soft rock group Bread didn’t top the charts, it stands out for its emotive lyrics and tender melody. The band’s frontman, David Gates, penned the song after watching Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
This song is about unrequited love for a girl named Aubrey. The lyrics seem to suggest that the narrator may have never known her personally. Nevertheless, he is willing to “go a million times around the world just to say / she had been mine for a day.”
Surprisingly, the song had a cultural impact. Aubrey, traditionally a male name, became popular as a girl’s name.
15. “Proud Mary” By Tina Turner
A unique entry into our list is “Proud Mary.” This was an original by the band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Tina Turner‘s rendition in 1970 became a signature piece in her repertoire.
The lyrics are about a person leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life, opting for a simpler, more peaceful existence. “Proud Mary” refers to Mary Elizabeth, a real ship based in Memphis, Tennessee. The narrator hits a ride on it and says goodbye to the city.
In addition, “Proud Mary” symbolizes the tranquility and steady progress of river life compared to the chaos of urban living.
16. “Bette Davis Eyes” By Kim Carnes
Another song inspired by a well-known person is “Bette Davis Eyes.” Kim Carnes‘ rendition propelled it to popularity. It won the Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 1981.
The song is about a woman possessing a mysterious and alluring charm. She is compared to Bette Davis, a legendary Hollywood actress.
The metaphor of Bette Davis’ eyes represents a kind of magnetism and even a sense of danger, much like the roles that Davis often played in films.
This makes “Bette Davis Eyes” a tribute to a specific woman’s allure and power. In a broad sense, it’s also a commentary on the captivating qualities that can make a woman unforgettable.
17. “Sweet Caroline” By Neil Diamond
The classic song “Sweet Caroline” is famous, largely due to being played at sporting events in many countries. It was penned and performed by singer Neil Diamond.
Many different explanations for the song’s inspiration exist. One is that it was inspired by John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline. She was 11 when the song was released. Another explanation says that it was inspired by Diamond’s then-wife, Marcia.
Whatever the case, the song is about feelings of joy and warmth brought about by a girl named Caroline. The narrator expresses his affection, indicating that she is an essential person in his life.
18. “Valerie” By Steve Winwood
From the album Talking Back to the Night comes “Valerie” by Steve Winwood. This 1982 song has gained a lot of attention due to its intriguing lyrics.
The lyrics portray Valerie as a mysterious woman who is “so cool, she was like jazz on a summer’s day.” While Valerie isn’t based on a specific individual, the song paints her as a captivating and elusive woman whom listeners can interpret in their own way.
This adds a layer of intrigue to the song. This approach allows “Valerie” to resonate with a wide audience, as they can imagine their own version of this woman.
19. “Carrie” By Europe
The power ballad “Carrie” by Europe stands out as a track with a woman’s name in the title. Almost four decades old, “Carrie” is the band’s highest-charting song and remains popular to this day.
In the lyrics, the narrator expresses his feelings as he bids goodbye to his beloved Carrie. He recognizes that it might be their last goodbye.
“Carrie” stands out because it’s not just about love or longing for a woman. It also deals with the complex emotions associated with saying goodbye and the changes it brings. It encourages listeners to cherish moments because things can change unexpectedly.
20. “Sylvia’s Mother” By Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show
Released in 1972, “Sylvia’s Mother” by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show is a unique addition to our list. It was featured in the album Doctor Hook and was the group’s first hit single.
The lyrics find the narrator reaching out to his old girlfriend for one last conversation. However, he is repeatedly turned away by Sylvia’s mother, who insists that her daughter is happy now. She tells him that he should not try to contact Sylvia anymore.
Here, Sylvia’s character is used to represent lost love and missed opportunities. The mother serving as a barrier between him and Sylvia adds complexity to the narrative.
21. “Diana” By Paul Anka
A classic sample of a song having a girl’s name in the title is Paul Anka‘s “Diana.” It was released in 1957 from his self-titled album. Anka was only 16 when he recorded the song, and it propelled him to stardom.
The song is about the narrator’s love for a girl named Diana. He yearns for her to reciprocate his feelings despite the fact that she’s older than him.
The titular character is based on a real person named Diana, whom Anka had met in church. He had developed a crush on her, and she inspired him to pen this song.
22. Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) By Looking Glass
Closing our list is the chart-topper “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” a classic song by the pop rock band Looking Glass. Released in 1972, the song tells the story of a barmaid named Brandy, who works in a bustling seaport.
The lyrics describe her interactions with the sailors who visit the port and her longing for a sailor who has captured her heart. However, he cannot stay with her because “his life, his love and his lady is the sea.”
The song quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached the top. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, including The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kenny Chesney.
Summing Up Our List Of Songs Having A Girl’s Name In The Title
As you’ve read, there’s just something different in songs using a girl’s name in the title. You’ll often find a unique combination of storytelling, emotion, and personal expression that resonates with listeners.
We hope you enjoyed this compilation of songs. This list is just the tip of the iceberg, so if you think we missed some songs, let us know. We’ll update this list from time to time.
