Best Songs With Girl Names in the Title
Ever wonder how many songs with girl names in the title were ever written? It’s a lot. As long as humankind has put pen to paper and strummed a few chords, there has often been a female inspiration.
With that in mind, our crack team of musical experts put together this list of some of the best songs with girl names in the title for you to enjoy. Take a listen and see if you agree.
Best songs with girl names
1.) Sara – Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks wrote the song “Sara” for Fleetwood Mac’s 1979 double LP Tusk. The song reflects many aspects of her personal life at the time, including her best friend Sara and relationships with bandmate Mick Fleetwood and former boyfriend Don Henley.
Nicks became pregnant while dating the Eagles singer, but decided to terminate the pregnancy. She later stated that had the child been born, her name would have been Sara. Since that time, Sara has become Nicks’ creative muse and alter-ego.
The song reached as high as #7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the U.S. for three weeks.
Key lyrics:
Said Sara, you’re the poet in my heart
Never change, never stop
2.) My Maria – B.W. Stevenson
B.W. “Buck Wheat” Stevenson wrote his best-known song in 1973 with composer Daniel Moore. It reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. that year and hit #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Unfortunately, Stevenson died at an early age. The country-pop singer/songwriter was only 38 when he passed away in 1988 from a staph infection following heart surgery.
Key lyrics:
Sweet Maria the sunlight surely hurts my eyes
I’m a lonely dreamer on a highway in the skies
We should note that we’re not talking about songs with the word “girl,” but an actual girl’s name. But, one of our favorite girl songs is “Oh Girl” by the Chi-Lites.
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3.) Suzy Q – Creedence Clearwater Revival
CCR’s first hit single is a cover of rockabilly singer Dale Hawkins’ song released in 1956.
Lead singer John Fogerty explains how he selected the hit song, “I knew I needed to work on arranging the song so that the band would sound like Creedence Clearwater Revival, would sound professional, mysterious and also have their own definition. The song I chose was Susie Q. I decided not to write the song myself. I decided to pick something that existed because it’d just be easier. I’d be less self-conscious about doing things.”
“Suzy Q” landed CCR in the #11 spot in the U.S., the only Top 40 hit the band had not penned by John Fogerty.
Key lyrics:
Well, say that you’ll be mine, baby all the time, Susie Q
4.) Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) – Looking Glass
Looking Glass lead singer Elliot Lurie wrote the one-hit-wonder song “Brandy” in honor of his high school sweetheart Randy.
Famous record executive Clive Davis overlooked the potential of the song, releasing it on the B-side of the band’s song “Don’t It Make You Feel Good.” It wasn’t until Washington DC disc jockey Harv Moore began playing the tune regularly that it gained popularity and became a smash hit.
Brandy hit #1 overall in both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts in 1972.
Key lyrics:
The sailors say, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl”
“What a good wife you would be”
“Yeah, your eyes could steal a sailor from the sea”
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Song lyrics with girl names
5.) Candy-O – The Cars
The title track on the Cars 1979 album was overshadowed by hits “Let’s Go” and “It’s All I Can Do.” But “Candy-O” remains a favorite among Cars fans.
According to lead singer Ric Ocasek, the song is not named for a specific person. “I never knew any one Candy-O,” he said.
Benjamin Orr took the lead on vocals for this sleeper hit that was never released as a single.
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Key lyrics:
Candy-O, I need you
Sunday dress, ruby ring
Candy-O, I need you so
Could you help me in?
6.) Jolene – Dolly Parton
In her hit song “Jolene,” Dolly Parton describes a heartless home-wrecker eyeing up her man. In reality, Jolene was a 10-year-old girl who approached the country star for an autograph.
Parton described to NPR one of the inspirations for her song: “She had this beautiful red hair, this beautiful skin, these beautiful green eyes, and she was looking up at me, holding out for an autograph. I said, ‘Well, you’re the prettiest little thing I ever saw. So what is your name?’ And she said, ‘Jolene.’ And I said, ‘Jolene – Jolene – Jolene – Jolene. That sounds like a song. I’m going to write a song about that.’”
Additional inspiration came from a red-headed bank teller who flirted with Parton’s husband Carl Dean when they were newlyweds.
The song reached #1 on Billboard’s Country Songs chart in 1974.
Key lyrics:
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you
Jolene
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7.) Hello Mary Lou – Ricky Nelson
This 1961 song was released as the B-side to Ricky Nelson’s #1 smash hit, “Travelin’ Man.”
The simple, yet memorable song runs only 2:17 minutes long. In that short time, Nelson croons “Mary Lou” 14 times! Dale Carnegie would be proud.
The song peaked at #9 in 1961 on the Billboard music charts.
Key lyrics:
Hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou
I’m so in love with you
What about boy names in song titles? Here are some of the best.
Best songs with girl names in the title
8.) Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
The song “Billie Jean” is about a girl claiming Michael Jackson is the father of her child. Over time, the groupie stalked Jackson and pestered him with letters about the child being his.
One day, the woman broke into Jackson’s compound and was discovered lounging by the pool in a bathing suit and sunglasses. Producer Quincy Jones recalled with a chuckle that the intruder made claims that Jackson was the father to only one of her twin children.
The attention and pressure drove Jackson to become more and more reclusive. But he channeled his frustration over the situation by writing a #1 hit song. The song blasted it’s way to the top of both the U.S. and U.K. charts in 1982.
Key lyrics:
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
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9.) Amanda – Don Williams and Waylon Jennings
Both Waylon Jennings and Don Williams released a recording of “Amanda” in the early 1970s. Pick whichever artist you prefer; both artists knocked it out of the park.
Williams released his version of the tune in 1973. Jennings recorded the song for his 1974 album The Ramblin’ Man, but it didn’t take off until 1979 when it was released as a single.
Jenning’s hit single rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Key lyrics:
Amanda, light of my life
Fate should have made you a gentleman’s wife
10.) Wake Up Little Susie – The Everly Brothers
It’s hard to believe this song was deemed too controversial by some radio stations for its lyrics. It describes a young couple falling asleep at the drive-in movie theater and staying out past curfew. In the 1950s, this apparently was too suggestive for American’s ears.
The 1957 song was the Everly Brothers’ first of four #1 hits in the U.S. It also scored a #1 rank on the Country & Western charts.
Key lyrics:
I told your mama that you’d be in by ten
Well Susie baby looks like we goofed again
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11.) My Sharona – The Knack
If you’re a child of the ‘70s you know this song well. It was played over and over again on radio stations across the country, becoming the best-selling single of 1979.
The song springs from lead-singer Doug Fieger’s infatuation with a girl named Sharona, who worked at a clothing store he visited. Fieger was not put off by the awkward fact that his girlfriend was with him at the time.
Even though Fieger and Sharona were both in separate relationships, he doggedly pursued her for almost a year. Sharona eventually relented and the two dated for about four years before the rock ’n roll lifestyle did them in.
My Sharona hit #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and Billboard’s 1979 Top Pop Singles year-end chart.
Key lyrics:
Come a little closer, huh, a-will ya, huh?
Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona
Keeping it a mystery, it gets to me
Running down the length of my thigh, Sharona
12.) Maggie May – Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart wrote this tune about losing his virginity at age 16. He said in Q Magazine, “‘Maggie May’ was more or less a true story, about the first woman I had sex with, at the Beaulieu Jazz Festival.”
The song is unusual in that it is the first big rock-era hit to feature a mandolin instrumental. Another unique feature of the song is that it contains no true chorus, but only vocal and instrumental changes.
Maggie May rose to #1 in both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and U.K. Singles chart in 1971.
Key lyrics:
Wake up, Maggie, I think I got something to say to you
It’s late September and I really should be back at school
I know I keep you amused, but I feel I’m being used
Oh, Maggie, I couldn’t have tried any more
13.) Angie – Rolling Stones
Growing up, we all heard the rumor that this song was written about David Bowie’s wife Angela. The scuttlebutt was that she had discovered Mick Jagger and Bowie in an intimate situation together and that Mick wrote the song to appease her.
But in truth, the song was written mainly by Stones guitarist Keith Richards.
Jagger explained, “People began to say that song was written about David Bowie’s wife but the truth is that Keith wrote the title. He said, ‘Angie,’ and I think it was to do with his daughter. She’s called Angela. And then I just wrote the rest of it.”
The Stones acoustic ballad from the album Goat’s Head Soup charted at #1 in the U.S. and #5 in the U.K.
Key lyrics:
Angie, I still love you
Remember all those nights we cried
All the dreams were held so close
Seemed to all go up in smoke
Let me whisper in your ear
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14.) Help Me, Rhonda – Beach Boys
Fans of the Beach Boys often wonder if there ever was a real Rhonda. According to bandmember Mike Love, there wasn’t. He added, “There are a lot of people, a lot of girls named Rhonda out there who have gotten remarks related to that song all their lives.”
The Beach Boys writing team of Love and Brian Wilson originally did two versions of the song, one with ukulele and one with guitars. The guitar version won.
The song from the Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) album reached the #1 spot in the U.S. in 1965.
Key lyrics:
Well, Rhonda you look so fine (look so fine)
And I know it wouldn’t take much time
For you to help me Rhonda
Help me get her out of my heart
15.) Sweet Jane – The Velvet Underground
Lou Reed wrote “Sweet Jane” for the Velvet Underground’s last album, Loaded. The record’s name was a reference to a directive from the record company executives to put out a recording “loaded with hits.”
Much to Reed’s disdain, the original song was edited down to a shorter version. The full version of the song can be head on the band’s Live at Max’s Kansas City album.
Sweet Jane is included on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Key lyrics:
Now, Jack, he is a banker,
And Jane, she is a clerk.
And the both of them are saving up their money…
Then they come home from work.
16.) Runaround Sue – Dion
Inspiration for “Runaround Sue” came from Dion’s younger days growing up in New York. He wrote, “It came about by partying in a schoolyard. We were jamming, hitting tops of boxes. I gave everyone parts like the horn parts we’d hear in the Apollo Theater and it became a jam that we kept up for 45 minutes. I came up with all kinds of stuff. But when I actually wrote the song and brought it into the studio to record it, well, her name wasn’t actually Sue. It was about, you know, some girl who loved to be worshiped but as soon as you want a commitment and express your love for her, she’s gone. So the song was a reaction to that kind of woman.”
In a twist of musical irony, Dion married a woman named Sue two years after “Runaround Sue” was released.
It rose to the #1 spot on the U.S. charts in 1961 and is listed in the Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Key lyrics:
Yeah, I should have known it from the very start
This girl will leave me with a broken heart
Now listen people what I’m telling you
A keep away from a Runaround Sue yeah
17.) San Antonio Rose – Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
We wrap up our list with a classic country swing song from Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Wills first recorded it as an instrumental in 1938. After band members added lyrics, the song became known as “New San Antonio Rose.” The new recording, sung by Tommy Duncan, was released in 1940.
Bandleader Bob Wills is one of the most unique performers from his era. He maintained a banter throughout most of his songs, usually while bandmates played instrumental parts. His chatter included wisecracks and compliments, as well as his trademark, high-pitched “Ahh-hah.”
The “New San Antonio Rose” was the first nation-wide hit for the band, charting in 1941 and again in 1943.
Key lyrics:
Moon in all your splendor, known only to my heart
Call back my rose, rose of San Antone
Lips so sweet and tender, like petals falling apart
Speak once again of my love, my own
More songs with girl names in the title
Here is just a sampling of some other well-known (and some lesser-known) songs with girl names in the titles from all styles of music.
Classic rock songs with girl names
1960s
1.) Michelle – Beatles
2.) Gloria – Them (Van Morrison)
3.) The Wind Cries Mary – Jimi Hendrix
4.) Lovely Rita – Beatles
5.) Ruby Tuesday – The Rolling Stones
6.) Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds – The Beatles
7.) Barbara Ann – Beach Boys
8.) Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
9.) Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival
10.) Lady Jane – The Rolling Stones
1970s
1.) Roxanne – The Police
2.) Sara Smile – Daryl Hall & John Oates
3.) Lola – The Kinks
4.) Lorelei – Styx
5.) Cecilia – Simon & Garfunkel
6.) Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac
7.) Peg – Steely Dan
8.) Jackie Blue – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
9.) Jamie’s Cryin – Van Halen
10.) Lay Down Sally – Eric Clapton
11.) Sweet Melissa – Allman Brothers
12.) Tuesday’s Gone – Lynyrd Skynyrd
13.) Sheena is a Punk Rocker – The Ramones
14.) Beth – Kiss
15.) Jane – Jefferson Starship
16.) Rosalita – Bruce Springsteen
17.) Black Betty – Ram Jam
18.) Sarah – Thin Lizzy
19.) Alison – Elvis Costello
20.) Rikki Don’t Lose That Number – Steely Dan
21.) Layla – Derek and the Dominos
1980s
1.) Rosanna – Toto
2.) 867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone
3.) Ah Leah – Donnie Iris
4.) Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
5.) Janie’s Got a Gun – Aerosmith
6.) Jane Says – Jane’s Addiction
7.) Sara – Starship
8.) Valerie – Stevie Winwood
9.) Betty Lou’s Gettin Out Tonight – Bob Seger
10.) Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry
11.) Jack and Diane – John Mellencamp
12.) Amanda – Boston
1990s
1.) Mary Jane’s Last Dance – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Folk / Blues songs with girl names
1.) Goodnight Irene – Lead Belly (Also covered by The Weavers, Frank Sinatra, 2.) Ernest Tubb, and Red Foley)
3.) Maggie’s Farm – Bob Dylan
4.) Hello, Dolly! – Louis Armstrong
5.) Dear Abby – John Prine
Oldies songs with a girl name
1.) Take a Letter Maria – R.B. Greaves
2.) Along Comes Mary – The Association
3.) Mandy – Barry Manilow
4.) Leah – Roy Orbison
5.) Venus – Shocking Blue
6.) Candida – Tony Orlando & Dawn
7.) Cathy’s Clown – The Everly Brothers
8.) Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
9.) Polk Salad Annie – Tony Joe White
10.) Sherry Baby – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
11.) Tell Laura I Love Her – Ray Peterson
12.) Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) – Edison Lighthouse
13.) Donna – Ritchie Valens
14.) Oh Carol – Neil Sedaka
15.) Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly
16.) Delilah – Tom Jones
17.) Windy – The Association
18.) Daisy Jane – America
19.) Venus – Frankie Avalon
20.) Angie Baby – Helen Reddy
21.) Cracklin’ Rosie – Neil Diamond
22.) Mona Lisa – Nat King Cole
23.) Maybelline – Chuck Berry
24.) Long Tall Sally – Little Richard
25.) Good Golly, Miss Molly – Little Richard
26.) Georgia – Bozz Skaggs
Country songs with girl names
1.) Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town – Kenny Rogers
2.) Amie – Pure Prarie League
3.) Delia’s Gone – Johnny Cash
4.) Corrine Corrina – Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
5.) Delta Dawn – Tanya Tucker
6.) Darlin’ Kate – Emmylou Harris
7.) Annie’s Song – John Denver
8.) Ida Red – Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
Pop / R&B songs with girl names
1.) Valerie – Amy Winehouse
2.) Darling Nikki – Prince
3.) Joanna – Kool & the Gang
4.) Betty – Taylor Swift (See Fun Taylor Swift jokes and riddles)
5.) Diana – One Direction
6.) Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes
7.) Kayleigh – Marillion
8.) Carmen – Lana Del Rey
9.) Oh Sheila – Ready for the World
10.) For Emma – Bon Iver
11.) Alice – Avril Lavigne
12.) Mandy – Jonas Brothers
13.) Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s
14.) Carrie – Cliff Richard
15.) Gloria – Laura Branigan
16.) Adia – Sarah McLachlan
17.) Jessie – Joshua Kadison
Rock songs featuring a girl’s name
1.) Amy – Green Day
2.) Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
3.) Poly – Nirvana
4.) Indie Cindy – Pixies
5.) Stacy’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne
6.) For Martha – Smashing Pumpkins
7.) Meet Virginia – Train
8.) Dear Rosemary – Foo Fighters
9.) A Letter to Elise – The Cure
10.) Allison – Pixies
11.) Ruby – Kaiser Chiefs
Rap / Hip hop songs with girl names
1.) Brenda’s Got a Baby – Tupac
2.) Dear Anne – Lil’ Wayne
3.) Ashley – Big Sean
4.) CeCe’s Interlude – Drake
5.) Hail Mary – Trey Songz
6.) Girls Love Beyonce – Drake
7.) ’97 Bonnie & Clyde
Famous song lyrics with girl names
To wrap up the list, here are a few well-known songs that don’t have a girl’s name in the title, but do mention a girl’s name prominently in the lyrics.
“Brenda Lee” in Radar Love by Golden Earring
Key lyrics:
The radio is playing some forgotten song
Brenda Lee’s comin’ on strong
“Suzie” in Crocodile Rock by Elton John
Key lyrics:
I remember when rock was young
Me and Suzie had so much fun
Holding hands and skimming stones
Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own
“Wendy” in Born to Run by Bruce Springstein
Key lyrics:
Wendy let me in, I wanna be your friend
I want to guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs ’round these velvet rims
And strap your hands across my engines
“Norma Jean” in Candle in the Wind by Elton John
Key lyrics:
Goodbye Norma Jean
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
“Connie” in We’re an American Band by Grand Funk Railroad
Key lyrics:
Sweet, sweet Connie, doin’ her act
She had the whole show and that’s a natural fact
“Donna” in Backstage Queen by the Scorpions
Key lyrics:
Hey little Donna, sweet little Donna so good
My feeling with you was all very true.
Hey little Donna, sweet little Donna you know
Goodbye is hello, ’cause I’m on the road.
More interesting lists for music lovers:
Famous Songs with Lists in the Lyrics
TV Theme Songs We All Love
The Best Motown Songs
By Greg Johnson | Published 8/10/2020
