Girls Name Songs Stories UK
Reviews, Trivia and Comments

Here are some Girls Name Songs Reviews previously posted as "Featured Songs" on our home page. We hope you find these song reviews and stories interesting and add to your appreciation of some of the over 2,300 songs with female names in the title or lyrics.

Check out the top 50 baby girl names on our home page, with links to their songs. Also our UK list of best love songs with a girl's or woman's name in the title, our top 40 love songs! Feedback and suggestions appreciated.

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Holly, Carol, Candy & Joy *

Here is an upbeat and humorous Christmas song written by JD McPherson and released on his album, Socks, in November 2018. The song is called “Holly, Carol, Candy & Joy” and is a pun-ridden word play on these girls’ names with seasonal holiday references.

You might call it a non-Christmas holiday song; nothing serious here, just an infectious fun song with retro-rock influence and a smooth jazzy novelty shuffle-beat.

Before adding this new song, our list included songs for Christmas girls' names like Holly, Noel, Joy, Eve, Mary and Carol. Mary is easily the most common name in songs, appearing in over forty songs on our list; several songs for Carol, three Holly songs, three Noel songs, one for Joy and one for Eve. Karen Carpenter sang a beautiful song about Eve, and the song Noëlle by The Basces is a very pretty song - music and lyrics by Maureira and Alarcon in 2015.

I hope this song brings a smile to your face as it did mine! Listen to JD McPherson sing Holly, Carol, Candy & Joy.

  

Holly,-Carol,-Candy&Joy-song

Stormy *

He calls her Stormy. She’s the girl he loves but right now her mood is described as stormy, so that’s what he calls her. The song Stormy, written by Buddy Buie and James B. Cobb Jr, aka J R Cobb, was a big hit for The Classics IV in 1968. The song was one of their most successful releases, one their trifecta of hits, all one-word titled songs: Spooky, Stormy, and Traces – all certified gold records for The Classics IV!

Although likely not her real name in this case, Stormy is actually a very popular girl’s name and a common nick-name. The name Stormy, including slight spelling variations, reached a peak in the early 1990’s. Most of the published lyrics for this song spell the word “Stormy” with a capital “S” because it is her name. Lead singer, Dennis Yost pleads, “…and I stand alone in the rain callin´ your name. Oh, Stormy, oh, Stormy, bring back that sunny day”. Listen to The Classics IV sing Stormy:



StormyStormy

Spooky *

The popular 1967 song Spooky was originally written as an instrumental by saxophonist Mike Sharpe (Shapiro) and Harry Middlebrooks, Jr.

Having heard Shapiro's instrumental version, J.R. Cobb (James Cobb), along with producer Buddy Buie added the lyrics about a "spooky little girl" for the group The Classics IV. Denis Yost sings the lead and conjures up the hit song we remember.

So, is the song about a girl named Spooky? Sometimes the song is about a girl who is known by a nickname. Sure, the lyrics describe the girl as spooky, but I think the last few lines of the song imply that she is called by that name. Likely not her real name, but perhaps as an endearing nickname. Listen to the Classics IV sing the song about a girl called Spooky:

  

   SpookySpooky

Autumn *

Autumn is a song written by (Phil) P.F.Sloan and Steve Barri and first released by Gary Lewis & The Playboys in May, 1966.

It is a song about loving a girl named Autumn; presented with simple yet pretty lyrics. Autumn was also covered by The Thomas Group in June 1966. Although the song, Autumn, never was a really big hit, the recording by The Thomas Group charted in the top ten in Kentucky and in the top twenty in Hawaii.

Autumn is a young-love song with romantic lyrics. It is a medium up-beat song somewhat typical of the mid-sixties’ popular music.

Easy listening and a good mid-tempo dance number. Listen to Gary Lewis and The Playboys perform the song, Autumn:

  

AutumnAutumn

Mary's a Grand Old Name
Let It Be
Jolly Holiday with Mary
Mary, Mary *

What are the most common female names in songs? Well, Mary's a Grand Old Name, as we are told in the song written by George M. Cohan in 1905. Paul McCartney sung about his mother, Mary, in his 1970 song Let It Be. And, it’s a Jolly Holiday with Mary as we hear in the song from the 1964 Disney movie musical, Mary Poppins.

Over the decades, more songs have been written about a girl named Mary than any other female name, at least by our count. There must be more … so send us your suggestions after reviewing our list. Currently there are 43 songs for Mary on our big list on girlsnamesongs.com and that’s about twice as many as for the second most common name. Check out the full list of Top Female Names in Song, titles or lyrics, on our home page. Clicking on a name will take you directly to the big list section with songs for that name.

Michael Nesmith wrote the song, Mary, Mary, prior to joining The Monkees and his song was recorded by The Butterfield Blues Band for their album East-West in 1966. Later it was a big hit for The Monkees and even later released as a rap version by Run-D.M.C. Listen to the Monkees performing Mary, Mary:

  

Mary,MaryMary,Mary

Aretha *

Written and performed by Rumer, (Sarah Joyce), Aretha is a song about how a young girl finds solace in the music of Aretha Franklin. The song describes how she takes strength and inspiration from Aretha Franklin’s powerful performances. The imaginary relationship she has with her hero gets her through her day-to-day emotional tough times.

In a pure and soothing voice, Rumer sings a story that reflects on how Aretha helped inspire a generation of young women to have the confidence to prevail under seemingly unsurmountable societal resistance and to make consequential changes in how women see themselves and how they are treated.

Rumer is a British singer-songwriter with a soft and pleasant voice. She has a soulful, easy listening musical style. Her song, Aretha was released as a single in 2010, from her album, Seasons of My Soul. Listen to Rumer sing her song, Aretha:

  

ArethaAretha

Linda *

Linda was born in 1941, and in 1942 her proud father asked a business associate and friend, Jack Lawrence, to write a song for her. Jack’s song, “Linda”, was published in 1946 and became a hit song when recorded by Ray Nobel’s orchestra and sung by Buddy Clark in 1947.

Over the years, “Linda” was performed by various notables such as Jimmy Clanton, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. In 1963, Jan & Dean added their unique intro, “la la la la la-la-la Linda” and charted their version at number 28. Jan and Dean also had another, less popular song called “I Love Linda” in 1958.

In 1969, when little Linda was all grown up and had a career in photography focusing on musicians, she married Paul McCartney. Yes, the same Linda of the song in 1947 grows up and marries the music icon of the sixties and seventies. And, of course Paul wrote a song for her too. Short and sweet, called "Lovely Linda"; it is the opening song, track one, on his 1970 debut solo album, McCartney. Have a listen to Jan and Dean sing Linda:

  

LindaLinda

My Sweet Summer *

Here’s another song about Summer, called My Sweet Summer, by Dirty Heads (adult lyrics). It’s an upbeat blend of rap and new alternative rock; an energetic song describing a short but memorable weekend fling with a girl named Summer. And now she’s gone, back to her other lover. So, it seems obvious that his feelings for her, were much stronger than hers and he misses her dearly.

Dirty Heads is an American alternative rock band from Huntington Beach, California. Founded in 2006, their first album, Any Port in a Storm, was released in 2008. My Sweet Summer is on their 2014 album, Sound of Change. The album reached number 1 on Alternative Albums and on US Independent Albums and peaked at number 2 on Billboard’s US Top Rock Albums. Have a listen to My Sweet Summer:

  

My Sweet Summer

A Girl Named Summer *

Peter King, singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, PA, wrote and performed the song A Girl Named Summer. It's a musical tribute to a sweetheart named Summer with just a nod and a wink to the season of the same name; the allusion is obvious but not distracting.

King's layback style of casual blues guitar, with occasional hints of Latin rhythm comes across in this easy listening song of love. The song was released on his 2006 album, The Road To Ubatuba which was inspired by his journey to that Brazilian town.

Peter King is an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitar player and delivers an enjoyable blend of acoustic guitar blues jazz wrapped in a folk-pop package.

Peter King's song is one of several songs about a girl named Summer on our list of over 2000 songs with girls’ names on girlsnamesongs.com website. Listen to Peter King's song, A Girl Named Summer:

  

A Girl Named SummerA Girl Named Summer

Bye June
Anything 'bout June
Johnny and June *

Here are three songs about girls named June. The Smashing Pumpkins song Bye June was written by song writer and front man, Billy Corgan. He also mentions a girl named June in the Smashing Pumpkins song Mayonaise. Bye June was first released on a demo tape called Moon in 1989, then in 1991 it was released on the studio album Lull.

Unni Wihelmsen has a song called Anything 'bout June. It's on her 1997 album, Definitely Me, and is a sad song apparently about an abandoned baby girl. This song tugs at your heart strings even though it's about things we do not know about baby June.

Country singer songwriter, Heidi Neufield sings about June Carter in her powerful love song, Johnny and June. It is musical salute to the storied romance of Johnny Cash and June Carter. Listen to Heidi Neufield's 2008 song, Johnny and June:

  

Johnny and JuneJohnny and June

May *

The beautiful heart-wrenching song, May, on James Durbin's 2011 debut album "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster" was written by Doug Brown of SafetySuit.

The story in this song is not complicated; it is a song about life, love, and loss and how the memory of a lost love can last forever. Keep your tissues handy because this one is a tear-jerker. James Durbin said in an interview, “… I had to re-sing this song a lot in the studio. I was getting so emotional that we had to keep stopping because I’d literally be bawling.”

The song tells the story of two young people who fall in love and share their lives together. The singer holds on to the memory of his one true love even after her untimely passing. He tells of the challenges he faces raising their daughter without the help of his wife, May.

James Durbin was a finalist on American Idol, season ten in 2011. He finished in fourth place and was one of the eight who were signed to record labels that season. Listen to James Durbin’s beautiful song, May.

  

May

April *

The song called April, by Imaginary Future (Jesse Epstein) is a love song addressed to a girl named April. Jesse is joined by his wife, Kina Grannis for this performance. The song reflects a sincere love for the girl, April, but regardless of the strong attraction, they must part ways and the singer wishes her happiness and no regrets. The imaginative, provocative, and somewhat surrealistic lyric reminds me of the poetic songs of the sixties that made you wonder what the inspiration was. The song is imaginative and evocative but doesn’t give up the background story, yet the message is clearly of love and respect. This song is pleasure food for the heart. Listen to April, by Imaginary Future.

  

April

My Irish Molly O *

In the 19th century, circa 1830, an old Irish folk song called Irish Molly O was popular in America. An arrangement by Louis Berge was published in New York in 1865. Then in 1905, a new song with almost the same name was written by the very popular and successful song writing duo, Wm Jerome (Flannery) and Jean Schwartz. This American “Irish” song became very popular and it is this song, My Irish Molly O (or Molly-O, or Molly ‘O) that is most well-known today. Performances by The Flanagan Brothers and by Blanche Ring helped make it popular. The song has been covered by numerous others since then, like the Irish band, De Dannan, with Maura O’Connell as well as by Daniel O’Donnell, John McNicholl, and Celtic Thunder. It is an upbeat fun song and a great "Irish" pub sing-a-long song!

Valentine *

With Valentine’s Day upon us, here’s a song about a girl named Valentine. The song Valentine, on the album Beneath the Velvet Sun, released in 2000, is a beautiful love song. Shawn Mullins wrote and performed the song. The lyrics are simple and unpretentious as the singer describes his strong and lasting love for Valentine, using the metaphor juice from berries on the vine for his love that keeps pouring out for her. There aren’t many songs written about a girl named Valentine, more common are songs about girls named Valentina such as the one by Prince. Another nice one is Valentina by The Hunts.

January *

The song, January, was written by David Paton, lead singer and co-founder of the Scottish pop-rock band Pilot. In an interview, David Paton explained the origin of his 1975 hit song. He described how one evening as his wife was reading a book featuring a lead female character named January, she said to David, “January is a nice name for a girl, don’t you think?” He started thinking about it along with a melody and soon wrote the song about a girl named January. The song was the biggest hit for Pilot, reaching number one on the UK Singles chart for three weeks and charted at number one in Australia as well. January only dipped into the top 40 list in the USA where Pilot was better known for their other hit pop song, Magic which charted at number 5 in the USA.

A Girl Named Noel *

A Girl Named Noel is a song performed by Jim Nabors, American comedian, singer, and actor best known for his comedic rolls. He is remembered most for his portrayal of the lovable, good-natured country-boy character Gomer Pyle, co-staring on “The Andy Griffith Show” on TV in the 1960’s. His character was spun-off for the TV comedy show “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” where he really capitalised on his memorable exclamation phrase, “Well goooooaaallly!” Born in Alabama, James Thurston Nabors, (June 12, 1930 – November 30, 2017) will be remembered mostly for his comedy but also for his rich baritone singing voice. A Girl Named Noel is a unique and memorable song written by L. Laurie & A. Tucker and sung by Jim Nabors on his 1972 album, Merry Christmas.

Jolene *

The 1973 Dolly Parton hit song, Jolene is a good example of a song about the “other” woman. According to interviews and as stated on some live performances, Dolly says she wrote the song about an attractive bank clerk who was a little too flirtatious with Dolly’s husband, Carl Dean. The woman’s name was not Jolene, Dolly took that name from a young fan who wanted an autograph; she thought the name was pretty and ideal for the song. Jolene was not only one of her most successful songs, but also her song most covered by other performers. Jack White took the song and changed the perspective so he could sing about Jolene as his girlfriend who was cheating on him with one of his buddies; it’s been a very popular part of concerts by The White Stripes. With Jolene portrayed as a cheating girlfriend, Jack White makes it a very emotional performance! Other covers include one by Dolly with Pentatonix and one by Mindy Smith (said to be one of Dolly’s favorites). Songs on our list about the “other” woman also include I'm Not Lisa (My Name is Julie) by Jessi Colter and two songs from the man’s perspective, Margie’s At The Lincoln Park Inn, by Bobby Bare, and (Lying Here With) Linda On My Mind, by Conway Twitty.

I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen *

Do you enjoy old Irish folk songs? How about “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen”? A song covered by Slim Whitman in 1957, Elvis Presley in 1973, Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash, and even featured in a Star Trek episode when an inebriated Lieutenant Kevin Riley attempted to sing this beautiful “Irish ballad”. But guess what? It’s not an old Irish folk song! Surprisingly, I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen, was written in Plainfield, Indiana by an American composer, Thomas P. Westendorf in 1875, and first introduced to the public by a group of singers performing at the town hall in Plainfield, Indiana. The sheet music was first published in 1876 in Cincinnati, Ohio and it soon became one of the most popular songs in America!

Emily (The Weight of Angels) *

The melancholy song, Emily (The Weight of Angels) was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Performed by Sir Elton John and released on his 1992 album "The One" this lovely sentimental song is about the last days and memories of a lonely, elderly woman. With references to her lost friends and family, the song hints about her home life, her friends, family, love and her loneliness in old age. Though the subject seems dreary it’s a surprisingly uplifting and positive narrative of her life and death. The song, Emily, certainly isn’t Elton John’s only song featuring a girl’s name, it’s one of many, as his credits also include Amoreena, Amy, Bennie and the Jets, Chloe, Crystal, Little Jeannie, Rock and Roll Madonna, Nikita, Lady Samantha, and others.

Joanne *

Joanne is a new song by Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Germanotta), released on the album Joanne in honour of her aunt who died of Lupus at the tender age of 19. In this release, Lady Gaga takes a more personal introspective approach. ”This record was about me trying to understand my father, and his grief," she explains in a statement. "It's also a record about me trying to understand myself and wondering where I'm going next in life. Because truly, the thing that I'm searching for the most is to feel connected to humanity, to feel connected as a person. So Joanne is like, you know, Lady Gaga if you erase all the fame." Lady Gaga exploded into the commercial market with The Fame, her 2008 critically acclaimed debut album.

Sheila *

Sheila was a big hit song for Tommy Roe in 1962 but it didn’t start out with that name. At the young age of 14, Tommy had a school-boy crush on a girl named Frieda and wrote a poem about her. That poem later morphed into a song but when he auditioned with the song about sweet little Frieda, the record producer said that the name just didn’t sound right. Tommy’s Aunt Sheila was visiting the family that weekend and that’s when the name Sheila struck him as perfect for the song. With that change, the song Sheila became a chart-topper and launched his career. Tommy Roe has other girls name songs on our list including Heather Honey and Sweet Pea.

Please Don't Ask About Barbara *

Please Don't Ask About Barbara, written by Bill Buchanan and Jack Keller and performed by Bobby Vee reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. As fate would have it, the song was handicapped by Dick Clark’s divorce with his first wife, Barbara! Dick Clark never gave the song air time on American Bandstand so it never achieved its hit potential. Fate played an important part in Bobby Vee’s career which would not exist if not for the devastating accident in 1959 when Bobby's career began amid tragedy. On February 3, 1959, The Day The Music Died, the three headliners of the travelling 'Winter Dance Party', Buddy Holly, Richie Valens,and The Big Bopper died in an airplane accident and the producers looked for a local band to fill in. Thus, 15-year old Bobby Vee (born Robert Thomas Velline) got his one-in-a-million chance to be a rock ‘n roll star. His performance was a success and launched a career with top-10 hits such as Take Good Care Of My Baby, Devil Or Angel, Rubber Ball, Run To Him, The Night Has A Thousand Eyes, and Come Back When You Grow Up.

Sylvia's Mother
Living Next Door to Alice
Mary Ann Regrets *

Sylvia's Mother, as sung by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, was written by Shel Silverstein, based on a failed relationship he really had. It depicts a young man fruitlessly trying to get in touch with his girlfriend before she leaves town as her mother stops him from talking to her on the phone. This is one my favorite songs I classify as Meddling Moms. The mother of his sweetheart sabotages the relationship leaving our heart-broken suitor alone and frustrated. Other good examples are Living Next Door to Alice, by Smokie in 1976, although it appears as though the song writer never actually had a love relationship with Alice, and the Burl Ives 1962 clasic Mary Ann Regrets.

Candle In The Wind,
Candle In The Wind, 1997, Goodbye England's Rose *

Candle In The Wind was a big hit for Elton John in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jean Mortenson. Written by Elton and his friend Bernie Taupin, the song was intended to pay respect to the many great people who lost their lives young. And so in 1997, to pay respect to Princess Diana at the time of her passing and to reflect the great sorrow of a nation, and the world, Elton John re-wrote the song to pay homage specifically to Diana, Princess of Wales. The song became the best selling single ever in the UK and USA markets and even worldwide! Although her name is not actually in the song, it is for her, and released as Candle In The Wind, 1997, Goodbye England's Rose

I Love Lucy *

I Love Lucy, the theme song for the hit comedy TV series was first written as an instrumental by Harold Adamson. He later added the lyrics sung by Desi Arnaz in the episode "Lucy's Last Birthday". There are many TV shows featuring a female lead, such as Gidget, Hazel, Jeannie, and Maude. But the most well known is Lucy! Staring in her own show, Lucile Ball became the iconic female lead for TV sit-com comedy. The original show ran from 1951 to 1957 and continued in various forms until 1960 and it can probably be seen today as it lives on in reruns.

The Heart of Dixie *

Her name is Dixie and her story is told in song by Danielle Bradbery in her recent country hit single, The Heart of Dixie. It’s an adult woman’s story told by the sixteen year old Texas sweetheart, Danielle Bradbery who won the hearts of many of us on the TV singing challenge series, The Voice.

Sweet Leilani *

Oscar Winner! The first time an Academy Award was presented for Best Original Song was in 1934 and the 1937 award went to Harry Owens for his song, Sweet Leilani, featured in the movie Waikiki Wedding staring Bing Crosby. The song as sung by Bing and it became one of the biggest hits of 1937. Leilani is a popular Hawaiian name and Harry wrote the song in honour of his new baby daughter. The song was also featured in the 1938 movie, Cocoanut Grove. Other girls name songs that have won the Oscar include Mona Lisa, written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, and Gigi, written by Frederick Loewe and Alan Lerner.

Julia
Philomena
Sarah *

You should not be surprised to learn that some of the girls name songs on the list are songs written about the writer's or artist's own mother. John Lennon wrote the song Julia about his mum. Singer-composer and guitar player, Damon Johnson, of Brother Crane, wrote the song Voice of Eujena about his mother. And Philomena was written for his mother by Phil Lynott, founder, front man, and primary song writer of the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy. The song speaks of a son’s love and his wish to let her know how he feels. Lynott also wrote a song dedicated to his Grandmother, Sarah, for whom he named his daughter. He also wrote a different song, called Sarah (v3) (or My Sarah), for his baby daughter! Legendary Phil Lynott passed away at the age of 36 in 1986.

Young Stars *

Young Stars: Michael Jackson began his professional singing career at age six when he joined his brothers’ group, The Jackson Brothers. When Michael began singing lead vocals the band changed their name to The Jackson 5.

At that same time period, Donny Osmond began singing with his brothers professionally. Donny made his public debut on the Andy Williams show at age five and began his trip to stardom with his brothers, The Osmonds.

Hi Hi Hazel was a regional hit in 1966, sung by Gary & The Hornets. Back in 1966 Gary & The Hornets band members ranged from 6 to 13 years old! They were from Franklin, Ohio and were popular in the Dayton and Cincinnati area in 1966 and 1967.

The number of young singing stars is far too many to include in this short post, but I cannot end without mentioning that Paul Anka was just sixteen when he wrote and recorded his hit, Diana, in 1957.

Tracy 
Mandy *

Tracy charted at number five and was the title song on the 1969 album, Tracy, by the Cuff Links. The lead singer was Ron Dante, the bubble-gum music king who also sang lead for The Detergents and The Archies as well as numerous commercial jingles and other anonymous studio gigs. The Cuff Links (Ron Dante) followed Tracy with a not-so-successful girls name song, When Julie Comes Around. These songs were the work of songwriter-producer team, Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss. With The Archies, Dante performed the 1969 hit, Sugar Sugar. That song was the number one best selling record in 1969. Ron, who was born Carmine Granito, is a talented singer, songwriter, and producer. When performing with “The Archies” he sang all the parts, including the female parts by singing falsetto! Dante went on to be a successful producer for Barry Manilow and often sang backup on Barry’s recordings. He sang backup with Barry Manilow on the 1974 hit single, Mandy. Ron Dante continues to be active in the music industry and in 2006 released the CD, California Weekend.

Aubrey *

And Aubrey was her name. David Gates wrote the hit song Aubrey in 1972 and released it on Bread's album Guitar Man. It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard charts. This is a beautiful melancholy song about a love that was never fully realised. The song is about loving a girl and wishing to spend a lifetime with her but for some reason she disappeared. We are never really told why in the song, but just that the relationship was short-lived and now she is gone and he misses her so. I have not seen any official explanation but some have theorised that she died. One person said that they heard it was written by David about a neighbour whom he never really got to know. After she died suddenly, he felt remorse and wished he had gotten to know her. Another person pointed to the recent split with his wife. But no matter what the motivation, the song Aubrey is one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching songs written about an unrealised love.

Lucille
Annie's Back *

Richard Wayne Penniman, also known as Little Richard, recorded eight Girls Name Songs in 1956 and 1957. His best known and one of his biggest hits ever was Lucille, recorded in 1957 and written by himself and Albert Collins. Another one from Little Richard was on the flip side of his hit Bama Lama Bama Loo and it was called Annie's Back.


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Page updated: 27-DEC-2019