Music Industry How To experts researched 1 million Spotify playlists and analyzed 2,262,292 distinct track titles to determine the most popular first names that appear in song titles. Their study revealed that John is the most frequently used male name in song titles, while Mary is the most commonly used female name. Additionally, the researchers identified the most streamed songs on Spotify that feature these names in their titles.
Popular Female Names In Song Titles
Mary — Appears In 1,803 Song Titles
‘Mary On A Cross’ by Ghost: 286,170,234 streams
The Swedish rock band Ghost released the single “Mary On A Cross” on their 2018 album “Prequelle.” The lyrics describe a fictional story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, being crucified on the cross instead of her son. Furthermore, the song features the band’s signature hard rock sound, with haunting vocals and heavy guitar riffs.
It received positive reviews from critics and has become a fan favorite at the band’s live shows. Additionally, the single was accompanied by a music video that depicts the band performing the song in a dark and eerie setting, with imagery inspired by religious iconography.
‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner: 135,614,411 streams
“Proud Mary” is a song performed by the legendary American singer Tina Turner. It was initially written by John Fogerty and released by his band Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969. However, Tina Turner’s version, released in 1971, became a huge hit and is widely regarded as the song’s definitive version. “Proud Mary” is an upbeat rock and roll tune with a strong rhythm and catchy chorus.
Many other artists have covered the track, but Tina Turner’s version remains the most popular and enduring. The song’s lyrics describe the hard work and perseverance required to succeed, with the refrain “Rollin’ on the river” as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and moving forward in life.
Maria — Appears In 1,714 Song Titles
‘Maria Maria’ by Santana: 217,654,785 streams
The Latin rock band Santana performed the song “Maria Maria,” which was released as a single on March 6, 2000. Santana wrote the song along with The Product G&B, who also provided vocals for the track. “Maria Maria” features a mix of Latin and hip-hop beats and is known for its catchy melody and guitar riffs. This song was included in Santana’s album “Supernatural,” and became a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Also, in 2001, the single won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
‘Maria’ by Blondie: 94,427,125 streams
“Maria” is a single released by the American rock band Blondie. The band’s guitarist, Chris Stein, and lead vocalist, Deborah Harry, wrote the song and released it in November 1999 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, “No Exit.” It received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
Notably, the song features Harry’s distinctive vocals over a pop-rock sound with electronic elements. The lyrics of “Maria” focus on Harry’s perception of a mysterious woman named Maria. Jonas Åkerlund directed the music video, which shows Harry in various futuristic roles.
Georgia — Appears In 698 Song Titles
‘Georgia’ by Vance Joy: 421,856,204 streams
Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy wrote the song “Georgia.” It was released on September 15, 2017, as a single from his second studio album, “Nation of Two.” The song features Joy’s signature acoustic guitar sound with a catchy chorus and lyrics that revolve around nostalgia and memories of a past relationship. It received favorable reviews from music critics and charted in several countries, including Australia, where it reached number 41 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
‘Georgia on My Mind’ by Ray Charles: 86,514,721 streams
In 1960, “Georgia on My Mind,” by American musician Ray Charles, was released. Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell wrote the song, which has since become one of Charles’ signature songs. In his version, Charles imbues the song with a sense of homesickness for Georgia, the state where he grew up.
The song was a commercial hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for several weeks. It also won Charles a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Importantly, in 1979, “Georgia on My Mind” became the official state song of Georgia, cementing its place as a classic American song.
Jane — Appears In 659 Song Titles
‘Plain Jane’ by A$AP Ferg: 648,171,944 streams
Get ready to groove to the beat because “Plain Jane” by A$AP Ferg is an absolute banger! The song, produced by the talented Kirk Knight, was released on December 15, 2017, and quickly became a fan favorite. It is the third single from Ferg’s second studio album, “Still Striving,” and features a sample from the iconic Three 6 Mafia track, “Slob on My Knob.”
The catchy lyrics and infectious beat of “Plain Jane” earned it critical acclaim and widespread commercial success. It reached the top 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since achieved platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It’s no surprise that the song remains a popular choice for parties, concerts, and playlists worldwide.
‘Jane’ by Jefferson Starship: 61,410,581 streams
Released in 1979 as part of their album “Freedom at Point Zero,” “Jane” is a single by the American rock band Jefferson Starship. Written by David Freiberg and Craig Chaquico, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Notably, the song features a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from lead singer Mickey Thomas. Furthermore, the lyrics depict Jane as a persistent and self-reliant woman who strives to live life on her own terms.
Bella — Appears In 580 Song Titles
‘Bella Ciao’ by Manu Pilas: 183,552,399 streams
This song is a Spanish-language cover of the Italian folk song “Bella Ciao,” originally sung by farmers, laborers, and anti-fascist activists during World War II. After the hit Netflix series “La Casa de Papel” (“Money Heist”) featured it, “Bella Ciao” gained international popularity, and the show’s official soundtrack later included it. The modern, electronic arrangement of the song featured in Manu Pilas’ version has been streamed millions of times on various music platforms.
‘Bella’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers: 5,929,737 streams
Furthermore, “Bella” is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, an American rock band. It was released as a single on December 10, 2021, and is featured on the band’s album “Redemption Arcadium,” released on December 31, 2021. “Bella” was written by the band’s members, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante, and produced by Rick Rubin. The song has a rock sound and features Kiedis’ distinctive vocals, accompanied by Frusciante’s guitar riffs, Flea’s bass lines, and Smith’s drum beats. Kiedis sings about Bella, a woman with captivating beauty and a mysterious personality in the song’s lyrics.
Linda — Appears In 579 Song Titles
‘Linda’ by Tokischa: 117,256,646 streams
On August 27, 2021, Dominican rapper Tokischa released the single “Linda” under the labels Rimas Music and Sony Music Latin. This track features a blend of Latin trap and reggaeton music genres and was produced by Dominican producer Bipo Montana. Moreover, the lyrics of “Linda” describe a woman who is confident in her appearance and is not afraid to show it off. Additionally, the music video for the song, directed by Jocelyn Cooper, debuted simultaneously as a single and attracted millions of views on YouTube.
‘Linda’ by Projota: 96,346,234 streams
The Hip-Hop/Rap song called “Linda” was created and sung in Portuguese by Projota. The song’s lyrics revolve around the singer’s admiration for a woman named Linda, praising her beauty and personality. Fans of the artist and genre alike widely favor the track, available on various music streaming platforms.
Juliet — Appears In 459 Song Titles
‘Check Yes, Juliet’ by We The Kings: 234,979,068 streams
“We The Kings” is the artist behind the single “Check Yes, Juliet,” which came out in 2007 as part of the band’s self-titled debut album. Travis Clark, the band’s lead vocalist, and Sam Hollander, a songwriter and producer, wrote the single. “Check Yes, Juliet” is a pop-punk and power pop song with upbeat guitar riffs and catchy lyrics. It received significant airplay on alternative radio stations and peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity helped the band gain a dedicated following and establish themselves as a prominent name in the pop-punk music scene.
‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Dire Straits: 230,039,431 streams
Dire Straits, a British rock band, released their single “Romeo and Juliet” in 1981 from their album “Making Movies.” Written by Mark Knopfler, the song tells the story of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, who cannot be together due to their feuding families. It features Knopfler’s signature guitar-playing style and has become one of the band’s most popular and enduring hits. In addition, “Romeo and Juliet” peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and remains a staple on classic rock radio stations.
Carmen — Appears In 440 Song Titles
‘Carmen’ by Lana Del Rey: 137,697,825 streams
Lana Del Rey, an American singer-songwriter, released the single “Carmen” in 2012 as part of her debut studio album, “Born to Die.” It was also released as a promotional single in the United States in 2013. The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker and produced by Emile Haynie. “Carmen” features Del Rey’s signature dreamy vocals and explores love, addiction, and fame themes. This track received positive reviews from music critics and high marks for its cinematic quality and evocative lyrics.
‘Carmen’ by Stromae: 57,302,993 streams
“Carmen” by Belgian musician Stromae was released on March 31, 2014, and is part of Stromae’s second studio album, “Racine Carrée.” The song’s lyrics refer to the character Carmen from the opera of the same name and address social media addiction and its adverse effects on society. The track has a mix of electronic, hip-hop, and traditional African music elements; the music video features an animated depiction of the character Carmen and her relationship with social media. “Carmen” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including Belgium, France, and Switzerland.
Carolina — Appears In 439 Song Titles
‘Carolina’ by Harry Styles: 181,229,423 streams
The English singer and songwriter Harry Styles released the single song “Carolina” as part of his self-titled debut album “Harry Styles” on May 12, 2017, through Erskine Records and Columbia Records. Written by Harry Styles, Thomas Hull, Mitch Rowland, and Tyler Johnson and produced by Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, and Alex Salibian, “Carolina” received positive reviews from music critics for its upbeat rock sound, catchy melody, and lyrics.
Additionally, the song features a guitar riff reminiscent of the classic rock band, The Rolling Stones. As a result, Harry Styles has performed “Carolina” during his solo concerts and time with the band One Direction.
‘Carolina’ by Taylor Swift: 40,055,359 streams
Let me tell you about another amazing song! Taylor Swift’s “Carolina” is a pop/country track released on her sixth studio album, “Reputation,” in 2017. This song was written by Taylor Swift and co-written and produced by the talented Max Martin and Shellback. Critics couldn’t help but rave about “Carolina,” praising its infectious melody and Swift’s powerful vocals.
This song tells the story of Taylor becoming infatuated with a girl named Carolina at a party. The guitar riffs and upbeat tempo perfectly complement the lively lyrics, making it impossible not to dance along. Although “Carolina” didn’t debut as an official single, it still received significant airplay on radio stations and quickly prevailed on the album.
Paloma — Appears In 419 Song Titles
‘Paloma’ by Mr. P: 6,269,473 streams
In 2021, Paloma released his upbeat and catchy song, “Mr. P.” The single stands out due to its lively beats and Paloma’s distinctive vocals. In addition, it tells the story of a woman fascinated with a man known only as Mr. P and the lengths she goes to win his attention. The song received positive reviews from music critics and is well-liked by fans, who appreciate its fun and playful nature.
‘Paloma’ by We Are Wolves: 2,624,626 streams
We Are Wolves’ latest single, “Paloma.’ is an absolute must-listen! With their extraordinary and dynamic vocals, the group delivers an electrifying combination of rock and pop that is both vibrant and infectious. But that’s not all; the song’s powerful and inspiring lyrics celebrate the essence of individuality and self-expression, making it an anthem for everyone. Trust me when I say this track is a fantastic addition to We Are Wolves’ already impressive discography, and it’s sure to leave you wanting more!
Song Titles With Popular Male Names
John — Appears In 2,040 Song Titles
‘John’ by Lil Wayne, Rick Ross: 66,025,138 streams
Two American rappers, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross, collaborated on a single called “John,” which was released in 2011 as the second single from Lil Wayne’s ninth studio album, “Tha Carter IV.” It features the two rappers trading verses over a hard-hitting beat produced by Polow da Don. The song did well critically and commercially, peaking at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
‘John Hughes Movie’ by Maisie Peters: 18,334,747 streams
Maisie Peters named her single “John Hughes Movie” after the character John Hughes from the 80s films. She released the song on March 31, 2021, and included it as part of her debut album “You Signed Up For This.” It features Maisie Peters’ signature storytelling style, which she blends with pop-infused melodies to create a memorable track.
Johnny — Appears In 1,071 Song Titles
‘Johnny B. Goode’ by Chuck Berry: 370,896,823 streams
Oh, I love talking about music! Let me tell you about Chuck Berry’s iconic hit, “Johnny B. Goode”! This fantastic track follows the journey of a talented guitar player named John, who dreams of making it big in the music industry. Initially released in 1958, the song has become one of Berry’s most beloved and influential works!
With its catchy guitar riffs and upbeat rhythm, “Johnny B. Goode” has captured the hearts of music fans worldwide. Unsurprisingly, many artists have covered the song, and countless films have featured it, making it a genuine rock and roll music staple.
‘Johnny Run Away’ by Tones And I: 80,119,916 streams
“Johnny Run Away” is a single by Tones and I, featuring the male name Johnny in the title. The song was released in 2019 and is a part of Tones and I’s debut EP “The Kids Are Coming.” The pop song discusses a family’s reaction to their son’s decision to come out as gay.
David — Appears In 876 Song Titles
‘David’ by Cody Jinks: 19,131,943 streams
You’ll absolutely love “David” by Cody Jinks! This fantastic single is a perfect representation of classic American country music. Released in 2015, it’s a standout track from Jinks’ incredible album “Adobe Sessions.”
Jinks’ songwriting skills are on full display here, with the lyrics painting a vivid picture of a hardworking, blue-collar man named John-David. It’s a relatable story that many listeners can connect with, especially those who have experienced financial struggles and trying to make ends meet.
What I love most about this song is how Jinks infuses it with his signature country sound. It’s a perfect blend of traditional and modern country music, with just the right amount of twang and soulful vocals. “David” is a song that will leave you tapping your feet and singing along, and it’s a perfect addition to any country music playlist.
‘David’ by BLANCO: 13,828,498 streams
There isn’t much information on the single “David” by BLANCO. However, BLANCO is a Spanish singer and songwriter known for blending urban and pop music genres in their music. They have released several singles and collaborations with other artists since their debut in 2018.
James — Appears In 863 Song Titles
‘James’ by Sam Brookes: 24,034,002 streams
Sam Brookes, a British singer-songwriter, released the single “James,” featuring the vocals of James Bay, on September 10, 2021. It is a mellow acoustic track highlighting the beautiful harmonies between the two talented artists.
‘James’ by MGMT — 9,789,389 streams
On the other hand, this”James” single is a collaboration between the British band James and the American band MGMT. The song was released on May 7, 2021, and is an upbeat track that combines the signature sounds of both bands. With Tim Booth’s distinctive vocals and MGMT’s catchy synth beats, the song is truly unique and memorable.
Peter — Appears In 611 Song Titles
‘Peter Pan’ by Kelsea Ballerini: 132,876,638 streams
Kelsea Ballerini’s excellent single, “Peter Pan,” is undeniably awesome! Kelsea is a brilliant country music singer and songwriter who knows how to capture your attention with her beautiful voice and heartfelt lyrics.
She released “Peter Pan” on March 21, 2016, as the third single from her second studio album, “Unapologetically.” This song, co-written by Ballerini, Jesse Lee, and Forest Glen Whitehead, is an absolute masterpiece! Beautifully written, it tells the story of a man who refuses to grow up and take responsibility for his actions.
Hold on, that’s not all! “Peter Pan” also received rave reviews from music critics and quickly became a fan favorite. It reached the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart! With its catchy beat, soulful lyrics, and Kelsea’s stunning vocals, “Peter Pan” is a must-listen for any country music fan.
‘Peter Pan Was Right’ by Anson Seabra: 40,510,187 streams
Anson Seabra, an American singer and songwriter, recorded the single “Peter Pan Was Right.” On September 3, 2021, he released the song as the lead single from his debut album “Between Us.” Written by Seabra, the single is about staying young at heart and not letting adulthood get to you. It received critical acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and Seabra’s emotive vocal performance. In addition, “Peter Pan Was Right” has since gained popularity, reaching the top 20 on the US Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart.
Michael — Appears In 609 Song Titles
‘Big Michael’ by Stormzy: 26,093,870 streams
Stormzy, the British rapper, released the single “Big Michael” on December 13, 2019, as part of his second studio album, “Heavy Is the Head.” It features Stormzy rapping about his rise to fame and success while paying homage to his friend and fellow rapper Michael Omari, who also goes by the name “Big Mike.”
‘Michael’ by Franz Ferdinand: 11,455,153 streams
Nonetheless, “Michael” by the Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand came out on February 14, 2004, as part of their debut album, “Franz Ferdinand.” The song is a fast-paced and energetic rock track featuring the band’s signature angular guitar riffs and catchy choruses. The lyrics are about a man by the name of Michael trying to impress a woman by showing off his dance moves and singing abilities. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart and winning the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
Paul — Appears In 608 Song Titles
‘Paul’ by Big Thief: 65,916,492 streams
In 2019, Big Thief, an American indie rock band, introduced “Paul,” a single with Adrianne Lenker, the band’s guitarist, and vocalist, as the lead singer. The track narrates the story of a character named Paul, struggling with loneliness and hopelessness. Due to its touching lyrics and haunting melody, the song has received acclaim.
