Taylor Swift is known for her autobiographical songwriting about love, relationships and growing up. Many of her songs reference girl names, both real and fictional, that often symbolize a friend, lover, or different version of herself. Looking at the meanings and origins of these names can provide insight into Taylor's lyrics.
Girl names in Taylor Swift songs span different eras and backgrounds, much like her music. By exploring the girl names from Taylor Swift music, we gain a deeper understanding of her songwriting. The names she chooses are often lyrical, whimsical and embody the free spirit of young women coming of age.
Names in Taylor Swift's Songs
Delilah - Means "delicate, weak, languishing" in Hebrew. In the Bible, Delilah betrayed Samson by cutting his hair which was the secret to his strength. This name represents betrayal or deception.
Dorothea - From the Greek meaning "gift of God". Dorothea was a 4th century martyr and model of charity. This name signifies inner beauty, goodness and generosity.
Ethel - From the Old English for "noble". Peaked in popularity in the early 1900s. Often given to girls seen as sweet and virtuous.
James - In Taylor's song "betty", James is a boy caught in a young love triangle. Traditionally considered a boy's name meaning "supplanter" in Hebrew.
Betty - A sweet, wholesome name for the "girl next door" in Taylor's folklore trilogy. Nickname for Elizabeth meaning "pledged to God" from Hebrew.
Abigail - From Hebrew meaning "my father is joy". In the Bible, Abigail was married to Nabal but became King David's third wife after Nabal's death.
Adelaide - German name meaning "noble and serene". Adelaide was a 10th century Holy Roman Empress known for her modesty and piety.
Angel - Represents goodness, innocence and being close to God. Comes from Greek word "angelos" meaning "messenger".
Arabella - Latin variant of Annabel meaning "yielding to prayer". Made popular in 18th century Scotland and associated with beauty.
Amelia - German name blending "amal" (work) and "hel" (healthy) to mean "hardworking and strong". Popularized in 18th century England.
Aubrey - Norman French name derived from Alberic meaning "elf ruler". Originally a boy's name that became fashionable for girls in 20th century America.
Augustine - Feminine form of Augustus, a Roman emperor's title meaning "great" or "venerable". Name of a 4th century philosopher.
Calliope - In Greek mythology, Calliope was the muse of epic poetry representing eloquence and inspiration. From "kalos" (beautiful) and "ops" (voice).
Clementine - Feminine version of Clement meaning "gentle and merciful" from Latin. Associated with goodness and innocence.
Daisy - Represents innocence, loyalty, purity and simplicity. From the flower, which got its name from "days eye" referring to how it opens and closes with sunlight.
Dorothea - From the Greek meaning "gift of God". Dorothea was a 4th century martyr and model of charity. This name signifies inner beauty, goodness and generosity.
Fern - From the flower fern, representing tranquility, sincerity, discretion and good fortune. Ferns thrive in shade evoking a shy, demure nature.
Gabriella - Feminine of Gabriel, from Hebrew meaning "God is my strength". The angel Gabriel visited Mary foretelling Jesus' birth in the Bible.
Golden - Represents what is precious, beloved and treasured. Refers to value and radiant beauty like that of gold metal.
Imogen - In British legends, Imogen was a princess married to Posthumus. The meaning is disputed but may come from Gaelic or Latin.
Ivy - From the climbing ivy plant representing faithfulness and affection. Also echoes Ivy League schools implying intelligence.
Josephine - The feminine form of Joseph, meaning "Jehovah increases" or "May Jehovah add". First used in 18th century England.
Lily - The lily flower symbolizes purity, virginity and fertility in ancient Greek and Roman myths. Also tied to death and rebirth.
Noelle - From French meaning "Christmas" or Yule holiday linking to ideas of renewal and childlike joy. Popularized in 18th century England.
Olive - From the olive tree representing peace, calmness, fruitfulness, dignity and purity. Has biblical ties to promises from God after the Flood.
Pandora - In Greek myth, Pandora opened a box releasing evil into the world showing the danger of curiosity. But Pandora could also signify hope and new beginnings.
Patricia - Feminine form of Patrick, meaning "nobly born" in Latin. Refers to someone of noble character or heritage.
Rowena - Has uncertain origin but may mean "white, fair and smooth" from Welsh and Latin roots. Made popular by Ivanhoe character Rowena who was loved for her beauty and nobility.
Sylvia - Feminine of Silvanus, Roman god of forests and hunting. Symbolic of solitude, spirituality and the beauty found in nature. Has been used since 16th century.
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