How Did Taylor Swift Get Her Name? Her Parents Named Her after Another Star

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift unlocked another milestone as she received an honorary doctorate from New York University. She inspired NYU graduates with a heart-warming message during the recent commencement rites.

Standing before thousands of graduates at the Yankee Stadium dressed in a purple-and-black robe, the multi-Grammy award winner assured the graduates that everything would be all right.

One of the most influential musicians in the industry, Swift has become the voice of today's younger generation. "Never be ashamed of trying - effortlessness is a myth," Swift said in her powerful speech.

WHO WAS TAYLOR SWIFT NAMED AFTER?

With countless awards under her belt, Swift has earned her rightful place in Hollywood. As though foretelling her future, the pop star's parents named her after a music icon–James Taylor.

A six-time Grammy winner, Taylor is regarded as a legend in songwriting and playing the guitar. Swift's parents have been long-time fans of the icon's hit songs.

Taylor's music remains timeless. The 74-year-old musician's powerful songs include "Gorilla," "How Sweet It is," "Fire and Rain," as well as "Something in the Way She Moves."

Way before Swift's music career took off, Taylor revealed that they did a gig together. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer had nothing but sweet words for the "Bad Blood" hitmaker. He said:

"But she was playing guitar and singing her songs, and I knew how remarkable she was."

When he learned that Swift's parents named her after him and how much her parents adored his music, Taylor felt flattered, saying it was a "great connection."

With that unforgettable encounter, the 32-year-old musician would later invite Taylor to wrap up one of her tours at the Madison Square Garden four years ago.

WHO WAS TAYLOR SWIFT DATING?

Just as her entertainment career flourished, Swift's love life also thrived. The "Blank Space" crooner is dating handsome English actor Joe Alwyn.

Swift and Alwyn kept their romance out of the spotlight at the beginning of their relationship, but they eventually went public in May 2017, leaving fans swooning.

On why it took her a while to confirm their relationship, the "Cardigan" singer expressed her desire to create a sense of normalcy in their relationship amid their status as public figures.

Like the acclaimed singer, Alwyn has also opened up about the importance of having privacy even if many people want to know how they are as a couple.

Before "The Favorite" actor, Swift had a long history of dating men in a short period. She previously dated Joe Jonas, Lucas Till, Taylor Lautner, and John Mayer.

The music superstar also shared several short-lived romances with Jake Gyllenhall, Connor Kennedy, Harry Styles, Calvin Harris, and Tom Hiddleston.