Is it copyright infringement to use the same name for a song?

[Twalli]

Both John Mellencamp and The Runaways have a song named Cherry Bomb. Other than that name there's no relationship between them. The lyrics are completely different, ditto for the tune. Did one have to get permission to create a different song of the same name?

[SnowedIn]

Not necessarily. If they didn't copyright the name, it can be used by multiple groups.

[jennifer_bloom]

My friend told me you can copyright personalized names like Alfred Davenport or McGuire Ashleys but you can't copyright commonly used words like "free" or "love." So I'm assuming there are certain word combinations you cannot protect with a copy right.

[In_Trance]

I don't think so. Lots of songs have the same title.

Check "Fallen Angel" for example. no end of songs with this title.