Stepping up as first lady to the President of the United States comes with a lot of responsibility. It also earns each one a new nickname from the Secret Service while they're at it.
The code names have only been around for the last 15 presidencies. They aren't exactly meant to be secrets, but simply a way to make communicating over radios easier. Of course, the president, his wife, and family aren't the only ones given the fresh moniker while in office. They just happen to be some of the more interesting choices over the years!
I love the reasoning behind Eleanor Roosevelt's code name — and can totally see why the vibrant first lady in #10 was given her colorful name.
Take a look to learn more about the code names used for first ladies over the years.
And don't forget to SHARE the fascinating information with your friends on Facebook!
1. Edith Wilson
Code name: Grandma
Author Phyllis Lee Levin spilled the beans on this formerly secret nickname in Edith and Woodrow: The Wilson White House.
2. Eleanor Roosevelt
Code name: Rover
Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady by Janet Hubbard-Brown explains how the Secret Service was inspired to give this name to Franklin's wife based on her habit of roaming across the country and globe to care for others.
3. Bess Truman
Code name: Sunnyside
In The Secret Service of Alan Kahn by Steven Scher, the author reveals several code names and phrases, including this summery nickname for Bess.
4. Mamie Eisenhower
Code name: Springtime
Ralph Albertazzie, author of The Flying White House: The Story of Air Force One, includes this among his list of not-so-secret names for people and places surrounding the presidency in the past.
5. Jacqueline Kennedy
Code name: Lace
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum reveals an L-motif for the Kennedys, with JFK taking "Lancer," daughter Caroline being dubbed "Lyric," and JFK Jr. going by "Lark."
6. Lady Bird Johnson
Code name: Victoria
Even though her personal nickname already sounds like a code name, Steven Scher lists this as her official alter ego in The Secret Service of Alan Kahn, while her husband Lyndon went by "Volunteer."
7. Pat Nixon
Code name: Starlight
Steven Scher also illuminates the ironic code name Pat's husband Richard was given throughout his controversial presidency: "Searchlight."
8. Betty Ford
Code name: Pinafore
Real Life at the White House: 200 Years of Daily Life at America's Most Famous Residence by Claire and John Whitcomb claims she would also go by "First Mama" while using her CB radio.
9. Rosalynn Carter
Code name: Lotus Petal
Steven Scher revealed Mrs. Jimmy Carter's botanical moniker, which also fits right alongside her floral given name.
10. Nancy Reagan
Code name: Rainbow
The Weather Channel reported the haunting coincidence of a rainbow appearing right after Nancy was laid to rest in 2016, considering it was her second name for so long.
11. Barbara Bush
Code name: Tranquility
Ronald Kessler, a former Secret Service agent and author of In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect, revealed the first Bush matriarch's peaceful code name.
12. Hillary Clinton
Code name: Evergreen
Ronald Kessler also made note of the Clintons, including Bill's codename "Eagle." They both retained the names while she ran for the presidency in 2016.
13. Laura Bush
Code name: Tempo
Steven Scher's look behind the scenes of the Secret Service included the Bush twins as well: Barbara took "Turquoise" and her sister Jenna was given "Twinkle."
14. Michelle Obama
Code name: Renaissance
According to a report from the BBC back in 2008, the Obamas were given a list of "R" names to choose from. The first daughters also decided on "Radiance" for Malia and "Rosebud" for Sasha.
15. Melania Trump
Code name: Muse
According to reports from CNN back during the most recent presidential campaign, the current first lady chose this inspiring moniker, while her husband Donald goes by "Mogul."
Did you know all of these fascinating code names for first ladies over the years? Be sure to SHARE all the names with your friends on Facebook!