Elvis Presley and the close circle around him handed out nicknames like confetti. Relatives, girlfriends, movie costars and anyone who spent real time in his orbit often walked away with a private name. The list of ten pet names for the women in his life runs “Satnin” “Little” “Dodger” “Foghorn” “Nungen” “Ooshie” “Thumper” “Mommy” “Gingerbread” and “Josephine.” Most of the details come from the 1992 book Elvis: From Memphis to Hollywood by Alan Fortas and the 1995 volume Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations from the Memphis Mafia by Billy Smith Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike.
These names reveal a playful childlike side of the King that he never fully outgrew. They also show how he reserved certain terms of endearment for the women who mattered most whether family or romance.
ELVIS’ PET NAMES for the women in his life
“Satnin” was the nickname Elvis used for three important women. His mother Gladys came first. Then came June Juanico, a 1956 girlfriend from Biloxi Mississippi. After Gladys died he transferred the name to Priscilla. Billy Smith said “Satnin” referred to a condensed round of fattening and that Elvis would pat his mother’s stomach while promising her something to eat. June Juanico remembered a softer origin. On a Memphis date in May 1956 Elvis called her “My beautiful little Satnin” and explained that his mother used to sing a version of “Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Shortnin’ Bread” that went “mama’s little baby has satin skin.” Soft as satin.
Anita Wood earned the simple name “Little.” George Klein introduced the 19-year-old to Elvis in 1957 and she stayed his preferred girlfriend until the army. The last words he spoke to her before shipping overseas were “I love you Little.” Even after meeting Priscilla in Germany he kept calling and sending gifts. Years later when she visited him backstage in Las Vegas he asked if they had made a mistake. She answered that neither of them would have the families they ended up with.
Minnie Mae Presley Elvis’s grandmother was “Dodger.” Lamar Fike described her as a tough tall skinny and peppery woman who outlived her famous grandson. The nickname stuck after Elvis once threw a ball that missed her face by a fraction of an inch. Elisabeth Stefaniak the German-born young woman who became his secretary in the army was “Foghorn” because of her low voice. She moved into his German residence, answered fan mail and later returned with him to Memphis before marrying his army friend Rex Mansfield.
Elvis Presley Gave Nick Names To Those He Loved: What were they and who got them?
Priscilla collected several names at once. Lamar Fike recalled the baby-talk sessions in which Elvis called her “Nungen” , his version of “young one.” Alan Fortas listed “Nungen” “Cilla” “Little One” and eventually “Satnin” once Gladys was gone. Ursula Andress from the set of Fun in Acapulco became “Ooshie.” The Memphis Mafia enjoyed her visits though Elvis kept the friendship light because she was married. Ann-Margret received “Thumper” after the guys decided the rabbit from Bambi fit better than the code names “Scoobie” and “Bunny” she used when calling Graceland.
Linda Thompson who lived with Elvis from 1972 until late 1976 was “Mommy.” Marty Lacker called her the best woman Elvis ever had. She stayed awake until he fell asleep and jumped up at the slightest disturbance. Ginger Alden, the last girlfriend, got “Gingerbread.” Billy Smith privately preferred a far less flattering version of the name and extended the same treatment to her sister. Finally Jo Smith, wife of cousin Billy, earned “Josephine.” Elvis would come down the stairs singing the Fats Domino song “Hello Josephine” then wrap her in a bear hug and promise to make up for the time he had taken her husband away.
These private names paint a picture of a man who mixed humor, affection and a refusal to leave childhood completely behind. They also remind us that the same Elvis who sold more than a billion records worldwide starred in 31 feature films and filled arenas for two decades still spoke in baby talk with the women closest to him. The King of Rock and Roll remains one of the most influential performers in music history. His voice, his moves and the cultural shift he helped spark still echo.