The tradition of Secret Service code names dates back to the Wilson administration. But here's a little-known fact: the president's protective detail doesn't pick the names. Initially, the FBI chose code names for presidents and their families. Later, this task fell to the White House Communications Agency, formed by President Roosevelt. The Secret Service uses these names as shorthand, but they don't select them. Whoever picks the names often hits the mark - either with apt and heroic names that imply honor and dignity, or with insulting and terrible ones. You'll find names that mock officials' maladies, and even a presidential candidate's daughter named after a British actor. Sometimes, the figures themselves choose their names, resulting in a mix of pompous and painfully obvious choices. Which American presidents and US political figures have had the best Secret Service code names? This list features the funniest and most awesome names, so vote for your favorites and start thinking of your own code name if you have political aspirations.
About this list
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He used this during his presidency.
1,424 - 2
He used this during his half-brother's presidency.
1,338 - 3
She used this as first lady.
1,297 - 4
He used this during his presidency.
765 - 5
She used this as first lady.
605 - 6
He used this during his presidency.
583 - 7
He used this during his presidency.
581 - 8
He used this during his presidency.
568 - 9
She used this as first lady.
547 - 10
Charles III also used the name "Principal."
453 - 11
He served as President Ford's chief of staff; he was known as "Angler" during his vice presidency.
452 - 12
She used this during her father's presidency.
398 - 13
He used this during his 2000 campaign and was known as "Trailblazer" throughout his presidency.
347 - 14
Richard Nixon asked for this name.
340 - 15
She used this as first lady.
323 - 16
He used this in his 2012 campaign.
273 - 17
She used this during her time as first lady.
259 - 18
He used this in his 1976 campaign.
255 - 19
She used this during her father's time in office.
219 - 20
He used this during his presidency.
196 - 21
He used this in his 1980 campaign.
184 - 22
She used this in her 2008 campaign.
150 - 23
He used this during his presidency.
123 - 24
He used this during Nelson Rockefeller's vice presidency; he was also known as "Stardust."
Also ranks #297 on The 365+ Most Famous Geminis
64 - 25
She used this as first lady.
62 - 26
He used this while serving as Richard Nixon's chief of staff.
60 - 27
She used this as first lady.
60 - 28
He used this during his vice presidency.
29 - 29
He used this while serving as Richard Nixon's Secretary of State.
25 - 30
He used this throughout his vice presidency and presidency.
8 - 31
He used this during his presidency.
3 - 32
He used this during his presidency.
-1 - 33
She used this in her 2020 campaign and as vice president.
-4 - 34
She used this while serving as second and first lady.
-4 - 35
He used this during his presidency and was also known as "Deacon."
-7 - 36
He used this in his 2016 presidential campaign.
-9 - 37
He used this in his 2016 presidential campaign.
-15 - 38
He used this throughout his presidency.
-31 - 39
She used this during her husband's 2008 campaign.
-45 - 40
He used this throughout his vice presidency and was also known as "Cavalier."
-52 - 41
He used this while serving as Gerald Ford's press secretary.
-54 - 42
He used this in his 2016 presidential campaign.
Also ranks #40 on 50+ Celebrities Born on September 18
-66 - 43
He used this during his wife's 2008 campaign.
-75 - 44
He used this in his 2012 campaign.
-120 - 45
She used this during her father's 2008 campaign.
-123 - 46
He used this in his 2012 campaign.
-136 - 47
He used this throughout his vice presidency and was also known as "Sundance."
-143 - 48
He used this in his 1988 campaign.
-147 - 49
He used this in his 1984 campaign.
-173 - 50
She used this as first lady and during her 2016 and 2008 campaigns.
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