The President of the United States is arguably the most recognizable person in the world, yet when communicating about them over secure channels, they are never referred to by their actual name. Instead, they are given a unique, often evocative, Secret Service code name.

This practice began in the mid-20th century as a simple security measure, but it has evolved into a unique cultural tradition, adding a layer of mystique to the highest office in the land. These names are more than just codewords; they often reflect personal histories, public personas, and even the events of their time.

The Birth of the Code

The practice of assigning official code names began around the time of President Harry S. Truman (1945–1953). Before the widespread use of highly secure, encrypted digital communication, a simple way to protect sensitive information during radio and phone calls was to use code words for high-value targets. This minimized the risk of adversaries intercepting communications and identifying the subject immediately.

The White House Communications Agency (WHCA) and the Secret Service work together to generate a list of potential names. Often, all immediate family members, including the First Lady and children, receive code names that start with the same letter for simplicity and coordination.

Security vs. Symbolism

While the primary function of a code name is operational security and communication efficiency, their public reveal often carries symbolic weight. A president may choose a name from a pre-approved list that speaks to their personal history, identity, or political brand.

For example, President Jimmy Carter chose Deacon, a direct nod to his deep Baptist faith and background. In contrast, President Ronald Reagan chose Rawhide, immediately evoking his background as an actor in Western films. These choices intentionally blur the line between necessary secrecy and personal brand reinforcement.

Code Names of Modern Presidents

The selection process often results in names that perfectly capture the public perception of the president, whether intended or not.

President

Code Name

Suspected Meaning/Origin

Harry S. Truman

General

Leadership, military connection

John F. Kennedy

Lancer

Often associated with the “Camelot” image of his administration.

Richard Nixon

Searchlight

The name’s original meaning is lost, but the public association often became ironic given the secrecy of the Watergate scandal.

Gerald Ford

Passkey

The name may refer to his unexpected ascension to the presidency.

Bill Clinton

Eagle

A classic symbol of America; possibly linked to his background as an Eagle Scout.

Barack Obama

Renegade

He selected this name from a list, often interpreted as reflecting his outsider status as he entered the political scene.

George H.W. Bush

Timberwolf

The origin is unclear but suggests strength and a strong pack/family focus.

The Legacy of the Code

The tradition continues with current administrations. President Joe Biden, for instance, chose to keep Celtic, the code name he used as Vice President, highlighting his strong Irish heritage.

Although modern encryption technology has made the need for coded communication less vital than during the mid-20th century, the tradition persists. Code names are now firmly woven into the fabric of presidential history and popular culture. They represent a unique intersection of the practical demands of security and the powerful, symbolic nature of the American presidency. They offer a brief, fascinating glimpse into the persona each leader chooses to project—or has assigned to them—behind the veil of secrecy.