Are you an Elvis Presley-loving new pet parent searching for the perfect name for your “Hound Dog”? From the names of Elvis’s many dog and horse companions to the characters he portrayed on the big screen, you’ll find that you “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with at least one of the many Elvis-inspired dog names we’ve fetched for you!
What Does the Name Elvis Mean?
The name Elvis means “elf-wise friend.”
If you decide to name your little “Teddy Bear” after the King of Rock ‘n Roll, you will be in good company! Nick Jonas named his Golden Retriever Elvis, just like Pink did with her Bulldog and Pretty Little Liars cast member Lucy Hale did with her Maltipoo.
People in Elvis’ Life
Beaulieu — Priscilla Presley’s maiden name is a combination of the French words for “lovely” and “place.”
Cilla (or Priscilla) — Elvis’s pet name for Priscilla, whose name means “venerable” and “classical.” Did you know that Priscilla Presley is an animal advocate who has helped to shine a spotlight on topics ranging from pet adoption to the need to end the dog meat trade?
Ginger — Ginger Alden was the name of Elvis’s fiancee at the time of his passing. Her name means “pure.”
Gladys— The name of the King of Rock ‘n ‘Roll’s’ mother means “princess.”
Jesse Garon — Elvis’ twin brother, who was stillborn. The name Jesse means ‘God’s gift” or “King,” while Garon means “ready.”
Linda Thompson — A lady love of The King in the 1970s. The name Linda means “pretty.”
Lisa Marie — Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s daughter inherited the couple’s love of animals. During the Covid pandemic she and two of her twin daughters fostered shelter puppies! The name of the King’s only child (and Elvis’s Convair 880 jet plane), Lisa means “God’s promise,” while Marie means “star of the sea.”
Minnie Mae — Elvis’s grandmother.
Presley — You might also want to consider Elvis’s surname for your new fur baby, which is the moniker that actress Debby Ryan (Disney Channel’s Jessie and the Netflix series Insatiable) chose for her toy Poodle.
Tom Parker — Portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 2022 Baz Luhrman biopic Elvis, the Colonel was the King’s manager.
Vernon — The first name of Elvis’s father means “Alder tree.”
Names of Elvis Dogs, Horses and More
Baba — A Collie with movie star looks, Baba starred alongside her famous father in the flick Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
Bambi — The King turned to Disney for the name of his squirrel monkey,who was given to the superstar in 1966.
Bear — One of Elvis’s horses.
Beauty — A fan of James Dean, Elvis named one of his horses after a horse in the pop culture icon’s last movie, Giant.
Big Red — The name of one of Elvis’s horses this would also make a great name for a Redbone Coonhound!
Bowtie — Not only was Elvis a fan of our four-legged friends, he was also fond of our friends with feathers, like his turkey, Bowtie!
Buckshot — An equine companion whose name was inspired by Wild Bill Hickcock’s horse.
Brutus — In real life Elvis shared his home with Brutus, and in ‘reel life’ he shared screen time with a Great Dane who portrayed the canine character Albert in his famous father’s 1968 flick Live A Little, Love A Little.
Champagne — The name of Elvis’s Poodle would be a fun moniker for a barking buddy with a bubbly personality!
Colonel Midnight – Vernon Presley’s horse, who was presented to him by his famous son.
Domino — The first horse to live on the grounds of Graceland, Domino was a gift to Priscilla from Presley.
Ebony’s Double — Priscilla Presley’s Tennessee Walking Horse. (Priscilla would go on to be a staunch defender of her equine friends, lobbying Congress to end the cruel practice of soring.)
Edmund — Elvis’s Pomeranian.
El Poco — One of Elvis’s horses.
Flaming Star — One of Elvis’s horses, whose name was inspired by the entertainer’s 1960 Western.
Get Low — Although Elvis was initially concerned about welcoming a Chow Chow into his heart and home, thinking that the breed was too aggressive, The King grew to love his new canine companion, and even leased a Lear jet to rush Get Low to a veterinarian when the dog was suffering from a kidney ailment.
Honey — The name of Priscilla’s poodle.
Lady — One of Elvis’s horses.
Mare Ingram — A horse whose name was inspired by the Mayor of Memphis.
Michael Edwards — A dog he named in honor of his character in It Happened At The World’s Fair.
Moriah — Lisa Marie’s pony.
Puff — Lisa Marie’s cat.
Rising Sun — Elvis’s Palomino.
Scatter — Elvis’s mischievous chimp.
Scout — One of Elvis’s horses.
Sheba — One of the King’s horses.
Snoopy — One of two Great Danes who lived at Graceland.
Star Trek — Elvis named one of his horses after the original sci-fi series!
Sun’s Reflection — A relation of Elvis’ horse Rising Sun.
Sweet Pea — Well known for his love of giving gifts, Elvis presented a Poodle named Sweet Pea to his mother, Gladys.
Whoosh — One of Elvis’s dogs.
Character Names from Elvis’ Movie Roles & Their Meanings
Boy Dog Names Inspired by Elvis Movie Characters
Blue Hawaii — This 1962 romantic romp featured the King as tour guide Chad Gates, and entertainment legend Angela Lansbury as his mother. The name Chad means “protector” or “defender.”
Change of Habit — In his final movie role, Elvis portrayed Dr. John Carpenter, a physician helping inner city youth.
Charro! — A departure for the superstar, Elvis stepped into the role of Jess Wade in this 1969 non-musical Western. The name Jess means “gift of God” … Charro makes a fun dog name, too!
Clambake — Elvis portrayed Scott Hayward, an heir to a millionaire, in this 1967 musical romp. The name Scott means “from Scotland.”
Double Trouble — Elvis portrayed singer Guy Lambert in this 1967 musical farce. The name Guy means “guide” or “leader.”
Easy Come, Easy Go — Elvis tackled the role of ex-Navy frogman/deep sea diver/singer Ted Jackson in this 1967 comedy. Short for Theodore, the name Ted means “wealth” or “riches.”
Flaming Star — Elvis named one of his horses after this 1960 western, in which he played Pacer Burton.
Follow That Dream — In this 1962 movie inspired by the novel pioneer, Go Home!, Elvis brought the character of Toby Kwimper to life on the silver screen. The name Toby means “God is good.”
Fun in Acapulco and Spinout — Elvis took on the role of lifeguard/singer Mike Windgren for the frothy 1963 musical Fun in Acapulco, and race car driver/singer Mike McCoy in the 1966 musical comedy Spinout. A nickname for Michael, Mike means “who is like God.”
G.I. Blues — Just discharged from the army, Elvis once again stepped into an Army uniform for his role as U.S. Army Speciality 5 Tulsa McLean in this 1960 musical comedy.
Girl Happy — This light-hearted beach movie starred Elvis as nightclub singer Rusty Wells.
Girls! Girls! Girls! — This 1962 musical comedy was number one at the box office on the week of its release, thanks in part to Elvis’s portrayal of Ross Carpenter. The name Ross means “headland.”
Harum Scarum and Frankie and Johnny — Elvis took on the name Johnny for his roles in both Harum Scarum (Johnny Tyrone) and in- Frankie and Johnny. A shortened form of the name John, Johnny means “God is gracious.”
It Happened at The World’s Fair — Elvis named one of his dogs Michael Edwards, his character in this playful 1963 musical comedy.
Jailhouse Rock — Preserved in the National Film Registry, this 1957 musical drama starred Elvis as lawbreaker turned heartbreaker Vince Everett. A shortened form of Vincent, the name means “conquering” and “winning.”
Kid Galahad — Presley portrayed pugilist Walter Gulick in this 1962 remake of a 1937 film. The name Walter means “commander of the army.”
King Creole — This 1962 drama stars Elvis in his favorite role as high school student Danny Fisher. The name Danny (which is a shortened form of Daniel) means “God is my judge.”
Kissin’ Cousins — Elvis had double duty in this 1964 comedy, portraying distant cousins Josh Morgan and Jodie Tatum. Josh, a nickname for Joshua, means “Jehovah is salvation,” while Jodie means “from Judea.”
Live A Little, Love A Little –The frequently photographed star portrayed shutterbug Greg Nolan in this 1968 musical comedy. a name that would be a good fit for a protective pup, Greg means “watchful” and “vigilant.”
Love Me Tender — As Clint Reno, Elvis crooned a tune that rocketed to number one in his first foray in feature films, The name Clint means “fenced settlement.”
Loving You — In his second movie role Elvis stepped into the role of Deke Rivers, a delivery man who, upon being discovered, rises to stardom.The name Deke means both “dusty one” and “messenger.”
Paradise, Hawaiian Style — Elvis’s third film to feature the 50th state, this silver screen songfest starred the King as helicopter pilot Rick Richards. The name Rick means “powerful” and “brave ruler.”
Roustabout — Elvis starred as Charlie Rogers, a musician/carnival performer in this 1964 musical. A diminutive of Charles, the name Charlie means “free man.”
Speedway — Once again steering movie audiences into theaters as a race car driver, Elvis portrayed Steve Grayson in this 1968 musical.
Stay Away, Joe — The King starred as rodeo rider Joe Lightcloud in his first film to be released in 1968. Short for Joseph, Joe means “God will give.”
The Trouble with Girls— Elvis’s cinematic career was coming to a close when he starred as Walter Hale in this 1969 period movie. The name Walter means “commander of the army.”
Tickle Me — Elvis won an award for his role as bronco buster Lonnie Beale in this 1965 comedy. The name Lonnie means “lion.”
Viva Las Vegas — Perhaps Presley’s most popular role, Elvis starred as race car driver Lucky Jackson is this 1964 musical.
Wild in the Country — In this 1961 musical drama the King portrays writer Glen Tyler. The name Glen means “in a valley.”
Girl Dog Names Inspired by Elvis Movie Love Interests
Blue Hawaii — Actress Joan Blackman’s Maile Duval falls for Elvis’s character in this bubbly romantic comedy. Maile is a Hawaiian name meaning “sweet smelling vine.”
Change of Habit — As Sister Michelle, actress Mary Tyler Moore portrayed a possible love interest in Elvis’s final feature film. The name Michelle means “who resembles God.”
Charro! — Tracey Winters was Elvis’s silver screen lady love in this 1969 Western. The name Tracey means “fighter.”
Clambake — Shelley Fabares starred as a gold digger with a heart of gold in this 1967 camp classic.
Double Trouble — The character of Jill Conway captured The King’s heart in this 1967 musical. The name Jill means “child of the gods.”
Easy Come, Easy Go — In this fluffy farce the character of Jo Symington was Elvis’s gal pal.
Flaming Star — Barbara Eden of I Dream of Jeannie fame portrayed Elvis’ love interest Roslyn PIerce in this 1960 Western. Roslyn means “gentle horse.”
Follow That Dream — The character of Holly (a name meaning “the holly tree”) gives her heart to Elvis’s Toby in this toe-tapping 1962 musical.
Frankie and Johnny — Donna Douglas, who would go on to portray animal-loving Ellie Mae Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, was Frankie to Elvis’ Johnny in this 1966 Western.
G.I. Blues — Juliet Prowse starred as night club dancer Lili in this swinging 1960 musical. The name Lili means “oath of God.”
Harum Scarum — As movie star Johnny Tyrone, Elvis falls for Mary Ann Mobley (who portrayed Princess Shalimar) in this 1965 romp. Shalimar means “abode of love” or “moonlight.”
Jailhouse Rock — Music promoter Peggy Van Alden fell for former criminal turned crooner Vince Everett in Jailhouse Rock. The name Peggy means “pearl.”
Kid Galahad — Joan Blackman once again stepped in front of the camera with Elvis for his 1962 musical, this time portraying the character Rose Grogan.
King Creole — Elvis’s character found himself in a love triangle in this 1958 drama, which starred Carolyn Jones as Ronnie (which means ‘ruler” or “bringer of victory”) and Dolores Hart as Nellie (which means “horn” or “sun ray”.)
Live A Little, Love a Little — Bernice was Elvis’s gal pal in this carefree flick from the late 60s. The name Bernice means “bringer of victory.”
Love Me Tender — Cathy was Clint Reno’s in the western Love Me Tender. The name Cathy means “pure.”
Loving You — Portrayed by Dolores Hart, “Susie” Jessup made Elvis’s heart skip a beat in his second film. The name Susan means “lily flower.”
Paradise, Hawaiian Style — Judy “Friday” Hudson caught the eye of Elvis’s character in this 1966 musical comedy. The name Judy means “praised.”
Speedway — As Susan Jacks, Nancy Sinatra caused Elvis’s heart to race in this revved up romantic 1968 musical.
Spinout — Three young ladies (Cynthia Foxhugh, Diana St. Clair and Les) try to catch The King’s eye in this 1966 musical comedy.
The Trouble with Girls — Charlene was a reluctant love interest for Elvis’ Walter Hale in this 1969 period picture. The name Charlene means “free spirit.”
Viva Las Vegas — This 1964 homage to The Entertainment Capital of The World is perhaps Presley’s most popular feature presentation, due in part to the performance of Ann-Margret as Rusty Martin.
Wild in The Country — Hope Lange starred as Irene Sperry in this 1961 drama. The name Irene comes from Eirene, the Greek goddess of peace.
Elvis Movie Titles
The titles of a few of The King’s many big screen ventures could be possible names for your pup!
- Blue Hawaii
- Charro!
- Clambake
- Double Trouble
- Flaming Star
- Frankie and Johnny (A great combo if you’ve welcomed two canines into your heart and home!)
- Kid Galahad
- King Creole
- Roustabout
- Speedway
- Spinout
Place Names
Graceland — Elvis’s home may only allow two-legged visitors, but close by at the four-star Guest House at Graceland your Hound Dog, if he/she weighs 35 pounds or less, is welcome in the South Tower rooms!
Hawaii — Elvis’s love of the 50th state led him to attempt to recreate a bit of its beauty in The Jungle Room at Graceland. (How about Blue Hawaii for your Blue Heeler?)
Memphis — Elvis moved to Memphis with his family in 1939, and The King remained loyal to the city, moving to eight different addresses over the years before fame allowed him to purchase Graceland, where he lived until his passing in 1977.
Tupelo — Did you know that Elvis’s hometown holds the Tupelo Elvis Festival every year? The weekend-long Presley-themed party includes an Elvis pet parade!
Vegas — Not only is Viva Las Vegas perhaps the King’s most well-known role, Las Vegas is also the city where he tied the knot with Priscilla.
Various Words and Names Associated with Elvis
Aaron — Elvis’s middle name.
Jordanaires — The King’s back-up band.
Marie–“Marie’s The Name (His Latest Flame)”…and it could be the name of your new canine companion! The name Marie means “star of the sea.”
Sherlock — There was no need for a sleuth to deduce why the TV audience watching The Steve Allen Show in July 1956 went crazy for The King when he belted out his hit song “Hound Dog” in front of a Basset Hound named Sherlock.
TCB — Elvis’ motto, “Taking Care of Business!”
Teddy Bear — Elvis’s 1957 hit single would be a perfect name for a cuddly canine companion!
Pin It to Remember These Elvis Dog Names!
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