First Lady Names: A Comprehensive List with Meaning and History

This article explores the names of the First Ladies of the United States, providing a comprehensive list with their meanings and historical significance. From the iconic figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy to the more recent First Ladies like Michelle Obama and Melania Trump, each name carries a story and reflects the character of the woman who bore it. Discover the etymology and cultural impact of these remarkable names and gain a deeper understanding of the women who have shaped American history.
1. **Abigail Adams:** Hebrew origin, meaning "father's joy," "my father is joy." A prominent figure in the American Revolution, she was known for her intelligence and strong advocacy for women's rights.
2. **Martha Washington:** Latin origin, meaning "lady of the house." The first First Lady, she played a significant role in supporting her husband George Washington's political career and was respected for her strong moral character.
3. **Dolley Madison:** English origin, meaning "from the valley." Known for her grace and social skills, she was instrumental in preserving important national artifacts during the War of 1812.
4. **Louisa Adams:** German origin, meaning "famous warrior." As the wife of John Quincy Adams, she was a staunch advocate for education and cultural development.
5. **Rachel Donelson Jackson:** Hebrew origin, meaning "ewe." Wife of Andrew Jackson, she was a devout Presbyterian and known for her strong moral character.
6. **Florence Van Ness Lewis:** Latin origin, meaning "prosperous." Wife of Martin Van Buren, she was known for her elegant and sophisticated personality.
7. **Anna Harrison:** Hebrew origin, meaning "grace." Wife of William Henry Harrison, she was a devout Christian and known for her charitable work.
8. **Letitia Tyler:** Latin origin, meaning "joy." Wife of John Tyler, she was a shy and retiring figure who preferred domestic life.
9. **Julia Gardiner Tyler:** French origin, meaning "youthful." Second wife of John Tyler, she was known for her beauty and charm.
10. **Sarah Polk:** Hebrew origin, meaning "princess." Wife of James K. Polk, she was a devout Presbyterian and known for her modesty and quiet demeanor.
11. **Margaret Taylor:** Greek origin, meaning "pearl." Wife of Zachary Taylor, she was a devoted mother and known for her quiet elegance.
12. **Abigail Fillmore:** Hebrew origin, meaning "father's joy," "my father is joy." Wife of Millard Fillmore, she was a strong supporter of education and women's rights.
13. **Jane Pierce:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious." Wife of Franklin Pierce, she was a private and devout woman who suffered a series of personal tragedies.
14. **Harriet Lane Johnston:** German origin, meaning "home ruler." Niece of President James Buchanan, she served as the White House hostess during his presidency.
15. **Mary Todd Lincoln:** English origin, meaning "bitter." Wife of Abraham Lincoln, she was a strong-willed and intelligent woman who faced great personal challenges during her husband's presidency.
16. **Eliza Johnson:** Hebrew origin, meaning "my God is an oath." Wife of Andrew Johnson, she was a devout Christian and a staunch supporter of her husband's political career.
17. **Julia Grant:** Latin origin, meaning "youthful." Wife of Ulysses S. Grant, she was a quiet and reserved woman who supported her husband's military and political endeavors.
18. **Lucy Webb Hayes:** English origin, meaning "famous warrior." Wife of Rutherford B. Hayes, she was a strong advocate for temperance and social reform.
19. **Caroline Harrison:** German origin, meaning "free man." Wife of Benjamin Harrison, she was known for her elegance and grace.
20. **Frances Folsom Cleveland:** French origin, meaning "free." Wife of Grover Cleveland, she was a popular figure known for her youth and charm.
21. **Ida McKinley:** German origin, meaning "industrious." Wife of William McKinley, she was a supportive and compassionate figure who faced tragedy during her husband's assassination.
22. **Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt:** Old English origin, meaning "prosperous." Wife of Theodore Roosevelt, she was a quiet and supportive figure who played an important role in her husband's political career.
23. **Helen Herron Taft:** Greek origin, meaning "light." Wife of William Howard Taft, she was a popular and charismatic figure who loved to entertain.
24. **Ellen Wilson:** English origin, meaning "bright light." Wife of Woodrow Wilson, she was a strong supporter of her husband's political career and was known for her intelligence and wit.
25. **Florence Harding:** Latin origin, meaning "prosperous." Wife of Warren G. Harding, she was a popular figure who was known for her warmth and hospitality.
26. **Grace Coolidge:** Latin origin, meaning "grace." Wife of Calvin Coolidge, she was known for her quiet and reserved personality.
27. **Lou Hoover:** Dutch origin, meaning "famous warrior." Wife of Herbert Hoover, she was a strong advocate for education and social welfare.
28. **Eleanor Roosevelt:** German origin, meaning "light." Wife of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, she was a prominent figure in the 20th century, known for her human rights activism and her role as a spokesperson for the underprivileged.
29. **Bess Truman:** English origin, meaning "prayer." Wife of Harry S. Truman, she was a quiet and private figure who was known for her loyalty and devotion to her husband.
30. **Mamie Eisenhower:** English origin, meaning "bitter." Wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower, she was a popular and charming figure who was known for her love of gardening and her strong family values.
31. **Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis:** French origin, meaning "supplanter." Wife of John F. Kennedy, she was a fashion icon and a symbol of elegance and grace.
32. **Lady Bird Johnson:** English origin, meaning "little bird." Wife of Lyndon B. Johnson, she was a strong advocate for environmental protection and the beautification of America.
33. **Pat Nixon:** Latin origin, meaning "noble." Wife of Richard Nixon, she was a private and reserved woman who was known for her loyalty to her husband.
34. **Betty Ford:** English origin, meaning "pledged to God." Wife of Gerald Ford, she was a vocal advocate for women's rights and breast cancer awareness.
35. **Rosalynn Carter:** English origin, meaning "rose of the valley." Wife of Jimmy Carter, she was a strong advocate for mental health awareness and a dedicated philanthropist.
36. **Nancy Reagan:** English origin, meaning "grace." Wife of Ronald Reagan, she was a popular figure who was known for her elegance and her advocacy for drug awareness.
37. **Barbara Bush:** English origin, meaning "foreign warrior." Wife of George H. W. Bush, she was a devoted grandmother and a passionate advocate for literacy.
38. **Hillary Clinton:** English origin, meaning "cheerful." Wife of Bill Clinton, she was the first First Lady to hold a cabinet-level position and is known for her political career.
39. **Laura Bush:** Latin origin, meaning "laurel." Wife of George W. Bush, she was a former schoolteacher and a strong advocate for education and literacy.
40. **Michelle Obama:** English origin, meaning "who is like God?" Wife of Barack Obama, she was a popular figure who was known for her intelligence, grace, and advocacy for education and healthy living.
41. **Melania Trump:** Slavic origin, meaning "melancholy." Wife of Donald Trump, she was a former fashion model who is known for her elegance and style.
42. **Jill Biden:** English origin, meaning "youthful." Wife of Joe Biden, she is an educator and a strong advocate for military families and community colleges.