Elvis Presley's Middle Name Mystery Unveiled

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is known for his iconic music and larger-than-life persona. But one lesser-known detail about the legendary musician is the spelling and origin of his middle name. Throughout his life, there were questions surrounding the correct spelling and who he was named after. Let's explore the fascinating background of Elvis Presley's middle name, Aron.

Elvis's Full Name Revisited

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His full name contains two middle names that have intrigued fans and scholars for decades. The story of how he came to be named Elvis begins with his father, Vernon Presley.

Vernon’s Influence

Vernon Elvis Presley, Elvis's father, had his own middle name, Vernon, which doesn't match the spelling of Elvis's middle name. However, Vernon chose the name Aron for his son. Interestingly, Aron is also the surname of Elvis's father, though with a double 's'. This choice of name may have been influenced by Vernon's good friend Arthur Kennedy, who was a deacon at their church in Tupelo. Arthur, or Aron, may have been the inspiration for the middle name.

Jesse's Naming

Elvis had a twin, Jesse Garon Presley, who was stillborn. Jesse was named after Vernon's grandfather, Jessie Presley, who also had a double 's' in his surname. This naming pattern, with the double 's' in both first and last names, highlights the family's close ties and respect for their ancestors.

Hometown Naming Customs

In his hometown of Tupelo, where Elvis spent the early years of his life, there is a custom of naming children after family members or friends. This tradition is reflected in both Elvis and his twin Jesse's names. The choice of names reflects the close-knit nature of the Presley family and their ties to their community.

Elvis's Late-Life Decision

Later in his life, Elvis began to explore changing the spelling of his middle name from Aron to Aaron. This decision was driven by his desire to align his name with the traditional and biblical spelling. However, some complications arose due to official records. State records listed his middle name as Aaron, which differed from Aron on his birth records.

Despite this discrepancy, Elvis's estate has designated Aaron as the official spelling for his middle name. They have taken into account Elvis's wishes and the historical records to ensure that the name is correctly represented.

Elvis's Tombstone and Legacy

Today, Elvis Presley is remembered with a tombstone that correctly spells his middle name as Aaron. This decision reflects the cultural and religious significance of the name. It also honors the effort and dedication of Elvis to maintain the traditional spelling, even after a lifetime of questions and misunderstandings.

Conclusion

The story of Elvis Presley's middle name, Aron, is a testament to the influence of family traditions and the desire for personal identity. From his childhood in Tupelo to his later life and beyond, the name has been a source of intrigue and reflection. Whether the choice was influenced by a spelling mistake, a family tradition, or a personal desire, 'Aron' will always be a part of the King of Rock and Roll's legacy.