Elvis

The word “Elvis” means a male given name, made famous worldwide by singer Elvis Presley (1935-1977). In plain terms, a given name, now inseparable in popular culture from Elvis Presley; also someone who performs as him.

“Elvis” is pronounced EHL-vihs (/ˈɛlvɪs/ in IPA).

Here is “Elvis” used in a sentence: “Elvis Presley helped popularise rock and roll in the 1950s.”

Depending on how it is used, “Elvis” can be a name and a noun.

The word “Elvis” comes from Welsh. The name derives from the anglicised form of the Welsh Saint Ailbe (also called Saint Elvis); its modern fame comes almost entirely from singer Elvis Presley.

“Elvis” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Elvis” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male given name, made famous worldwide by singer Elvis Presley (1935-1977).

Beyond the given name, "an Elvis" refers to a performer who impersonates Elvis Presley, typically dressing and singing in his style at events such as weddings or tribute shows. This usage treats the name as a role or job description rather than an actual identity.

The name Elvis became globally famous almost entirely because of singer Elvis Presley (1935-1977), whose fame was so widespread that the name is now closely tied to him in most people's minds. This is why hiring "an Elvis" for an event clearly means an impersonator of him specifically.

Yes, "Elvis" stays capitalized even when used generically for an impersonator, such as "they hired an Elvis for the party," because it still directly references the proper name.