The surname of the M*A*S*H character known as “Hot Lips” was Houlihan. Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan was the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital’s head nurse and one of the series’ most prominent characters.
The character was portrayed by Loretta Swit in the television series and by Sally Kellerman in the 1970 film. Houlihan’s nickname was especially prominent in the show’s early years, when her relationship with Major Frank Burns and clashes with Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John supplied much of the comedy.
A common mix-up is confusing Houlihan with other familiar 4077th names. Frank Burns was another major, Walter “Radar” O’Reilly was the company clerk, and Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce was the chief surgeon. “Hot Lips” is therefore a nickname, not Margaret’s first or middle name.
As the series developed, Margaret became a more complex character, gaining authority, independence, and a stronger professional identity beyond the nickname.