For most people, a name is simple. But for Laurence Watkins from New Zealand, it became a world record and a legal battle. Watkins holds the record for the longest personal name in the world, with 2,253 middle names and one surname.
Watkins was fascinated by unusual records since childhood. He wanted to break a record that no one else had attempted. After reading the Guinness World Records book thoroughly, he decided to legally change his name to include thousands of middle names.
In 1990, he officially changed his name by adding over two thousand Christian names. Many of these names were inspired by books in his local library and suggestions from friends and colleagues. One of his favorites is &ldquo;AZ2000,&rdquo; chosen to reflect diversity and uniqueness.
Although his name change was initially approved, it was later challenged by the Registrar-General. Watkins then took the matter to the High Court of New Zealand. The court ruled in his favor, making his name legally recognized in full.
This unusual case prompted New Zealand to tighten its naming laws, putting restrictions on the length and format of personal names to prevent such extreme cases in the future.
Watkins&rsquo; full legal name remains the longest personal name ever recorded. At one point, the name contained 2,310 words, later revised to 2,253 names. It is so long that official forms, IDs, and passports have required special handling, including adding extra pages to accommodate it.
While Watkins admits he cannot recall all the names, the record has given him a unique place in history. His story stands as a reminder of how far some people will go to make their mark on the world quite literally, one name at a time.

Man Wins Legal Battle to Keep 2,253 Middle Names

Laurence Watkins holds Guinness record for world’s longest name after NZ court victory

Man Wins Legal Battle to Keep 2,253 Middle Names

Laurence Watkins holds Guinness record for world’s longest name after NZ court victory

October 11, 2025 | 20:29 IST