Most of us barely use our middle names, but one man from New Zealand took things to an entirely new level, by legally adding 2,253 words to his name! Yes, you read that right. His name is so long that it reportedly takes around 20 minutes to read aloud. Meet Laurence Watkins, the man who broke records, challenged the law, and earned a place in the Guinness World Records for having the world’s longest name.
Laurence Watkins: Why He Added 2,253 Middle Names
While most people look for hobbies, Laurence Watkins found his passion in something rather unusual, record-breaking names. Speaking to Guinness World Records (GWR), Watkins revealed that he had always been fascinated by quirky records.
“I read the Guinness World Records book from cover to cover to see if there was a record I could beat,” he told GWR. “The only one I had a chance at beating was adding more names than the current holder.”
Driven by that dream, Watkins legally changed his name in 1990, adding over 2,300 Christian names and one family name. Each name, he says, carries personal meaning or cultural significance. His full name now includes names inspired by the Middle East, Asia, Polynesia, Europe, and beyond, making it a truly global identity.
From Curiosity To Guinness World Record
Watkins’ dedication paid off when he officially entered the Guinness World Records as the person with the world’s longest name. Originally, his record counted 2,310 names, but it was later revised to 2,253 names after changes in the record-keeping guidelines.
On his personal website, Watkins proudly wrote: “I, Laurence Watkins, have the longest name in the world… I’m honoured to be in the Guinness Book of World Records.”
It wasn’t just a personal victory, his unusual achievement became a cultural talking point, sparking curiosity and amusement worldwide.
So, while Watkins remains in the record books, anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps will now hit a legal roadblock.
Life With The World’s Longest Name Isn’t Easy
While it might sound like fun to have a record-breaking name, Watkins admits it comes with a few headaches. When he got married, it reportedly took 20 minutes for the registrar to read out his entire name!
He also faces practical challenges in day-to-day life, government forms, passports, and ID cards can’t accommodate his full name, often causing confusion or rejection. Despite the difficulties, Watkins says he has no regrets, his unique identity is a story he’s proud to carry.
A Name That Truly Stands Out
Laurence Watkins didn’t just break a record, he redefined what it means to “make a name for yourself.” His 2,253-word name may be a bureaucratic nightmare, but it’s also a symbol of creativity, persistence, and individuality.
And while most of us might struggle to remember even a few middle names, Watkins’ extraordinary story proves that sometimes, the strangest ideas can leave the longest legacy, quite literally!
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Laurence Watkins: Why He Added 2,253 Middle Names
While most people look for hobbies, Laurence Watkins found his passion in something rather unusual, record-breaking names. Speaking to Guinness World Records (GWR), Watkins revealed that he had always been fascinated by quirky records.“I read the Guinness World Records book from cover to cover to see if there was a record I could beat,” he told GWR. “The only one I had a chance at beating was adding more names than the current holder.”
Driven by that dream, Watkins legally changed his name in 1990, adding over 2,300 Christian names and one family name. Each name, he says, carries personal meaning or cultural significance. His full name now includes names inspired by the Middle East, Asia, Polynesia, Europe, and beyond, making it a truly global identity.
From Curiosity To Guinness World Record
Watkins’ dedication paid off when he officially entered the Guinness World Records as the person with the world’s longest name. Originally, his record counted 2,310 names, but it was later revised to 2,253 names after changes in the record-keeping guidelines.On his personal website, Watkins proudly wrote: “I, Laurence Watkins, have the longest name in the world… I’m honoured to be in the Guinness Book of World Records.”
It wasn’t just a personal victory, his unusual achievement became a cultural talking point, sparking curiosity and amusement worldwide.
Laurence Watkins’ Record Led To Law Changes In New Zealand
Laurence Watkins’ case didn’t just break records, it changed laws. His attempt to register such a long name prompted authorities in New Zealand to amend two legal provisions, preventing anyone else from attempting a similar feat in the future.So, while Watkins remains in the record books, anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps will now hit a legal roadblock.
Life With The World’s Longest Name Isn’t Easy
While it might sound like fun to have a record-breaking name, Watkins admits it comes with a few headaches. When he got married, it reportedly took 20 minutes for the registrar to read out his entire name!He also faces practical challenges in day-to-day life, government forms, passports, and ID cards can’t accommodate his full name, often causing confusion or rejection. Despite the difficulties, Watkins says he has no regrets, his unique identity is a story he’s proud to carry.
A Name That Truly Stands Out
Laurence Watkins didn’t just break a record, he redefined what it means to “make a name for yourself.” His 2,253-word name may be a bureaucratic nightmare, but it’s also a symbol of creativity, persistence, and individuality.And while most of us might struggle to remember even a few middle names, Watkins’ extraordinary story proves that sometimes, the strangest ideas can leave the longest legacy, quite literally!
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