Retired Security Guard Sets Record with 2,253-Word Name

A retired security guard from Auckland, New Zealand, has achieved a remarkable feat by holding the world record for the longest personal name, comprising a staggering 2,253 words. Laurence Watkins, now residing in Sydney, Australia, first captured the attention of Guinness World Records in March 1992, when he was initially recognized for having the longest Christian name. The record was recently reclassified to reflect the unique nature of his achievement.

Watkins’s unusual name was first showcased at his wedding in 1991. During the ceremony, the marriage celebrant played a pre-recorded message that recited his entire name while guests mingled. This extraordinary introduction took approximately 20 minutes to complete, a remarkable testament to his commitment to this unusual endeavor.

Born Laurence Gregory Watkins in 1965, his fascination with record-breaking accomplishments began in his youth. Inspired by the TV show “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” and the Guinness Book of World Records, he set a goal to be featured in its pages. “I was amazed by these record holders – the world’s fastest man, the tallest, the strongest,” Watkins recalled in an interview. He soon realized that his lack of standout talents meant he needed to think creatively, leading him to the idea of creating the longest name.

Determined to secure his place in the record books, he spent a month crafting his name, drawing from various sources including Latin, Old English, and Māori names. He even consulted the “Name Your Baby” books at the library where he worked. With a total of 2,310 words initially submitted to the Auckland District Court, Watkins faced challenges along the way. His application was initially rejected by the Registrar General, who claimed there was no legal basis to approve such a lengthy name. However, after taking the case to the High Court, he ultimately prevailed, gaining legal recognition for his name change.

In recent developments, his record was re-evaluated by Guinness World Records, resulting in a corrected total of 2,253 names. While not all of Watkins’s names are Christian, the reclassification aims to reduce confusion with records for the longest single name. For everyday purposes, he simplifies his name to Laurence Alon Aloy Watkins and signs documents as Watkins V, representing his fifth generation.

Despite his unique identity, Watkins faces practical challenges. His birth certificate contains seven pages of names, and his original passport required six additional pages. With the advent of digital passports, only a shortened version of his name appears, but he must carry a copy of his birth certificate while traveling to prove his identity.

Watkins’s whimsical approach to naming has not been universally appreciated. He has encountered scepticism and disbelief regarding the authenticity of his long name. “It’s nice to have something unique,” he said, acknowledging that not everyone shares his enthusiasm for his name. His playful spirit even led him to run for mayor in Auckland under titles like Lord Earl Duke King Saint Watkins, along with other noble titles such as Baron and Count.

Following Watkins’s legal triumph, New Zealand implemented two laws prohibiting citizens from adopting names with official titles, offensive terms, numbers, or exceeding 70 characters. Reflecting on these changes, he remarked, “If I were crazy enough to change my name again, I’d have to part with 98% of them under the new law, and I’d lose my Guinness World Record which was the entire point.”

New Zealand is not alone in its strict naming regulations. Countries like Iceland and Japan also impose restrictions on the names citizens can adopt, ensuring cultural appropriateness and limiting the number of given names. These laws aim to prevent confusion and maintain societal norms regarding names.

Laurence Watkins’s journey from an ambitious young man inspired by extraordinary feats to a world record holder illustrates the power of creativity and determination. His name, a testament to his unique identity, remains a conversation starter and a symbol of individuality in an increasingly standardized world.