Kiwi Laurence Watkins Holds World Record for Longest Name

Laurence Watkins, a former librarian from New Zealand, has earned a place in the record books with his extraordinary title for the world’s longest name. Since 1992, Watkins has held the Guinness World Record, boasting a remarkable total of 2,310 middle names. The sheer length of his name has made for memorable moments, including a wedding ceremony where the officiant reportedly took over 20 minutes to read it aloud.

Watkins, who currently resides in Australia, has a name that reflects a rich tapestry of cultures, featuring influences from European, Māori, Samoan, Japanese, and Chinese origins. Despite this diversity, Watkins acknowledges that he lacks personal connections to many of the names included in his record-breaking title.

From Library Enthusiast to Record Holder

Watkins’s journey to becoming a world record holder began in 1990 while he was working at the Auckland City Library. A long-time fan of the Guinness World Records, he sought to find a unique achievement that was accessible to an average person. “I wasn’t the strongest or the fastest, so I looked for something an average person could do,” he explained. He narrowed his options down to two choices: creating the world’s longest name or achieving the greatest height difference in a married couple. He ultimately decided that the name record would be the easier route.

To compile his impressive list of names, Watkins drew inspiration from various sources, including baby name books, dictionaries, and contributions from friends and colleagues. “I stole names from everywhere — Māori names from the dictionary, Samoan names from a co-worker, Japanese from exchange students, and Chinese names too,” he recounted.

After spending approximately $400 to have the extensive list typed, Watkins submitted it for verification to the Auckland District Court. Although the Auckland registrar accepted his record, the Registrar-General in Wellington initially rejected it. This led Watkins to appeal the decision in the High Court, where he ultimately emerged victorious, securing his place in history.

A Life Beyond the Record

Since earning his Guinness World Record, Watkins has embraced a vibrant lifestyle. He has run for Auckland Mayor on four occasions and relocated to Australia in 1998. Despite his impressive achievements, he remains grounded, often reflecting on the whimsical nature of his record. “Getting into the Guinness Book was my life dream,” he shared. “Once you’ve had those 15 minutes of fame, you don’t want it to end.”

Watkins continues to take pride in his unique distinction, even if some people find it hard to believe. “It’s a great feeling — even if no one quite believes it when I tell them I’ve got over 2,000 names!” His story not only highlights his remarkable achievement but also underscores the joy and humor that can come from a pursuit as peculiar as holding the record for the world’s longest name.