MAN SETS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST NAME

An Australian man holds one of the quirkiest Guinness World Records — for having the world’s longest personal name. Laurence Watkins legally changed his name in 1990 to include 2,251 middle names, bringing his full name to a staggering 2,253 words.

Watkins said he’s always been fascinated by unusual world records and wanted to join the ranks of the extraordinary. After reading the Guinness World Records book cover to cover, he realized this was one record he could actually break. The process required extensive paperwork and multiple court visits — and his record-setting name even inspired new laws to prevent others from doing the same.

When Watkins recently read his entire name aloud, it took him over an hour to finish. His favorite part? A symbolic middle name: AZ2000, representing the fact that his collection includes names from A to Z — and more than 2,000 of them.