In a world full of unique names and fascinating identities, one man has taken individuality to a whole new level — so much so that it takes him nearly 20 minutes just to pronounce his own name in full. Meet Laurence Watkins, a New Zealand native whose extraordinary name has earned him global attention and a possible place in the Guinness World Records.
According to reports, Laurence’s full name contains over 2,200 words, making it one of the longest personal names ever recorded. Unlike ordinary names, his is more of a verbal tapestry — a sequence of family names, ancestral references, and creative additions that together form a linguistic marathon.
Watkins says he began crafting his name years ago as a personal project, meant to celebrate his heritage and individuality. “Each part of my name represents something meaningful — a family story, a cultural reference, or a historical figure who inspired me,” he told local media. “It started as a tribute, and then it just kept growing.”
When spoken aloud, Laurence’s name reportedly takes around 20 minutes to say from beginning to end. Friends and journalists who have tried to read it have described the experience as “exhausting but mesmerizing.” The name reportedly includes words from various languages, including English, Māori, Latin, and even a few made-up terms coined by Watkins himself.
While some online have expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of such a lengthy name, Watkins insists that it’s fully legal — though not particularly convenient. “My passport only shows the first and last parts,” he said with a laugh. “There’s no way all of it could fit on a government document.”
This is not the first time a person has made headlines for an extraordinarily long name. Historically, one of the most famous examples is Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff Sr., a man of German descent whose name reportedly contained 747 characters. For decades, his was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest personal name in history.
However, with Laurence Watkins’s claim of over 2,000 words, the record may soon have a new holder. Representatives from Guinness have not yet confirmed whether they will officially review or recognize his claim, but interest in his story has spread quickly across social media platforms.
Beyond the record-breaking aspect, Watkins hopes his story inspires people to embrace what makes them different. “Our names are part of our identity,” he said. “Whether they’re short, long, traditional, or made up — they tell a story about who we are.”
For now, Laurence Watkins continues to live life with a name so long that even the most seasoned newscasters hesitate before attempting it. But for him, every syllable counts. “It’s my legacy,” he says. “And I don’t mind taking 20 minutes to share it.”