Spoiler warning! There are some mild spoilers ahead – turn back now if you’re not familiar with the books…
Harry Potter
Like the rest of the wizarding world, we’re sure you know the full name of the Boy Who Lived. But as a quick reminder, it’s Harry James Potter – with James also being his father’s name.
Ron Weasley
A name that would take a few years to grow into, Ron’s full title was Ronald Bilius Weasley. Yes, Bilius, like his uncle who was known for his unique party trick and unfortunate Grim sighting – quite the legacy!
Hermione Granger
Hermione’s middle name was Jean – a name that suited a responsible person like her. Yet, she may never have been Hermione Granger at all. The first iteration of her name was Hermione Puckle… adorable!
Ginny Weasley
In our eyes, the youngest Weasley’s moniker could have been inspired by two iconic queens. Her first name, Ginevra, happens to be the Italian form of the name Guinevere – the famous queen of Arthurian legend. Her middle name was after her mother, Molly, who might not technically be royalty… but she’s definitely our queen.
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Neville Longbottom
Our favourite underdog might have had a different surname entirely. We could have ended up with either Neville Puff or Neville Sidebottom, but we think the final decision of Neville Longbottom suited him best.
Luna Lovegood
If you look at page 90 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, you will spot the surname ‘Moon’ during the Sorting Ceremony. Before J.K. Rowling created the one-and-only Luna Lovegood, there was Lily Moon – the earlier iteration of our eccentric Ravenclaw.
Draco Malfoy
Of course Draco’s middle name was after the father he hero-worshipped, Lucius… but did you know what his surname might have been? Draco Spungen, Draco Smart and even Draco Spinks were in consideration. However, with ‘Malfoy’ being inspired by the Old French for ‘bad faith’, his final name suited him perfectly.
Albus Dumbledore
The twinkly-eyed headmaster had not one but three middle names. The grand-sounding Percival after his father, powerful Wulfric and the more down-to-earth… Brian. Yep, he was Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore – impressive but approachable.
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Horace Slughorn
For a wizard that was always looking to climb the social ladder, we’re sure Horace was suitably pleased with his full name that was rather well-to-do – Horace Eugene Flaccus Slughorn.
Dolores Umbridge
With Dolores meaning ‘sorrow’ and Umbridge being a play on the word ‘umbrage’ (meaning to take offence), you’d assume her middle name would mean something like evil or petty. It doesn’t, it’s simply… Jane. However, J.K. Rowling thought it looked rather ‘smug and neat between her other two names’, which is actually very Umbridge vibes.
Remus Lupin
For a man whose name feels suitably wolfish and mysterious, you might be surprised to hear that Lupin’s middle name is John.
Percy Weasley
Did you know that Percy’s middle name is Ignatius? And did you also know it is a Late Roman word for fire? Rather fitting for this member of our favourite flame-haired family.
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Bill Weasley
William Arthur Weasley was the full name of this dashing Curse-Breaker. Not only is Arthur the name of his father, it’s also the name of the legendary King Arthur. With his sister also have an Arthurian inspired name, is this purely coincidence?
Fleur Delacour
The full name of the Triwizard champion for Beauxbatons was Fleur Isabelle Delacour.
Tom Riddle
Before he was Lord Voldemort, he was Tom Marvolo Riddle – an anagram of ‘I am Lord Voldemort’. At least that was what he was called in the English versions of the books. From Elvis to Trevor, his name was quite different in other parts of the world which you can read about here.
Albus Potter
Harry and Ginny’s youngest son was named after Albus Dumbledore and a man Harry described as ‘probably the bravest man I ever knew’… Severus Snape. Yep, that’s right, Albus Severus Potter was named after the cranky Potions professor that Harry had once loathed.
James Potter (Junior)
There was only ever going to be one name for Harry’s first-born son – James Sirius Potter – after the father and godfather he didn’t have enough time with.
Lily Potter (Junior)
Harry and Ginny’s daughter, Lily Luna Potter, had a name that was inspired by two important witches. There was Lily for Harry’s mother and Luna for their Ravenclaw friend.
Teddy Lupin
The full name of Tonks and Lupin’s son was Edward Remus Lupin. Edward after Tonks’ beloved father, Ted, and Remus, well, after Remus!
Aunt Marge
Vernon’s repugnant sister has a name that isn’t quite as off-putting as her – Marjorie Eileen Dursley.
Cornelius Fudge
Did you know that Oswald is the middle name of this former Minister for Magic?
Arabella Figg
Lovable Squib, fan of cats and someone who protected Harry, even if he didn’t know it, Arabella Figg’s middle name was the adorable, Doreen.
Moaning Myrtle
It’s easy to forget that the ghost who haunted the u-bend wasn’t always known as Moaning Myrtle. She was once a Ravenclaw student named Myrtle Warren.
Nearly Headless Nick
A ghost that (when alive) was part of the British Royal Court was never going to be just ‘Nick’. Oh no, he needs a name that is far grander – Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington does the trick.
The Grey Lady
Do you know what the Ravenclaw ghost’s real name was? It was Helena Ravenclaw and yes, she did have a connection to the Rowena Ravenclaw.
Regulus Black
Sirius’ younger brother Regulus had the middle name, Arcturus, making his initials R.A.B… rather interesting don’t you think?
Phineas Nigellus Black
This one isn’t so hidden... he was probably one of the only characters that always went by their full name. The former unpopular headteacher (and current Hogwarts portrait) was Phineas Nigellus Black.
