What is the name of Harry Potter’s father in J.K. Rowling’s novels?

Harry Potter’s father in J.K. Rowling’s novels is James Potter.

James Potter was a Hogwarts student in the same year as Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. The four friends became known as the Marauders. James secretly learned to transform into a stag, earning the nickname “Prongs,” while the group created the Marauder’s Map.

James married Lily Evans, and together they became members of the Order of the Phoenix during the First Wizarding War. They went into hiding with their infant son after Voldemort targeted Harry. On 31 October 1981, James was killed at Godric’s Hollow while trying to protect his family.

James is sometimes confused with Harry’s godfather Sirius Black or with Harry’s son James Sirius Potter. The son’s name honors both James Potter and Sirius Black, but the original James is Harry’s father and Lily Potter’s husband.