What was Colonel Sanders’s full birth name?

Colonel Sanders’s full birth name was Harland David Sanders.

Sanders was born in 1890 in Henryville, Indiana. He later became famous for the white suit, black string tie, and goatee associated with the Kentucky Fried Chicken brand.

“Colonel” was an honorific rather than a military rank. Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon awarded Sanders the honorary title of Kentucky colonel in 1936, recognizing his contributions to the state’s cuisine and hospitality.

The title became central to his public identity and branding. Although many people assume “Colonel” was part of his original name, his birth name was Harland David Sanders.