J.R.R. Tolkien’s first given name was John.
His full name was John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. He was born on 3 January 1892 in Bloemfontein, in what was then the Orange Free State, and later became known publicly by his initials rather than by his full first name.
“Ronald” was his second given name, and “Reuel” was his third. Tolkien’s initials became so closely associated with his books that many readers know him primarily as J. R. R. Tolkien rather than as John Tolkien.
His initials are also sometimes confused with the names of fictional characters or with a formal title. They simply represent his three given names. Tolkien became one of the most influential fantasy authors through works including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.