What was J.R.R. Tolkien’s middle name?

J.R.R. Tolkien’s middle name was Reuel. His full name was John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, and the initials in his familiar author name represent John, Ronald, and Reuel.

Tolkien was born in 1892 and became one of the most influential writers of modern fantasy. Although Ronald was the name commonly used by his family and friends, Reuel is the middle name retained in his initials and biographies.

Reuel is sometimes mistaken for a second given name connected to Middle-earth, but it was Tolkien’s own personal name. His fictional languages, invented histories, and legendary characters were literary creations, whereas Reuel belonged to his real-world identity. The name also appears in the names of some Tolkien family members, including his son Christopher Tolkien’s full name.