What was the birth name of C.S. Lewis, the Belfast-born author?

C.S. Lewis was born Clive Staples Lewis on 29 November 1898 in Belfast, Ireland.

The initials in his pen name therefore represent his given names, Clive and Staples. “Staples” was his mother’s maiden name, and it became part of his formal name rather than a title or pseudonym.

Lewis was commonly called “Jack” by friends and family. He adopted that nickname during childhood after the death of a childhood dog named Jacksie, although “Jack” does not appear in his initials.

The author later became known internationally for The Chronicles of Narnia, Christian apologetics, literary criticism, and science fiction. His birth name is sometimes confused with “Jack,” the familiar name used by people who knew him personally.