What was the name of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first son?

J.R.R. Tolkien’s first son was John Francis Reuel Tolkien.

John Tolkien was born on 16 November 1917 and was the eldest of J.R.R. Tolkien and Edith Tolkien’s four children. He later became a Roman Catholic priest and served in parish ministry in England.

John was born while Tolkien was developing his academic career after returning from military service. The family later included Michael, Christopher, and Priscilla. Christopher Tolkien became especially well known for editing and publishing his father’s unfinished and posthumous writings, which can make him seem like the most prominent of Tolkien’s children in literary discussions.

John Tolkien should not be confused with Christopher Tolkien, who was the third child and the principal editor of works such as The Silmarillion. The name “John” also appears in Tolkien’s own full name, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, so the family relationship is best identified by the son’s full name: John Francis Reuel Tolkien.