In a move that left many fans scratching their heads, actor Macaulay Culkin revealed that he legally changed his name in 2019 and not just in any ordinary way. After running a public poll, he officially shifted his middle name, creating the rather remarkable full name: Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin.
How It All Started
The story began in 2018, during a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Culkin admitted he was reexamining his middle name, Carson, which he said felt “very Irish.” Wanting something more playful, he proposed changing it — but not on his own. Instead, he invited his fans to help decide by holding a vote on his website.
The Poll Options
To make it fun, he gave people five wild options to choose from:
- Macaulay Culkin — which would make his full name “Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin”
- Shark Week, inspired by the popular TV event
- Kieran, his brother’s name
- TheMcRibIsBack, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the McDonald’s sandwich
- Publicity Stunt, which might’ve been the most meta choice of all
The Result: A Joke That Stuck
When the votes were tallied, “Macaulay Culkin” won decisively — meaning he legally became Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin.
At a recent fan event celebrating his iconic film Home Alone, he reminded everyone of this change, joking that if someone asks, “Are you Macaulay Culkin?” he can honestly reply, “Well, Macaulay Culkin is my middle name.”
Motivation Behind the Change
Despite how bizarre it might sound, Culkin emphasized that the name change was never serious — it was a bit, a prank, and all for laughs. He admitted the entire ordeal was “for that one joke … and a bit on Fallon.” He leaned into the absurdity, making his real name part of a comedic narrative rather than a deeply personal rebranding.
Why It Resonated
Fans seemed to love the eccentric move. It highlighted Culkin’s willingness to play with his public image, not take himself too seriously, and engage directly with his audience. By letting people vote, he turned something as mundane as a legal name into a kind of interactive performance piece.
The Legacy of the Change
Today, the name Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin continues to be a source of amusement — for both the actor and his fans. More than just a headline-grabbing stunt, it’s a reminder that even celebrities sometimes make decisions purely for the fun of it. In his own words: mission accomplished.
Macaulay Culkin explains why he legally changed his name to one that’s completely bizarre
Public Reaction Over the Years. As the story of his unusual name spread, it quickly became a meme across social media platforms. Many people expressed admiration for his carefree attitude, while others were simply amused that a former child star would go through the effort of making such a quirky change legal. The reaction highlighted how Culkin has gradually reshaped his public persona from a 1990s movie icon to a light-hearted, self-aware entertainer who enjoys poking fun at himself. Rather than distancing himself from the notoriety he gained as a child, he has embraced the humor that comes with years of public attention. The name change became another example of how he manages to combine nostalgia, comedy, and honesty in a way that fans find refreshing.
A Different Kind of Celebrity
Part of what makes Culkin’s story so interesting is how drastically he differs from the typical Hollywood narrative. Many actors try to maintain a carefully curated image, but Culkin has long resisted that approach. He has spoken openly about stepping away from the industry, living a quieter life, and choosing creative projects that genuinely interest him rather than chasing fame. The decision to publicly let fans choose his new name fits this pattern. Instead of maintaining distance, he broke the traditional barrier between celebrity and audience, allowing people to shape something deeply personal. The result was a moment of playful chaos that perfectly matched his personality.
