Macaulay Culkin, the beloved child star of Home Alone, is known for his playful personality both on and off the screen. One of his more infamous stunts has been changing his legal name in a way that is equal parts humorous and confusing.
From Macaulay Carson Culkin to… Himself
Born Macaulay Carson Culkin, the actor decided in 2018 to let fans help him choose a new middle name. He held a public poll on his website, BunnyEars.com, and also discussed it on The Tonight Show. Fans were presented with whimsical options such as:
Shark WeekThe McRib Is Back
Publicity Stunt
Kieran (his brother’s name)
In a move that perfectly matched his comedic style, the winning choice was Macaulay Culkin, officially making his legal name:
Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin.
The Joke Behind the Name
Culkin has explained that the change was meant as a joke, calling the process “a bit” for humor. He said he wanted to have fun with the idea and involve fans in the process, and he succeeded spectacularly. The name change was officially completed in 2019, and the actor has occasionally reminded fans of it in interviews and public appearances.
A Perfect Macaulay Culkin Moment
The name change perfectly embodies Culkin’s quirky public persona, blending self-awareness with absurdist humor. Even decades after his breakout role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, he continues to entertain fans not just with his work, but also with his playful antics off-screen.
Whether or not the name ever causes him confusion, it has certainly become a memorable part of his public identity, reflecting the fun-loving and irreverent spirit that fans have loved for years.
Sources
Wikipedia – Macaulay Culkin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaulay_Culkin?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Boing Boing – Macaulay Culkin legally changes his middle name: https://boingboing.net/2018/12/28/macaulay-culkin-to-legally-cha.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Irish Post – Culkin’s middle name vote: https://www.irishpost.com/entertainment/macaulay-culkin-middle-name-irish-162306?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Newsweek – Culkin’s full legal name: https://www.newsweek.com/do-you-know-macaulay-culkins-middle-name-because-hes-changed-it-something-else-entirely-1502312?utm_source=chatgpt.com
iHeart – Culkin confirms his legal name: https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-11-24-macaulay-culkin-sets-the-record-straight-about-his-actual-name?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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