Macaulay Culkin recall changing legal name in 2019

Macaulay Culkin reminds fans what his ‘actual name’ really is

By The News Digital
|
November 24, 2025
Macaulay Culkin looks back on humorous middle name change in 2019

Macaulay Culkin is clearing up any confusion about his real name, and giving fans a good laugh while doing it.

During A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin, held on Nov. 22 at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Home Alone, the actor was asked about his “actual name.”

His answer immediately lit up the room.

“My name is Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin,” he said, reminding everyone that he changed his legal name back in 2019 after running a fan poll.

He explained that years ago, he let the public vote on his new middle name after announcing the idea on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

By the end of 2018, he revealed that fans had chosen “Macaulay Culkin” to replace his old middle name, Carson.

He also looked back at some of the other options that were up for voting, includingThe McRib is Backand Kieran.

Laughing about his brother, actor Kieran Culkin, he said, “Macaulay Kieran Culkin. That would be great. I love my brother. Between me and him we have exactly one Oscar,” referencing Kieran’s win for A Real Pain.

Culkin said the winning choice — Macaulay Culkin — still amuses him.

“The final vote was Macaulay Culkin,” he told the audience. “So my name is Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin. If somebody comes up to me at the airport and says, ‘Excuse me, are you Macaulay Culkin?’ I can say, ‘Well, Macaulay Culkin is my middle name.’”

He admitted the entire name-change saga was intentionally lighthearted.

“I did it all for that one joke. And a bit on Fallon,” he said, making it clear he has no regrets about the punchline.

Culkin, known worldwide for playing Kevin McCallister in Home Alone and its sequel, recently revisited that iconic character in his Home But Not Alonecampaign for Home Instead.

The project pays tribute to the film that made him a household name, while highlighting in-home care services for older adults.

With his signature humour and nostalgic charm, Culkin once again reminded fans why he remains such a beloved figure decades after his breakout role.