What Was Shakespeare’s Real Name?
William Shakespeare is one of the most famous playwrights in history, but some have questioned whether that was his real name. The answer, in short, is yes—his real name was William Shakespeare. However, there are interesting variations in the spelling of his name and long-standing debates about his true identity that make the question more intriguing.
Variations in Spelling
In Shakespeare’s time, spelling was not standardized. Documents from the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras show multiple versions of his name, including:
- Willm Shaksp
- William Shakspeare
- Willm Shakspere
- William Shakespere
Even Shakespeare himself spelled his name differently on various legal documents, sometimes signing as “Willm Shakspere” or “William Shakspere.” Despite these variations, the name “William Shakespeare” is the most commonly accepted and recognized form today.
The Authorship Debate
Although historical records confirm Shakespeare’s name, some scholars and conspiracy theorists have questioned whether he actually wrote the plays attributed to him. This debate, known as the Shakespeare authorship question, suggests that someone else—such as Sir Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, or Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford—was the true author of his works. However, the majority of historians and literary experts agree that William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon was the genuine writer.
Conclusion
While Shakespeare’s name appeared in different spellings, there is no real mystery about his identity. William Shakespeare was his actual name, and despite the authorship controversies, most evidence supports him as the writer of the legendary plays and sonnets that continue to influence literature today.
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