The True Identity of William Shakespeare

When discussing one of the world's greatest playwrights, it's essential to delve into the commonly accepted facts and the sometimes controversial aspects surrounding William Shakespeare's life. While much is known about the playwright, including his contributions to English literature, the question of his birth name is a simpler matter. According to historical records, William Shakespeare's birth name, as noted in the register of his birth, was simply William Shakespeare.

Birth Name and Cultural Context

It is often stated that Shakespeare's birth name was Guilliamus Shakespeare according to his birth registry entry. This name is written in Latin, which was common practice for official documents in early modern England. It’s been said that he was born in Latin and died in English, as his burial was registered as William Shakespeare. This demonstrates the shift from Latin to English in official language use during this period.

Common Naming Practices in Early Modern England

It was very uncommon for English people before the 18th century to have more than one given name. This practice indicates that the format of his name, William Shakespeare, was often sufficient. However, it's worth noting that with the succession of the Hanoverian kings after 1714, the trend of using multiple given names spread throughout the English aristocracy. Examples include George I (Georg Ludwig), George II (Georg August), and the Prince of Wales (Friedrich Ludwig), who became George III (George William Frederick) to accommodate the English form of the names.

Shakespeare's Life and Contribution

Despite the intrigue in theories about his identity, there is substantial evidence confirming that William Shakespeare indeed existed. He was born in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon and was baptized in the local church. Following his marriage to Anne Hathaway, he moved to London and became deeply involved in the theatre. Today, there is still no compelling evidence that supports the idea that someone other than William Shakespeare wrote the plays and sonnets attributed to him.

The Authorship Controversy: A Persistent Debate

The subject of who truly wrote Shakespeare's works has led to various theories, particularly in the realm of the Authorship Controversy. Some enthusiasts believe that conventional history is wrong, and others have alternative candidates, such as Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, Edward De Vere (the 17th Earl of Oxford), or others. For those who adhere to the conventional narrative, Shakespeare's signature on documents like his marriage and burial records confirm his identity. For example, he is known to have signed his name as William Shakspere, which was the common orthography at the time.

The debate continues, with some scholars and fans remaining committed to the traditional view and others holding onto alternative theories. The real name of the man who wrote the plays and sonnets remains irrefutably William Shakespeare.

While some claimants are put forward, the most widely accepted identity remains that of William Shakespeare, whose plays and sonnets continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Whoever the true author is, the impact and legacy of Shakespeare's work are undeniable. The enduring fascination with his life and works suggests that the mystery of his identity will likely continue to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts for many years to come.