J.K. Rowling reveals Harry Potter’s original name was Harry Batt

More details have emerged from J.K. Rowling’s recent talk at the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford University. The author reportedly stated that instead of “Harry Potter,” her title character was initially named Harry Batt.

She also stated that the themes of death and morality will continue to play a major role in her future works.

The talk, which was part of a celebration of Exeter College’s 700th anniversary, was titled “Mortality and Morality.” It was previously reported that Jo spoke of how she enjoyed writing as a man for The Cuckoo’s Calling.

Are you glad that J.K. Rowling changed Harry’s last name to “Potter”?

Catherine Lai

I have been a fan of Harry since 2000, a fan of MuggleNet since 2005, and a MuggleNet team member since 2013. I believe in the power of stories to bring people together, and nothing does that quite like Harry Potter. I live in Toronto, Canada.