Is Harry Potter's real name Henry?

Did James and Lily Potter christen Harry "Harry" or "Henry"? I don't recall him ever being referred to as Henry in either the books or the movies, but (in the UK, at least) it would be odd for a boy to actually be named Harry, as it's normally the informal form for Henry. Has JK Rowling said anything about this?

Answer

There's no evidence that his real name is Henry. Throughout the book he is always called Harry. And his official O.W.L results address him as Harry.

Harry James Potter has achieved

_{Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Chapter 5}

As this is an official document, it's almost certain that it would use his legal/official name (as evidenced by the inclusion of his middle name). So his name is just Harry, not Henry.

As pointed out by ratchet freak in the comments, this also happens during his trial in The Order of the Phoenix.

It was a square silver badge with Harry Potter, Disciplinary Hearing on it.

_{Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 7}

“You are Harry James Potter, of number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey?” Fudge said, glaring at Harry over the top of his parchment.

_{Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8}

A court of law would undoubtedly use his official name, rather than a nickname (again evidenced by the inclusion of his middle name).

Comments

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