University Challenge viewers were left amused and impressed this week by the name of one contestant, which has been hailed as the 'best surname ever'. Barto Joly de Lotbiniere, a history student from London, was part of the University of York team and his elaborate surname quickly became a talking point on social media.
One user on X claimed it was the 'best surname ever', while another wondered what name he gives when ordering at Starbucks. The amusement was heightened by the contrast with his teammate Sam Smith, who has a much more common name but revealed his family has its own coat of arms, which he posted online.
One fan even reimagined the York team as an experimental electronic band, with Joly de Lotbiniere as the frontman. The contestant's name is not the first unusual one to appear on the show; previous contestants include 'Ormestad Frendem' from Nuffield College Oxford, 'Lovelady' from Queen Mary's, and 'Sky Walker' from St Peter's Oxford.
York won the quarter-final with 180 points, securing their place in the semi-finals, which will air in three weeks. Viewers can look forward to seeing Joly de Lotbiniere's name again on their screens.
