Many speculations have been trailing around one of the most secret names in film history. Actually, the co-inventor of Columbo, William Link, told that part of the production never envisioned a first name for the character and he was also never given one. If the inspector is asked about it, he just replies with "Inspector".

 

In the game Trivial Pursuit, Columbo's first name was revealed earlier as Philip. You may find information about how it came to the false name of Philip and why the story was rather uncomfortable and embarrassing for the game developers can be found on the page Columbo's false first name Philip.

 

In the novel "Columbo and the Manson Murders" Columbo is called "Christopher". Manson calls Columbo Chrisco, which was intended as a play on words and should be a reference to Christopher Columbus.

 

Although we have still not come any closer to uncovering Columbo's first name, the question can be answered most easily by Columbo's identification card, which is presented again and again in the series by himself.

 

It is probably thanks to an eager property manager that a first name is comprised in his identification card. As recorded in the official documents, Columbo's first name is Frank. In the episodes Blood Red Dust or Murder with Six Eyes, you can see quite clearly that the bearer of this card is named Frank Columbo.

 

Although the authors insisted that Columbo bear no first name, we should build on what is mentioned on Columbo's badge. And there it is – thanks to the prop master – Frank.

 

Although Frank Columbo talks about his wife in nearly every episode of the show, he never mentions her name and we never see her either. Rumours say she is named Kate. Or Rose? On the next page we will tell you what Mrs. Columbo’s first name is.

 

You may find all episodes of Inspector Columbo here.