Is it necessary for a letter of recommendation to include the full name of the candidate?
Letters of recommendation are proper documents, and as such they must include candidate's full name at least once. It is often included in the first sentence, e.g.


  It is my pleasure to write this letter of reference in support of Mr Ice Dune's application to the College of Crafts and Wizardry. 


The following text can refer to the Candidate by the first name.