May The 4th Be With You
In 1977 American film director, producer, screenwriter and entrepreneur George Walton Lucas Jr. created the legendary intergalactic pop-culture phenomenon known as Star Wars. The franchise took on a mind of it’s own. Over the last three decades Star Wars has grown exponentially with the release of nine movies in total in the Skywalker saga. Star wars also expanded into the universes of books, collectables, comics, television series, theme park attractions and video games growing an empire worth 70 billion to date. Making Star Wars the fifth highest-grossing media franchise behind Mickey Mouse & Friends, Winnie the Pooh, Hello Kitty and Pokémon.
Star Wars depicts the adventures of characters “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”, in which in which aliens, humans and robots all co-exist space traveling between planets while using a magic-like power known as “The Force”. The Force is an energy the flows throughout every living thing. Those who can control the Force with their minds take on various special powers such as telekinesis and telepathy.
Star Wars not only gave us one of the greatest space operas of mainstream pop-culture, the characters have also gifted the naming community with amazing gems that top the charts today. Here are a few of our favorite Star Wars names.
Aayla :
Origin: Turkish - Meaning: Halo around the moon, Oak tree
Aayla was a Jedi who broke stereotypes and protected the galaxy up to the tragedy of Order 66. Aayla is a unique choice next to it’s variation counterpart Ayla, as well as Isla. Today Ayla ranks at 162.
Anakin
Origin: Modern Invented - Meaning: Warrior
Before he was Darth Vader, he was known as Anakin, the antagonist in the Star Wars trilogy. The name Anakin originally appeared in the 1974 screenplay when George Lucas toyed with the idea of naming the lead character Annikin Starkiller, before ultimitly deciding on Luke Skywalker. It is believed Anakin is named in homage after British director and longtime friend Ken Annakin.
Bodhi
Origin_ Sanskrit - Meaning: Awakening, Enlightenment
The history behind Bodhi comes from the Buddhist beliefs where the creator of Buddhism sat under a Bodhi tree (a large fig tree) and achieved enlightenment. Bodhi is synonymous with the state of nirvana. In Star Wars, character Bodhi Rook served as a cargo pilot for the Galactic Empire whose skills were put to use for the Rebellion.
Cassian
Origin: Ancient Roman - Meaning: Hollow
From the Roman surname Cassianus, derived from Cassius, meaning hollow, empty and void. There was many saints named Cassian during the fourth and fifth centuries.
Eisley
Origin: Swiss-German- Meaning: Cheerful
Mos Eisley was a large spaceport on the planet Tatooine. It was also the location in which Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi met Han Solo and Chewbacca during their quest to get to Alderaan and deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance.
Jedi
Origin: Hebrew - Meaning: Invoker of the Lord, Beloved by God
This short and sweet name is a variation of Jedidiah. I don’t think there is a more obvious Star Wars reference than Jedi.
Kylo
Origin: Modern Invented - Meaning: Sky
Star Wars villain Kylo Ren was the antagonist in the sequel trilogy. Kylo takes a modern spin on Kyle, Kylie and Kyler with an ‘O’ ending that is out of this world.
Leia
Origin: Hawaiian - Meaning: Child of Heavenly Flowers
Princess Leia Organa was one of the greatest leaders of the Rebel Alliance. She was fearless on the battlefield and dedicated to ending the tyranny of the Empire. Princess Leia was played by the late actress Carrie Frances Fisher.
Luke
Origin: Greek - Meaning: Man from Lucania, Light
Legendary Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker battled the evil Empire and ended the tyranny of the Sith alongside Princess Leia and Han Solo. Currently ranking in at 32 on the charts, Luke offers a biblical-western feel that brightens parents hearts.
Owen
Origin: Welsh - Meaning: Well-born Young Warrior
Owen is derived from two names. The Welsh name Owain and the Celtic name Eoghan, both of which are connected to the name Eugene. Spelling variations around the world include Irish Eoin, Scottish Ewan, and French Ouen.
Padme
Origin: Modern Invented - Meaning: Jewel of the Lotus
Padme Amidala, played by actress Natalie Portman was the spouse of Anakin and mother of Leia and Luke. Padme originated from the Tibetan chant “Om Mani Pdme Hum”.
Ren
Origin: Japanese - Meaning: Lotus, Water Lily
The meaning of Ren is a lotus flower. Lotus flowers are a spiritual symbol of Hinduism. Even with their roots in the muddiest waters, the still produce the most beautiful flowers. Ren is also the Chinese word for love.
Sabine
Origin: French - Meaning: Sabine Woman
Sabine Wren was a revolutionary Mandalorian leader and graffiti artist during the early rebellion against the Galactic Empire.