Why is Luke Skywalker's Name Luke? A Closer Look at Star Wars Names

Uniqueness and Relatability in Star Wars Names

Luke Skywalker's name stands out in the Star Wars universe because it is more relatable and grounded compared to the often exotic or unusual names of other characters. The decision to name Luke like this was made by George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, with the goal of making the character identifiable to his audience.

The Rich Diverse World of Star Wars Through Name Significance

Many other characters in the Star Wars universe have names that reflect their alien origins or unique traits, such as Yoda, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca. This helps to create a rich, diverse world where names serve as a way to distinguish various species and cultures. Meanwhile, Luke's more common name anchors him as the central hero in this fantastical setting. His name reflects a familiar, mundane quality that helps viewers connect with him on a personal level.

The Meaning Behind Luke Skywalker's Name

Interestingly, Luke Skywalker's name isn't just about relatability. The name 'Luke' actually has deep roots in mythology and history. In ancient Egyptian culture, the Sun was known as Horus, and the horizon was the place where Horus would rise. This horizon plays a pivotal role in the measurement of one day and, consequently, one twelve-hour period. By rearranging the letters 'u' and 'r' in 'Horus', one can arrive at the word 'hours'. Moreover, the name 'Luke' has its roots in Latin, where 'Lu' means the primal light, giving us words like luminous and illuminate. Hence, Luke can be seen as the 'light' that walks across the sky, a representation of Horus!

Common Names in the Star Wars Universe

Contrast Luke's name with the names of other common characters in both the Original Trilogy (OT) and the Sequel Trilogy (ST). In the OT, Obi-Wan's pseudonym is Ben, Luke's uncle's name is Owen, and Leia's name is not uncommon, spelled initially as Lea or Leah. In the ST, characters like Finn, Paige, and Rose also have common names. Similarly, Solo's names like Tobias and Val are also found in real-world names.

Early Installment Weirdness and the Evolution of Names

The prevalence of common names in early Star Wars stories can be attributed to what TV Tropes calls 'Early Installment Weirdness.' This phenomenon often occurs in the creation of a new, vast universe, where the creators might experiment with different naming styles. In Star Wars, as the series progressed, the use of fantasy names increased, reflecting a more established and fully developed fictional world. However, the recent Disney-produced movies brought back more real-world names, indicating a return to the original style of character naming.

Examples in Other Fiction

This process of transitioning from real-world names to fantasy names is not unique to Star Wars. We've seen it happen in Tamora Pierce's Tortall books, where the series begins with characters having real-world names and gradually moves towards more fantasy-expressive names. This blending of the mundane and the fantastical allows authors and creators to balance the relatability of their characters with the richness of their fictional worlds.

Understanding the significance behind these names can add an extra layer of depth to our enjoyment of the Star Wars universe. Whether we are drawn to Luke Skywalker's more relatable name or intrigued by the unique names of other characters, the names themselves serve as a crucial part of storytelling, helping to shape the identities and stories of these iconic characters.