Anakin Skywalker is one of the central characters in the Star Wars universe. He is known as a legendary Jedi who later turned to the dark side and became Darth Vader. But what was his last name before becoming a Sith Lord? Let’s explore Anakin’s origins and family history to determine his full name.
Anakin’s Early Life
Anakin Skywalker was born into slavery on the desert planet of Tatooine. His mother was Shmi Skywalker, a human slave. Anakin had no father – he was conceived by the midi-chlorians, microscopic lifeforms that connect all living things with the Force. This virgin birth by the midi-chlorians is what led to Anakin being recognized as the Chosen One who would bring balance to the Force.
With no father, Anakin took on his mother’s last name and was known simply as Anakin Skywalker from birth. Shmi never revealed who Anakin’s father was, but it is clear he had no paternal lineage or surname prior to becoming a Jedi.
Joining the Jedi Order
At the age of 9, Anakin was discovered by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn on Tatooine. Recognizing his immense strength with the Force, Qui-Gon freed Anakin from slavery with the intention of training him in the Jedi arts. After Qui-Gon’s death, Anakin was assigned to Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Padawan learner.
When joining the Jedi Order, Jedi typically give up all ties to their former lives, including their last names. However, in Anakin’s case, he was allowed to retain “Skywalker” as his surname in honor of his mother. The Jedi Council never assigned him a new last name, so he remained Anakin Skywalker.
Marriage to Padmé Amidala
In Attack of the Clones, the second prequel film, Anakin Skywalker falls in love and secretly marries Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo. Because this marriage had to be kept hidden (Jedi were not allowed romantic attachments), Padmé maintained her surname while Anakin kept his birth name.
Some fans have speculated that Anakin may have adopted “Amidala” as a clandestine last name during this time. However, no canon sources confirm Anakin ever using the name Anakin Amidala.
Turning to the Dark Side
After turning to the dark side and pledging himself to Emperor Palpatine, Anakin Skywalker was given the Sith name Darth Vader. This signified his complete transformation into a new persona devoted to the Sith cause.
So Anakin’s last name was never changed from his original “Skywalker” prior to becoming Darth Vader. Skywalker was his name from birth on Tatooine through his Jedi training and marriage. Only after fully embracing the dark side does Anakin take on a new identity as Darth Vader.
Conclusion
In summary, Anakin Skywalker’s full name from birth until becoming a Sith Lord was in fact Anakin Skywalker. He retained his mother Shmi’s maiden name when joining the Jedi, never took on Padmé’s surname when married, and only abandoned “Skywalker” after his turn to the dark side many years later. So Anakin’s true last name was, and always will be, Skywalker.