For years there have been theories on where George Lucas got the idea for Anakin’s name. The most common one I’ve heard was that it was from the late director Ken Annakin. But Jett Lucas apparently revealed the origins of Anakin’s name was from Greek mythology. From Naboo News: (originally from Star Wars.com)
Jett recently told me a very interesting character tidbit about Anakin, and the origin of his name: Anakin is based off the Greek goddess of inevitability, Ananke. This made me stop in my tracks. That was what I was always feeling. The slow, burning throttle of inevitability.
The above link also has a neat quote from Wikipedia about Ananke. Very interesting! You learn something new every day.
Tags: Favorite Characters, George Lucas, Saga
starwarsprequelappreciationsociety.wordpress.com 
November 9, 2017 at 8:41 pm |
In the early drafts of Star Wars it was spelled Annikin if I remember correctly. It was the protagonists’ name before it changed to Luke. Luke Skywalker was a general I think.
November 10, 2017 at 6:37 am |
Wow, this is such a perfect origin of Anakin’s name, considering the role inevitability and Anakin’s perception of it played in his life. It is especially closely tied to the prophecy of the Chosen One. Why didn’t I think of this before?
November 10, 2017 at 2:01 pm |
All part of the genius that is Lucas
November 16, 2017 at 6:33 pm |
^^Precisely!
November 11, 2017 at 10:31 am |
It’s likely a little of both. The idea of Lucas being fond of director Ken Annakin is well documented (compare Swiss Family Robinson’s pirate attack to the Ewok Endor battle), but Lucas’ creative process makes it likely that the mythological associations convinced him it would be a good name for a central protagonist (as opposed to some lesser background character). I wish Lucas would sit down for a long, comprehensive interview about some of this stuff so we wouldn’t have to guess. Jett is a great source, of course, but it’s always nice to confirm things from the maker himself.
November 13, 2017 at 6:53 am |
I agree, it would be great if someone conducted such an interview with Lucas about his inspirations.
November 15, 2017 at 1:10 am
This would make a seriously great book if it was a series of interviews about different characters and themes, even including his other films (particularly THX and Indiana Jones).
The Mythology of Star Wars is good, but it’s mostly conjecture, and only covers up to Episode I from memory.
But I get the feeling Lucas would prefer the films to speak for themselves.
November 15, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Yes, I guess the fact that he hasn’t done anything like that so far indicates that.
November 12, 2017 at 11:50 am |
Very interesting read.
November 13, 2017 at 2:38 pm |
Anakin is a cool name. I hear it’s a popular baby name.