In a recent episode of Star Wars Rebels, the self-proclaimed “Sena tor-in-Exile” betrayed our heroic band of Rebels by luring them into a trap on Lothal.

Star Wars Rebels continues in this rich heritage of nomenclature with the names of its characters, both heroes and villains. During the three years between the releases of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, many fans made a connection (although, in this case, an unintended connection) to Darth Vader’s claim to be the father of Luke Skywalker based on an interpretation of Darth Vader as Dark Father, based on variations of the word father in German and Dutch. Han Solo’s surname gave us immediate insight into the smuggler as a loner who relied on himself for his success (or failure). For example, Deak Starkiller from the early story treatments became Luke Skywalker in the final script - a name that maintains the potential power of the character without the burden of the negative connotation inherent in the word killer. From subtle hints about origins to conveying more obvious character qualities, the names, and changes in names, are selected to expedite the audience’s understanding of the storyteller’s vision.

Since the inception of Star Wars, names have been significant to the saga’s story lines.