This 'Star Wars'-Inspired Baby Name Is On The Rise

Even though the Social Security Administration's 2014 list of top baby names came out in May, baby name experts are still combing through it for noteworthy standouts. (Because yes, we've reached a point in history where baby naming experts are a thing.) One of the biggest surprises they've turned up lately? The name "Anakin," from Star Wars, is on the rise. In fact, Entertainment Weekly reports that the name broke the SSA's top 1,000 baby names list for the first time last year, clocking in at a respectable 957.

Perhaps this isn't a total shock, considering that millennials are increasingly popping out kids of their own, and they're notoriously huge (and I mean HUGE) fans of all things Star Wars. Though the franchise began in 1977, Lucasfilm has continued to churn out hit after hit over the last three-plus decades, from The Empire Strikes Back to the upcoming The Force Awakens. And they've made billions in the process. But with Disney's recent announcement of " Star Wars -themed lands" coming to its theme parks, it's safe to say that the Force has officially taken over the world.

But I probably don't have to tell you any of this. There are about a gajillion Star Wars fans on this planet — this handy map will even tell you where most of you live, versus where Trekkies are. And if you are one of them, you'll probably pop out little Star-Wars-obsessed spawn soon enough yourself, if you haven't already.

The name "Anakin" of course refers to Anakin Skywalker, a character first introduced to fans as a heroic Jedi Knight and possible "Chosen One." As the Star Wars website describes him, Anakin was "caring and compassionate but also had a fear of loss that would prove to be his downfall." That downfall was later made pretty clear, when audiences learned that Anakin grew up to become Darth Vader, a Sith Lord. So yes, that's a heavy name to give a baby. But maybe you're acknowledging your kid's complex humanity, or maybe you just like the way it sounds. To each their own.

If you like the way Anakin sounds, but don't happen to be into naming your kid after Darth Vader, here are eight other equally kickass baby names for sci-fi and fantasy lovers.

1. Arya

Is it any wonder that our national obsession with Game of Thrones would make way for a whole slew of babies being named afters its characters? Probably not. Arya — the whip-smart, tomboyish daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark — has been one of the show's most popular names for a while now. In fact, according to Tech Times, the name "Arya" has been steadily growing in popularity, increasing from 273 baby names in 2010 to 387 in 2011 — and 1,315 in 2013. Considering the character is known for being a badass female who shatters gender stereotypes like a boss, that's one pretty fierce name to give any little girl.

2. Deckard

This one's for all you Blade Runner fans out there. Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, is the protagonist of Ridley Scott's seminal 1982 film. But aside from belonging to a bounty hunter living in an android-ridden futuristic world, it's also just an all-round cool baby name, if you ask me.

3. Leia

Here's another goodie for you Star Wars fans. Princess Leia Organa is known for her bright intellect, strong character, and impressively symmetrical side buns. According to Nameberry, "Leia" has stayed firmly put in the top 1,000 baby names list for years now, even rising 100 spots in 2013.

4. Talyn

This just sounds badass, doesn't it? In the TV show Farscape, the character Talyn was part of a military organization known as the Peacekeepers, who eventually sacrificed his own life to save his crew. (So yeah, pretty badass.)

5. River

This one's just beautiful, and can be used for both girls and boys. It's the name of the popular character River Tam from the too-soon-cancelled series Firefly. The sister of Dr. Simon Tam, she was known for her incredible intelligence and astonishing martial arts prowess.

6. Dash

When most people hear the name "Dash" these days, their minds probably dart to the middle name of Mason Dash Disick, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick's son. But before the Kardashians hijacked the name, it was more closely linked to the Star Wars character Dash Rendar, the fearless Corellian smuggler who died suddenly in Shadows of the Empire. OK, perhaps not the most noble of characters. But seriously, how cool is this name?

7. Helena

Sure, she's kind of cray ... OK, and kind of a murderer on Orphan Black. But the name Helena wasn't always associated with the dark side. In fact, according to Nameberry, it's just the opposite. A Greek moniker, "Helena" literally means "a bright, shining light."

8. Hoyt

On HBO's now-defunct True Blood, Hoyt Fortenberry was known as one of the only truly sweet and good-natured characters. So there you are: a kind name for your kind future babe, inspired by a violent show about bloodsucking vampires. Why not?

Images: Lucasfilm; Giphy (5)