Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Anakin
BoyAmerican (modern coinage)· “invented for Star Wars”
- Meaning
- invented for Star Wars
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- A-nuh-kihn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #648
- US babies 2025
- 427
- Best rank
- #544 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Anakin
Anakin is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “invented for Star Wars”.
Anakin is a name invented for the Star Wars saga, where Anakin Skywalker is the young Jedi who later becomes Darth Vader. The name was created by George Lucas, and its origin is not explained within the story, so it has no traditional meaning. Some fans connect it to the Anakim, a race of giants mentioned in the Bible, but that link is speculative. As a given name it appeals to fans of the films. It sounds adventurous and imaginative. Ani is a natural nickname, and it pairs well with classic middle names.
Popularity over time
Anakin first appears in US Social Security records in 1995. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 12 different years, starting in 2014. Its best national rank was #544 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 541 babies. In 2025, 427 babies were named Anakin, and it ranked #648 nationally. That is 80% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,334 in 2000, #1,574 in 2010, and #648 in 2025. Of the 5,842 US boys named Anakin since records began, 46% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,042 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Mohammad, Sincere, Zain, Jamir, and Rayan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anakin ranked highest in West Virginia, New Mexico, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #299 | 6 |
| New Mexico | #312 | 6 |
| Kentucky | #346 | 14 |
| Nevada | #362 | 8 |
| Oklahoma | #396 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Anakin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Anakin is usually pronounced A-nuh-kihn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Anakin
A few middle names that flow with Anakin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anakin
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Lists that include Anakin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anakin mean?
Anakin is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “invented for Star Wars”.
What is the origin of the name Anakin?
Anakin has modern American roots. Anakin is a name invented for the Star Wars saga, where Anakin Skywalker is the young Jedi who later becomes Darth Vader.
Is Anakin a popular name?
Yes. Anakin ranked #648 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Anakin a boy or girl name?
Anakin is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Anakin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Anakin?
Anakin is usually pronounced A-nuh-kihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings