The world of anime and manga is filled with iconic characters, but few have captivated fans quite like Android 17 from the legendary series Dragon Ball. Known for his striking appearance, calm demeanor, and incredible strength, Android 17 has become a fan favorite, especially after his major role in Dragon Ball Super.
One question that often surfaces among enthusiasts is: what is Android 17’s real name? Despite being an android, a man-made creation, he possesses a human identity that ties into the broader Dragon Ball lore.
Understanding his real name offers fascinating insight into his character development, origins, and the creative decisions behind his persona.
Exploring Android 17’s real name helps us appreciate the depth of the Dragon Ball universe, where names often carry symbolic meanings or reveal hidden connections. It also opens up discussions about his family ties, especially considering his relationship with his sister, Android 18, and their creator, Dr.
Gero. This exploration not only satisfies curiosity but also enhances our understanding of the character’s role in the narrative.
Android 17’s Real Name: The Truth Behind the Alias
Android 17 is widely known by his codename rather than a traditional personal name. This section delves into the origins and significance of his real name, revealing how it fits into the Dragon Ball universe.
Contrary to popular belief, Android 17’s real name is “Lapis.” This name was revealed in supplementary materials and interviews by the creator, Akira Toriyama. Unlike the numerical designation used in the series, “Lapis” gives the character a more personal identity beyond his android designation.
Interestingly, the name “Lapis” ties into a gemstone theme, complementing his sister Android 18’s real name, “Lazuli.” Both names reflect a connection to the gemstone lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone often associated with protection and wisdom.
“The names Lapis and Lazuli were chosen to symbolize the siblings’ unique bond and their transformation from mere androids into individuals with distinct personalities.” – Akira Toriyama
Why Use a Codename Instead of Real Names?
The use of codenames like Android 17 and Android 18 serves a practical narrative function. It emphasizes their origins as creations of Dr.
Gero, designed for combat and experimentation, rather than as individuals with personal identities.
By initially withholding their real names, Dragon Ball highlights the theme of dehumanization and control, which Android 17 later overcomes as he asserts his independence.
- Codename reflects manufactured origin
- Real name reveals individuality
- Enhances character development
Origins and Background of Android 17
Understanding Android 17’s real name involves exploring his origins within the Dragon Ball storyline. This section outlines his background and the circumstances leading to his creation.
Android 17, or Lapis, was originally a human named Lapis before being forcibly transformed into an android by Dr. Gero.
Along with his twin sister, Lazuli (Android 18), he was abducted and modified to become a weapon against Goku and the Z Fighters.
Despite his transformation, Android 17 retains many human traits, including emotions and free will, which differentiates him from other androids like Android 19 and 20, who are more machine than human.
“I’m not just a machine programmed to fight. I have my own thoughts and dreams.” – Android 17
The Role of Dr. Gero in Android 17’s Identity
Dr. Gero’s experiments erased much of Lapis’s past, replacing it with the designation Android 17.
This codename was part of his systematic approach to creating androids for destruction.
However, the remnants of Lapis’s humanity linger beneath the surface, allowing him to reject his intended purpose and carve out his own identity.
- Human origins before transformation
- Loss and recovery of personal identity
- Conflict between programming and free will
Android 17’s Name in Different Dragon Ball Media
Android 17’s real name “Lapis” is not prominently featured in the main anime or manga but appears in other Dragon Ball media. This section explores how his name is presented across different formats.
In the original manga and anime series, Android 17 is almost exclusively referred to by his codename. However, in supplementary materials such as official guides, databooks, and interviews, the name Lapis is confirmed.
Video games and spin-offs sometimes use either the codename or the real name, depending on the context, enriching the character’s lore for dedicated fans.
| Media | Reference to Name | Usage |
| Manga | Android 17 (codename) | Main identifier |
| Anime | Android 17 (codename) | Primary name used |
| Official Databooks | Lapis (real name) | Supplementary info |
| Video Games | Both names | Varies by game |
Why the Real Name is Less Common
The primary reason for Android 17’s real name being less known is the emphasis on his android identity within the core story. The contrast between machine and human is a key theme, so using “Android 17” reinforces that struggle visually and narratively.
For fans eager to explore deeper lore, these supplementary sources provide a richer understanding of his character beyond the surface.
Symbolism Behind the Name “Lapis”
The choice of “Lapis” as Android 17’s real name holds symbolic weight. This section examines the meaning behind the name and how it reflects the character’s traits.
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone prized for its intense blue color and historical significance. It has been associated with wisdom, protection, and truth, qualities that resonate with Android 17’s arc.
As Lapis, Android 17 embodies protection—not only of nature, as seen in Dragon Ball Super, but also of his loved ones and ideals. His calm and rational nature reflects the wisdom linked to the gemstone.
- Wisdom: Android 17’s strategic mind in battle
- Protection: His role as a park ranger and protector of wildlife
- Truth: His journey to self-awareness and autonomy
“Lapis symbolizes that even those born as weapons can reclaim their true selves.”
Connections to Android 18’s Name
Android 18’s real name, Lazuli, complements Lapis perfectly, creating a thematic pairing. Both names derive from the same gemstone, linking the siblings not only by blood but also by symbolic meaning.
This thoughtful naming reflects the creators’ deeper narrative intentions, emphasizing family bonds and individual identity amidst transformation and control.
Android 17’s Family and Personal Identity
While Android 17 began as a creation of Dr. Gero, his real name ties him to a family and a past that extends beyond his android designation.
This section explores his family connections and how they shape his identity.
Android 17 is the twin brother of Android 18, and both share a human origin before their transformation. Their familial bond remains strong, especially as they later have children, further humanizing their characters.
Android 17’s personal identity evolves significantly after breaking free from his programming. He chooses to live a peaceful life away from fighting, embracing his true self, Lapis, rather than the destructive android he was forced to become.
- Sibling bond with Android 18 (Lazuli)
- Fatherhood and family life featured in Dragon Ball Super
- Rejection of violent android persona
Android 17’s Role in Dragon Ball Super
In Dragon Ball Super, Android 17’s character grows beyond his original role as a villain. He becomes a hero and protector, demonstrating the strength of his true identity.
His participation in the Tournament of Power and his protective instincts highlight how Lapis has embraced his humanity, using his powers for good.
The Cultural Impact of Android 17’s Name
Android 17’s real name, though less known, contributes to his cultural status among fans worldwide. This section discusses the impact of his identity on the Dragon Ball community and beyond.
Many fans appreciate the depth added by knowing his real name, as it humanizes a character initially introduced as a cold android. It also sparks discussions about identity, autonomy, and the nature of humanity in artificial beings.
Furthermore, the gemstone naming theme has inspired fan art, cosplay, and fan theories, enriching the Dragon Ball fandom experience.
“Names carry power; knowing Android 17’s real name connects us to his journey from machine to man.”
- Enhanced fan engagement and lore exploration
- Symbolism sparks creative interpretations
- Discussion of identity themes in sci-fi and fantasy
Comparisons with Other Androids in Dragon Ball
| Android | Real Name | Character Traits |
| Android 17 | Lapis | Protective, wise, independent |
| Android 18 | Lazuli | Strong, caring, fierce |
| Android 19 | Unknown | Machine-like, obedient |
How Understanding Names Enhances Dragon Ball Experience
Knowing Android 17’s real name enriches the viewing and reading experience by deepening our understanding of character motivations and themes. This section explains why paying attention to names matters.
Names in Dragon Ball often carry symbolic weight or reveal hidden connections, as we see with Lapis and Lazuli. Recognizing these details invites fans to engage more fully with the story and its characters.
Exploring names also encourages fans to look beyond surface-level appearances, appreciating the complexity and humanity within characters who might otherwise be dismissed as villains or machines.
- Names reveal character growth and symbolism
- Encourage deeper engagement with the story
- Offer insights into creator’s intentions and themes
Further Exploration of Names in Fiction
Exploring character names is a fascinating way to connect with any story. If you are interested in how names shape identity across different narratives, you might enjoy reading about why does Gatsby change his name and the significance behind it.
Similarly, understanding how naming conventions work in different cultures can provide valuable context, such as in how do Icelandic last names work? This knowledge enhances appreciation of character backgrounds and storytelling.
For those intrigued by the concept of names and identity in gaming, the discussion on can you change your name in Monster Hunter Wilds? offers interesting parallels.
Conclusion: The Meaning Behind Android 17’s Identity
Android 17’s real name, Lapis, transcends his initial role as a mere android designation and reveals a character rich in symbolism and humanity. This name provides insight into his origins, character development, and the themes of identity and autonomy that run deep through the Dragon Ball series.
By embracing his real name and rejecting the cold label of “Android 17,” Lapis represents the triumph of individuality over control, the power of family bonds, and the potential for redemption. His journey from a weapon to a protector resonates with fans and enriches the narrative tapestry of Dragon Ball.
Understanding the significance of his name also invites fans to explore the broader role of names in storytelling, encouraging a closer look at the characters we love. Android 17’s story reminds us that names are not just labels—they are reflections of who we truly are, and sometimes, who we choose to become.
