Few moments in modern cinema have sparked as much conversation as the closing scene of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” When Rey, the trilogy’s enigmatic heroine, is asked her name, she answers with a new identity: Rey Skywalker.
This moment is more than just a line of dialogue—it is the culmination of decades of Star Wars mythology, a statement about legacy, belonging, and self-determination. Fans worldwide have debated and analyzed this choice, asking why Rey chose to adopt the Skywalker surname and what it means for the broader saga.
Is it a simple tribute, a rejection of her origins, or a symbol of a new path forward for the galaxy? As we explore the reasoning and symbolism behind Rey’s decision, we’ll uncover layers of storytelling, character development, and the enduring power of names.
Just as names hold deep meaning in our own world, so too do they shape destinies in the Star Wars universe. Let’s journey through the narrative, cultural, and philosophical reasons that make Rey’s last name Skywalker so significant.
The Power of Names in the Star Wars Universe
Names in the Star Wars universe are never arbitrary. They carry histories, reputations, and expectations, shaping the destinies of those who bear them.
Rey’s adoption of the Skywalker name is a powerful testament to the weight that names hold, both in storytelling and in personal identity.
Throughout the saga, names like Skywalker, Kenobi, and Palpatine evoke strong reactions. These surnames are more than identifiers—they are legacies.
The name Skywalker, in particular, has become synonymous with hope, resilience, and the struggle between light and dark.
For Rey, choosing her last name is a conscious act of redefining herself. Rather than being tethered to her biological lineage, she aligns with the ideals and family she has chosen.
This is a concept that resonates far beyond science fiction, echoing real-world experiences where people change their names to reflect new beginnings or core values.
- Skywalker represents courage, sacrifice, and redemption.
- Palpatine is associated with tyranny, fear, and darkness.
- Names like Kenobi and Organa embody wisdom and compassion.
“The name you take for yourself tells the world who you are and what you stand for.” — Star Wars lore
It’s no surprise, then, that Rey’s choice is both personal and symbolic, representing her journey and her aspirations for the future.
Rey’s Origins and the Weight of Heritage
Understanding why Rey becomes a Skywalker requires looking at her origins. Rey’s early life was marked by abandonment and mystery, with no family or legacy to claim as her own.
The revelation of her biological heritage as a descendant of Emperor Palpatine only complicates her sense of identity.
Her struggle between nature and nurture is a core theme throughout the sequel trilogy. While her bloodline ties her to one of the galaxy’s greatest evils, her actions and choices continually align with the light side of the Force.
In the end, Rey’s story is about more than escaping a dark heritage. It’s about forging her own path and building a legacy based on her decisions, not her DNA.
The moment she proclaims herself a Skywalker is a rejection of the idea that our origins must define us forever.
- Orphaned on Jakku with no knowledge of her parents
- Discovers her force sensitivity and connection to the Jedi
- Struggles with the truth of her Palpatine lineage
- Forms meaningful bonds with mentors like Leia and Luke
“Some things are stronger than blood.” — Leia Organa, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Rey chooses to honor the people who shaped her character, not the name she was born with. This theme—choosing your own family and destiny—echoes throughout Star Wars and resonates deeply with audiences.
The Legacy of the Skywalker Family
The Skywalker name is one of the most iconic in cinematic history. From Anakin to Luke and Leia, this family’s story is the backbone of the Star Wars saga.
The name carries with it a complex legacy of light and darkness, heroism and tragedy.
By the time Rey enters the story, the Skywalker line has seen its share of triumphs and failures. Anakin’s fall and redemption, Luke’s heroism and self-exile, Leia’s leadership and sacrifice—all contribute to a rich and complicated legacy.
Rey’s adoption of the Skywalker name is not just a tribute to her mentors. It’s a statement that she intends to honor the best parts of their legacy while forging a new path.
She becomes a symbol of hope, much as Luke did decades earlier.
- Anakin Skywalker: From hero to villain to redeemer
- Luke Skywalker: The new hope and redeemer of his father
- Leia Organa: The steadfast leader and beacon of hope
- Rey: The inheritor and reimaginer of the Skywalker legacy
| Skywalker Family Member | Key Traits | Legacy |
| Anakin | Powerful, conflicted, redemptive | Balance between light and dark |
| Luke | Hopeful, brave, compassionate | Restoration of Jedi Order |
| Leia | Leader, loving, resilient | Galactic peace and unity |
| Rey | Determined, empathetic, independent | New beginning for the Jedi |
By taking the Skywalker name, Rey doesn’t erase the struggles of the past—she transforms them into a foundation for the future. Her choice is an invitation to everyone watching to believe in second chances and self-reinvention.
Symbolism and Themes: Choosing Your Family
Star Wars has always championed the idea that “family” means more than blood relations. The saga’s heroes and villains are often defined by the families they choose, not just those they are born into.
Rey’s journey from isolation to belonging is a powerful example of this theme.
Throughout the sequel trilogy, Rey finds herself drawn to surrogate figures—Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker—who mentor and support her. Her bonds with Finn, Poe, and even Ben Solo (Kylo Ren) underscore the importance of chosen family in her life.
When Rey calls herself a Skywalker, she is claiming the love, support, and values of those who took her in. It’s a declaration that anyone can choose their own destiny, no matter where they come from.
- Found family is a recurring motif in Star Wars
- Rey’s relationships redefine what it means to inherit a legacy
- Her choice inspires viewers to embrace their chosen communities
Parallels in Real Life
This theme is not unique to Star Wars. In our own world, people often form deep bonds outside their biological families.
Adoption, mentorship, and friendship can be just as formative as traditional kinship.
For more on the importance of names and the power of chosen identities, explore why names are important and how they shape our sense of self.
“We are not defined by where we come from, but by who we choose to become.” — Star Wars ethos
Rey’s journey reminds us all that we can find belonging and meaning wherever we choose to build it.
Rejecting the Palpatine Legacy: Redemption Through Identity
One of the most dramatic revelations in “The Rise of Skywalker” is Rey’s biological connection to Emperor Palpatine. This twist casts her internal conflict in a new light, as she must confront the darkness in her own bloodline.
Choosing the Skywalker name is an act of redemption and self-assertion. Rey is offered a place by the side of her grandfather, but she ultimately rejects his vision and legacy.
By taking on the Skywalker name, Rey symbolically defeats the destiny Palpatine tried to force upon her. She rewrites her story, refusing to be a pawn in his schemes.
This act of defiance is a powerful message for anyone struggling with a difficult or painful heritage.
- Palpatine lineage: Associated with power, manipulation, and fear
- Skywalker name: Represents hope, freedom, and renewal
- Rey’s choice enables her to break the cycle of darkness
| Heritage | Associated Values | Rey’s Response |
| Palpatine | Domination, cruelty, legacy of fear | Rejection, resistance, self-definition |
| Skywalker | Resilience, redemption, new beginnings | Adoption, honor, transformation |
“You are a Palpatine, but you don’t have to be.” — Luke Skywalker
This theme of overcoming one’s origins is echoed in countless stories, from literature to real-life experiences of people who change their names or embrace new identities. If you’re interested in how names can legally and emotionally shape identity, see how a marriage certificate can change your name and what that means for individuals starting a new chapter.
The Influence of Luke and Leia: Mentorship and Inheritance
Throughout her journey, Rey benefits from the wisdom and guidance of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. These two legends of the rebellion become her mentors, offering not just training in the ways of the Force but also emotional support and acceptance.
Leia, in particular, plays a motherly role for Rey, embodying compassion and steadfast belief in her potential. Luke’s own story of redemption and hope directly inspires Rey to believe in her own power to choose the light.
By calling herself Skywalker, Rey is honoring her mentors’ faith in her. She inherits not only their name but also their mission: to build a better future for the galaxy.
The act is as much about gratitude and respect as it is about forging a new legacy.
- Mentorship is central to Rey’s growth
- Luke and Leia serve as role models for courage and forgiveness
- Rey’s choice is a tribute to those who shaped her heart and mind
Connecting to Broader Naming Traditions
Across cultures, it’s common for people to honor mentors, adoptive parents, or significant figures by taking on their names. This tradition transcends fiction and is a meaningful way to express respect and continuity.
For more on how names are passed down or chosen to honor those we admire, discover the meaning and history behind the De Jesus last name and how names carry legacies through generations.
“Who are you?” “I’m Rey… Rey Skywalker.”
With this exchange, Rey signals to the galaxy that she will carry forward the Skywalker spirit and ideals.
Audience Reception and Cultural Impact
Rey’s decision to take the Skywalker name sparked immediate and passionate debate among fans. Some celebrated the moment as a fitting closure to the saga, while others questioned whether it undermined her individuality or the significance of bloodlines in Star Wars.
Despite the controversy, the scene has become one of the most memorable in the sequel trilogy. It provokes reflection on what it means to belong, to honor mentors, and to shape one’s own story.
In many ways, the choice resonates with broader cultural trends. Today, more people are redefining family, changing their names, or embracing new communities.
Rey’s journey mirrors these real-world shifts, making her story both timely and timeless.
- Debate: Some fans value bloodline continuity, others embrace chosen legacy
- Rey’s story has inspired art, essays, and discussions about identity
- The Skywalker name now represents both heritage and hope for renewal
Comparative Analysis with Other Iconic Name Changes
| Character | Original Name | Chosen Name | Reason |
| Rey | Palpatine | Skywalker | Honor, legacy, self-definition |
| Luke | Unknown | Skywalker | True heritage revealed |
| Anakin | Anakin Skywalker | Darth Vader | Embrace of a new identity, fall to darkness |
If you’re interested in how names evolve and the significance behind them, check out the process of changing names in real life and how it can alter one’s sense of self and belonging.
Broader Lessons: Identity, Choice, and the Future
The story of Rey Skywalker isn’t just about intergalactic battles or ancient prophecies. It’s about the universal human experience of seeking identity and belonging.
Rey’s journey teaches us that our past does not define our future, and that we have the agency to choose who we become.
Her choice to become a Skywalker is a call to action for all of us to embrace our own power to define ourselves. Whether we’re inspired by heroes, mentors, or the families we create, we each have the ability to build new legacies.
Names, after all, are more than labels. They are vessels of meaning, connection, and aspiration.
Just as Rey chose her last name to honor those she loved and admired, we too can choose the paths and identities that best reflect our values.
- Self-determination is a central theme in Rey’s story
- Names symbolize growth, transformation, and hope
- We all have the power to shape our own destinies
Naming Traditions in Other Contexts
Across cultures, changing one’s name often marks a new beginning. Whether it’s through marriage, adoption, or personal choice, the act of renaming can be deeply meaningful.
For example, in sports history, team names carry their own legacies—explore how the Chicago Cubs got their name and built a unique identity.
“Your name is your story. Own it, shape it, and let it inspire the world.”
Rey’s journey is a reminder that identity is as much about choice as it is about heritage.
Conclusion: Rey Skywalker and the Enduring Power of Names
Rey’s decision to call herself Skywalker is a powerful moment that resonates far beyond the Star Wars universe. It is a declaration of independence from a dark legacy, an embrace of chosen family, and an act of hope for the future.
By taking on the name of her mentors, Rey honors their values and sacrifices, while also forging a path that is uniquely her own.
Her story reminds us that names are never just words—they are reflections of our journeys, our choices, and the people we aspire to be. Whether we’re born into a name or choose one for ourselves, we have the power to redefine our stories.
Rey’s journey from a nameless scavenger to a Skywalker is an inspiration for anyone who has ever sought to belong, to heal, or to start anew.
If you’re curious about the cultural significance of names, their origins, and their power to shape identity, take a look at stories like how a cockroach got its name or whether the name Wendy came from Peter Pan.
These tales show that, just like Rey, we all have the ability to make our names—and our stories—mean something extraordinary.
