The name Anakin is a male given name that has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades. Pronounced AN-uh-kin, this unique name is most famously associated with the iconic character Anakin Skywalker from the Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas. The character's journey from a young slave on Tatooine to becoming Darth Vader has captivated audiences worldwide, contributing to the name's appeal. Although relatively rare before the late 1990s, Anakin began gaining traction following the release of "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" in 1999. In recent years, it has consistently ranked within the top 1000 names for newborn boys in the United States, reaching its peak popularity in 2023 with 541 occurrences and ranking at 543. Variations of the name include Anikin, but Anakin remains the preferred spelling among parents who are fans of science fiction or simply drawn to its distinctive sound and cultural significance.