Obi-Wan Kenobi was introduced with a different name in the first Star Wars film, but why was he called Ben? Back in 1977, George Lucas introduced the world to a galaxy far, far away with the film now known as Star Wars: A New Hope, which set the basis for what would become one of the most successful franchises in the world of entertainment. Among the characters introduced in A New Hope was Ben Kenobi, a hermit living in Tatooine who turned out to be Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi and former master of Darth Vader.
Obi-Wan’s time in the original trilogy was brief, as he was killed by Darth Vader at the Death Star. However, Obi-Wan became one with the Force and continued to guide Luke through it, either by speaking to him or appearing as a Force Ghost in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Obi-Wan’s story was expanded in the prequel trilogy, which explored the early years of Anakin Skywalker, from his days as a young slave to his rise as the powerful Sith lord, Darth Vader.
Still, many Star Wars fans have wondered why Obi-Wan was known as Ben between Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope – and the answer can be found outside the Star Wars films, in media that is still canon.
Star Wars: Why Obi-Wan Was Called Ben Kenobi
Though all the material outside the Star Wars film saga released prior to 2014 is now part of Star Wars Legends and therefore are not canon, The Clone Wars still counts as canon. The series told the events between Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, and Obi-Wan Kenobi was part of the main cast. In The Clone Wars, Obi-Wan faked his death as part of a plan to stop Moralo Eval’s intentions of kidnapping Palpatine. Obi-Wan then continued to operate under the alias “Ben” for the rest of the mission. Years later, following the rise of Darth Vader and Padmé’s death, Obi-Wan took baby Luke Skywalker to his aunt and uncle in Tatooine and exiled himself there, once again using the name “Ben” so he wouldn’t be found by the Empire.
As to why he chose “Ben” specifically, many fans believe it’s because it’s phonetically similar to “Obi-Wan”, but Star Wars Legends gave a more personal reason for it. In the novel Kenobi, it’s revealed that he took that name because that’s what Duchess Satine Kryze used to call him, and he fell in love with her when he and Qui-Gon Jinn were assigned to protect her. Of course, it’s also possible that he chose “Ben” because it’s a pretty common name and it wouldn’t raise any suspicion. At this point, it’s unlikely Star Wars will give “Ben” a canon meaning, so fans are left to decide if it’s because it sounds similar to his real name or because there’s more to it.