In December of 2015 — the day before the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens — a baby boy born to Jim and Denise Gracie of Woburn, Massachusetts, was named Ryker Jedi.
Instead of saying “Congratulations” to the couple, hospital staff has been saying “May the force be with you.”
According to Star Wars creator George Lucas, the Jedi are “warrior-monks who keep peace in the universe.” The name Jedi has been popping up in the U.S. baby name data since 2002, and its highest usage so far was 32 baby boys in 2016.
Coincidentally, the baby’s first name, Ryker, can be connected to a character in a similar sci-fi franchise: Will Riker from Star Trek.
The Gracies also have an older son named Noah.
Sources:
- Dwyer, Dialynn. “The force is strong with this one: Parents name newborn after Star Wars.” Boston.com 17 Dec. 2015.
- Jedi – Wikipedia
Image: Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie poster
[Latest update: Oct. 2023]