Unlike the origins of the Sith, which is more explicitly detailed in Star Wars Legends material, Star Wars canon does have an answer to another often-asked question: Why do (most) Sith go by “Darth”? When the original trilogy first released, Darth Vader’s name seemed unique. The other Sith Lord audiences were introduced to, Darth Sidious, often went by the moniker of “Emperor,” after all.
But when the prequel trilogy came to theaters, the appearance of Darth Maul (and the reappearance of an earlier Darth Sidious) signaled that, without a doubt, the mantle of “Darth” is something the Sith often take up. So, why do the Sith name themselves Darth? Here’s what to know.
Where Does The Term 'Darth' Come From?
Star Wars canon hasn’t yet delved into the history of the Sith in as certain terms as now-Legends novelizations and games. Legends material casts the first Sith as former Jedi Master Ajunta Pall, who became a so-called Dark Jedi, or “Fallen” Jedi before assuming the title of Dark Lord of the Sith. Although the same level of detail has yet to be confirmed in Disney’s soft-rebooted Star Wars timeline, it’s believed that the Sith still splintered from the Jedi Order. After all, George Lucas, and the Lucasfilm Story Group, maintain that the Dark Side corrupts absolutely, so it’s likely the canon Sith were also former Jedi.
Put simply, “Darth” is the title that precedes a Sith Lord’s name, and roughly translates to “Dark Lord.” The term was used by the ancient Sith, and preserved by Darth Bane, a Sith Lord who survived the Jedi-Sith War. He was the one who passed down the ways of the Sith to more “modern” Sith masters. Unlike the Jedi, the Sith shed their given names, taking a new Sith name as well as the title Darth. In a sense, the term “Darth” reaffirms a Sith’s commitment to the Dark Side, and their Sith identity.
Do Sith Have To Earn The Rank Of 'Darth’?
The Sith do not have to earn the rank of “Darth” through ability or prowess. After infighting caused the near-extinction of the Sith order, these Dark Side acolytes adopted the Rule of Two. While ancient Sith abided by this approach, it was Darth Bane who revived the precept in the wake of the Jedi-Sith War. “Two there should be. No more, no less. One to embody power, the other to crave it,” the Rule of Two goes. Fans will recognize this line of thinking from the films. Darth Sidious follows this decree, allowing the Sith to operate in secrecy, and arrange the fall of both the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order.
In addition to continuing the Rule of Two, Darth Bane preserved the ancient title “Darth,” passing it down to the Sith who followed him, including Darth Plagueis, who would become Darth Sidious’ master. Once he assumed his master’s position, Sidious bestowed the “Darth” title on his apprentices — Darth Maul, Darth Tyranus (a.k.a. Count Dooku), and, of course, Darth Vader.
In the more “modern” era of Star Wars, both master and apprentice hold the title “Darth.” It isn’t so much earned as it is a means of preserving the ways of the ancient Sith. According to Star Wars: Behind the Magic, George Lucas dubbed the villain of the first film, Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope, “Darth Vader” to suggest his true identity — “dark father.”
Is There A Jedi Equivalent of "Darth"?
The Jedi equivalent to the term “Darth” is much more mundane. A Sith without the title “Darth” is equivalent, more or less, to a Jedi Knight. Following that logic, a Jedi Master would be equivalent to a Sith using the Darth title. The Dark Lord of the Sith, the highest-known ranking of a Sith Lord, would be somewhat equivalent to the Jedi Grand Master — the key difference being that the former rank is tied to power, while the latter is tied to experience and wisdom.
Why Isn’t Kylo Ren A "Darth"?
The defeat of Darth Sidious signaled the end of the Empire, but also the end of the Sith — at least as they had been known. To save his son, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader harnesses that “good” that’s still in him to defeat Darth Sidious. A few scenes later, the end of Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi confirms that Darth Vader is no more; Luke sees Anakin Skywalker’s Force ghost alongside those of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda.
The downfall of the Sith and of Darth Sidious leaves a power vacuum when it comes to Force-sensitives who practice the Dark Side. A mysterious figure, Ren, seized the opportunity to fill that vacuum. However, instead of turning to the ordered ways of the Sith, he founded the Dark Side-wielding, lightsaber-worshiping Knights of Ren. Although all members of the Knights of Ren are Force-sensitives, they aren’t formally trained in the ways of the Jedi or Sith. The only real code of conduct seems to be wreaking havoc while wearing all-black outfits and masks.
After becoming disillusioned with the Jedi teachings and his uncle-turned-Jedi-Master Luke Skywalker, Ben Solo joined the Knights of Ren. Going by the name Kylo, he eventually challenged Ren to a duel, and killed him. Not only did Kylo tack Ren’s name onto his own, but he became the group’s leader. Still, Kylo Ren isn’t a Sith. Despite the red lightsaber and other Sith hallmarks, he never follows Sith precepts and, as a result, cannot hold the title of "Darth." Will fans see another Darth in the post-First Order Star Wars Canon? Only time will tell, but it's clear that the Sith are a resilient sect.