Contrary to popular Star Wars belief, Padmé’s last name isn’t actually Amidala. As the biological mother of Luke and Leia, as well as Anakin Skywalker’s (Hayden Christensen) one true love, the former Queen of Naboo is a crucial figure in the Skywalker saga. Played by Natalie Portman, Padmé is one of the three main characters the prequel trilogy revolves around. Like her daughter in the original trilogy, Padmé seeks to resolve conflict through politics and negotiations, yet she isn’t afraid to pick up a blaster and fight if the need arises.
While her primary role in the Star Wars narrative is tackled in the prequels, Padmé is improved in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which helped develop her and Anakin’s relationship. In Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the young Queen of Naboo is known only as Queen Amidala. But because Padmé maintained an alter ego as a handmaiden, she was able to act freely under her original name. After finishing her term as Queen of Naboo, she kept the Amidala name for her own while serving as senator. Even after marrying Anakin at the end Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Padmé didn’t publicly take his Skywalker surname.
Padmé’s Real Surname Was “Naberrie,” Not Amidala
Padmè’s biological name is not Amidala, but Padmé Naberrie. As the daughter of Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie, and sister of Sola, she was born from a relatively middle-class family on Naboo, which was almost shown in a deleted Attack of the Clones scene. However, Padmé’s wit and grace made her perfect for public service, resulting in her election as the planet’s Queen when she was only 14-years-old. During her campaign and after her election, Padmé operated under the regal name of Amidala. As far as the movies are concerned, Padmé’s true surname is never mentioned, which is why many viewers know her as Padmé Amidala, instead of Padmé Amidala Naberrie.
Why Padmé Changed Her Surname To Amidala
While the idea of an “elected monarch” might sound like a strange concept for many, Naboo’s politics actually make a fair amount of sense. Regal or reign names are used by monarchs and popes after they’re crowned or ordained to differentiate their old selves from the leaders that they will become, and it’s somewhat similar to how ruling names work in Star Wars. Those who run for Queen of Naboo automatically take on a fake name in order to conceal their true identity. By doing so, their personal lives and familial connections are shielded during their reign. On the flip side, it protects the governing system from any potential corruption and dynasties, as well.
Star Wars Has Given Padmé A Legacy In The Amidalans
Despite her real surname of Naberrie falling out of use later in her life, Padmé’s legacy was carried on through her handmaiden, Sabé. Just as Sabé—played by Keira Knightley—once stood in as Padmé’s decoy in The Phantom Menace, she stood up after her queen’s death in Revenge of the Sith and sought revenge against Vader. Sabé, along with Captain Typho, founded the rebel cell known as the Amidalans, who dedicated themselves to bringing justice to Padmé’s murderer. Though they put up a fight against Vader, they were ultimately unsuccessful. Nevertheless, they proved that Amidala was one of the most beloved and remembered Queens in Star Wars.
