Many of the Star Wars galaxy’s Sith Lords use the title of Darth, yet few properties directly address the title’s meaning, history, and origins. The first Star Wars character to use the Darth title is the franchise’s most iconic villain: Darth Vader.
In the most popular sense, “Darth” is a fictional title used in the Star Wars franchise to signify a Sith Lord —a practitioner of the dark side of the Force. The term is generally placed before the Sith’s chosen name, creating intimidating titles such as Darth Vader or Darth Revan.
In the "Star Wars" universe, Sith Lords bear the title "Darth" followed by a unique name. Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, and Darth Maul each use the term as part of their identity. But the word "Darth" is more than just a title. It carries meaning, history, and narrative weight.
Obi-Wan Kenobi calls Vader simply "Darth" in the film, and in "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" he is referred to as "Lord Darth Vader." As the Star Wars universe grew, "Darth" became a title used by Dark Lords of the Sith. The etymological origins of the title Darth are unclear and disputed.
Darth Vader (/ dɑːrθ ˈveɪdər /) is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He first appeared in the original Star Wars film (1977) [b] and its novelization (1976). He is a leader of the Galactic Empire, and is one of the two major villains in the original film trilogy.
When audiences were introduced to Darth Vader in 1977, it appeared that this was just his name, especially since Ben Kenobi called him "Darth." However, George Lucas always intended for Vader to be a Dark Lord of the Sith, and the Star Wars prequel trilogy revealed more about Sith customs.