Count Dooku. He was the leader of one of the most insidious forces in the history of the Star Wars galaxy. And he led the Separatists away from the Republic and led them to believe that they should start their own government.

Have you ever wondered how he was named?

I've been studying Latin in high school, and came across the word duco (pronounced DOO-coh). It's a verb that can mean any of these: "to shape or construct; to calculate; to lead on the march or command; to charm, influence, mislead or draw in".

Wow.

Dooku definitely did all of these. He helped to shape and construct a new government (i.e., the Empire) while he worked with the Separatists. His moves required a great deal of calculation to carry out. He led them on the march against the Jedi and the forces of the Republic and commanded them. He used his charm and influence (no doubt aided by manipulation of the Force) to draw more and more people into the Separatist fold, leading them and yet misleading them.

In addition to all this, Dooku's Sith name, Tyrannus, means "tyrant or absolute ruler". And because very few knew of his master, Darth Sidious, he acted in his master's wake as the Separatists' top guy.

Dooku was definitely well-named. Maybe he wasn't named after this particular Latin verb, but it most definitely applies. I think that maybe George Lucas considered the word duco when he thought up the character of Count Dooku.

Thoughts?

Wherever God may guide you, he will bless you.

RR out.

P.S. Hopefully I'll get a few more of these out fairly soon. Apologies for the absence...real life gets in the way all too often. Next on my list: the origin of the name Ackbar!