He lives in a galaxy far, far away … but Yoda is also working in a leisure centre in Gloucestershire, it emerged today.
Catering manager Yoda Reeves, 29, is believed to be the only person in Britain with the unusual christian name.
He was given the moniker after his parents watched 1980 blockbuster The Empire Strikes Back while searching for an alternative name choice.
It originates from the Hebrew name ‘Yodea’ – which translated means ‘the one who knows’ or the Sanskrit word yoddha meaning ‘warrior’.
Yoda, who works at Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud, Glos., was ridiculed relentlessly at school – but says his name has proved a real advantage in adulthood.
He said: ”It was hellish through school to be honest, kids can be cruel, but you just ride with it.
”But when I got to about 18 it came into itself. Star Wars came back at about the same time and people remembered it.
”It’s always been a really good one-liner in nightclubs though and I like it, it’s unique.
”I really enjoy Star Wars, it’s a good film. Working at the leisure centre I was showing a group where the changing rooms were just today, some kids heard my name and loved it.”
Yoda’s parents Caroline and John chose the name after their first choice – Ben – was chosen by some friends for their son shortly before he was born.
”Mum had seen the film and looked the name up to find out what it meant,” he said.
Bachelor Yoda, who lives in Stroud, says he contemplated changing his name when he turned 18 – but decided it fitted his role at work, where he trains young staff.
He said: ”I’m a catering and a duty manager and try to live up to the name when training people up.
”I don’t have a middle name and I contemplated changing it at 18 to Joseph or Ben. It just wouldn’t have been the same though.”
His Caroline, 54, who has two younger sons Sam, 19, and Jack, 17, said: ”I just really liked the name, but Yoda could have changed it if he wanted to when he was old enough.
”Naming him was very special but he’ll probably never forgive me! I just love him to bits, he’s always been in tune with people, so it’s quite appropriate.”
In the Star Wars films, Yoda is a 900-year-old Jedi master who trains Luke Skywalker on the planet of Dagobah.
