Doctor Who Season 14, Episode 1 Redefines The Doctor's Name After 60 Years

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 14, episode 1, "Space Babies."

Summary The Doctor's title isn't just a name, but a tradition passed down in Time Lord society.

Previous theories on the Doctor's name are contradicted by Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor in Season 14.

Fifteen's explanation may simplify Time Lord conventions, but the origins of the Doctor's name remain a mystery.

One of the biggest mysteries in Doctor Who canon is the Doctor's actual name, and the early moments of the season 14 opener throw more light on the subject. Through the decades, there have been several theories and explanations offered as to how the Doctor and other Time Lords came by their titles. While the monologue by Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor in "Space Babies" doesn't provide a complete answer, Disney's era of Doctor Who adds some interesting context to the age-old questions.

Some Time Lords, like the Doctor, go by titles rather than conventional names, but certain members of the fictitious society are addressed by what is seemingly their true names. Out of all the actors to play the Doctor, none of them have spoken the character's true name on screen. However, some characters are lucky enough to be trusted with the information, such as Alex Kingston's River Song. While Fifteen's explanation of his title is interesting in Doctor Who season 14, episode 1, "Space Babies," it also doesn't quite make sense when previous additions to the show's canon are considered.

Related 20 Greatest Doctor Who Stories Of All Time, Ranked Doctor Who has been a fixture on TV screens for 60 years, meaning there are plenty of stories to choose from when picking out the Time Lord's best.

Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor Explains His "Doctor" Title In Season 14, Episode 1

"Space Babies" starts with a crash course for Doctor Who newcomers

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Even the show's title is a reference to the fact that the Doctor's name is one of the story's biggest enigmas. Because "Space Babies" is Disney's opportunity to welcome new viewers to the franchise, one of Gatwa's earliest responsibilities in his first full season is an exposition dump about his character's background. As well as referencing the Timeless Child storyline by implying his status is that of an adopted citizen of Gallifrey, Fifteen explains to Ruby that calling him "Doctor" isn't as odd as she might think.

"Because I was adopted, and the planet that took me in, they were...They were kinda posh. They used titles like 'The Doctor' or 'The Bishop' or 'The Rani' or 'The Conquistador.' Say 'Doctor' for a thousand years and it becomes my name."

Fifteen's speech is arguably a simplification of Time Lord naming conventions. However, this is understandable considering the age of the show. Since the show started in 1963, Gatwa's explanation is not the first, but it is one of the most succinct. Having said that, it could be that Fifteen is keeping things short and sweet both for new viewers and for Ruby Sunday.

Doctor Who's New Name Explanation Contradicts Previous Theories

Previous Doctors have addressed their name before

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The wording of Fifteen's rant implies that his title was bestowed upon him rather than being one he chose himself, which clashes with the overriding belief that has long permeated the franchise that the Doctor decided on the title. Previous explanations of the Doctor's name have included Eleven describing the name as "A Promise," and River suggesting "Doctor" was originally a Time Lord word that eventually made its way into other languages based on the Doctor's immense platform and reputation.

Related Doctor Who: River Song's Story In Chronological Order Explained Doctor Who has a history of going "timey-wimey," but River Song is the ultimate example - here's her complete timeline in chronological viewing order.

In short, the origin of the Doctor's name, including their title, has never been entirely clear. It's unlikely that Fifteen's explanation in "Space Babies" tells the whole story, either. The only thing that's ever likely to be understood by fans about the Doctor's name is the fact that it will never be revealed. So, while it may be one of the sought-after answers, Doctor Who isn't going to be surrendering the information in a hurry.

Episode Disney+ Release Date "Space Babies" & "The Devil's Chord" May 10 "Boom" May 17 "73 Yards" May 24 "Dot & Bubble" May 31 "Rogue" June 7 "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" June 14 "Empire of Death" June 21