Is the Starkiller Base's name a reference to early Star Wars development?

Question

The name 'Starkiller' was used instead of 'Skywalker' in early drafts of the first Star Wars movie. Is the name of the base in Episode VII an homage or reference?

Answer 1

Yes

Abrams himself confirmed this at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens panel at San Diego Comic-con 2015

Transcript:

Abrams: The name of the base of the First Order is, in honour of the original last name of Luke Skywalker, is Starkiller Base.