Turtwig |
"turtle" + "twig" (タートゥイグ)
It doesn't sound quite as cutesy as "Twigle", but we think that "Turtwig" will be perceived as being very close to the Japanese name in both meaning and feel. |
Grotle |
"Grove" + "turtle" + "grow" (グロゥトル)
Grove means "forest".
It has a stronger sound and impression than Twigle, and the name has a good cohesion.
It is also similar to the sound of "grow", which means "growing", so it has the nuance of "evolving, growing up".
- The fact that it sounds similar to "grow" means that it has a layered meaning, which is great.
|
Torterra |
"tortoise" + "terra" + "terror" (トーテロァ)
Tortoise means "(rather large) land turtle", terra means "earth", and terror means "fear".
It looks the part of a Grass/Ground-type Pokémon. We considered words that convey a fitting, powerful image, while also evoking the Ground-type.
Terra is sufficient in meaning, and it sounds similar to "terror", allowing it to convey a "strong" impression.
It also works well as a name, sounding powerful and cool.
It has received positive feedback among staff.
→While "terror" evoking "strength" alone is acceptable, we'd prefer to avoid it if it makes this Pokémon seem "feared".
"Small Pokémon occasionally gather on its unmoving back".
We think the word "terra" is perfect.
→"Terra" shares only a slight phonetic similarity with "terror"; there's no further connection. Furthermore, in Torterra, the word "terra" is intentionally spelled as such to convey the meaning of "land". It evokes the image of "powerful land". |
Chimchar |
"chimp" + "char" (チムチャー)
Chimp means "chimpanzee", but baby monkeys are also commonly called "chimps". Char means "to burn to a crisp" or "to turn into ashes", more specifically "to burn with fire or a flame until blackened". Additionally, as a transitive verb, it means "to actively burn something using fire until charred black". Since "char" carries a strong connotation of fire, the name "Chimchar" sufficiently evokes this image.
It shares the same "char" as Charmander. As names, Charmander and Chimchar have completely different pronunciations and impressions, so there's no need to worry about them sounding similar.
It has a catchy ring to it and is very easy to remember.
We believe it's a name that will be very well-liked. |
Monferno |
"monkey" + "inferno" (モンファルノ)
Inferno means "raging fire, fierce flames". Combined with Monkey, it becomes Monferno. As a name, it flows well both phonetically and spelling-wise, and it's very popular among the staff.→While "inferno" was previously avoided due to its historical association with "hellfire", it now primarily calls to mind "intense flames". Furthermore, over 20 American staff members reviewed previously, and no concerns were raised regarding the term "inferno".
Conversely, "Inferno" is the word that best matches the origin of the Japanese name and also perfectly aligns with Chimchar's evolved forms. |
Infernape |
"inferno" + "ape" (インファネイプ)
Unlike monkey, "ape" conveys an image larger than a monkey and closer to a man. This aligns with this Pokémon's appearance. Furthermore, the progression from monkey to ape can express evolution.
"Inferno" is also used for its pre-evolution, but placing this word first here emphasizes the "raging fire/blazing inferno" aspect. As a name, it flows well phonetically and spelling-wise, sounding strong and cool. Regarding the use of "inferno", we reconfirmed with relevant departments like Legal and Consumer Support, and also with devout Christian staff members as a precaution. Our conclusion is that using "inferno" is acceptable.→While "inferno" was previously avoided due to its historical association with "hellfire", it now primarily calls to mind "intense flames". Furthermore, over 20 American staff members reviewed previously, and no concerns were raised regarding the term "inferno".
Conversely, "Inferno" is the word that best matches the origin of the Japanese name and also perfectly aligns with Chimchar's evolved forms. |
Piplup |
"pip + plup" (ピプラップ)
Pip is the chirping sound of a small bird.
In the anime, it would likely say "Pip-pip, pip-pip", which sounds very cute and is a memorable name, so we recommend it. There's a term, "pip-squeak", used to describe small, cute things or little children, like saying "He (she) is a pip-squeak" (What a cute kid!)
"Plup" is identical to "Ploop" and corresponds to the Japanese "ぽちゃん" (pochan), the sound made when something small hits the water. It also stays consistent with the name of its two evolved forms.
→ Not only the sound, but also the meaning makes it a very cute and approachable name. It also enhances the evolutionary flow, making for greater consistency:
"Piplup"→"Prinplup"→"Empoleon"
→An alternative, due to "PLUPIP" being rejected by legal.
It might sound more memorable than "Plupip".
→ It seems like a promising name, so we hope the trademark process goes through. |
Prinplup |
"Prince" + "ploop/plup" (プリンプルゥプ)
"Prinploop" and "Plooprince" are basically the same idea, but "prinploop" sounds more cohesive as a name. It has a unified feel as an evolution name, follows the same meaning, and has a good flow and sound. |
Empoleon |
"Emperor" + "napoleon" (エンポレオン)
It has the same origin as the Japanese name. The spelling has been changed to give it a strong sound, so that it's easier to pronounce in English. It contains P and L, making it easy to picture it as an evolution.
It is also a more cohesive name than "pengoorer".
It's a name that gives a strong impression, befitting a final evolution. |
Starly |
"Starling" (スターリィ)
A twist on the English word "starling". It's a cute-sounding name, and has the same feel as the Japanese name "Mukkuru".
→"Mukuru", which was a better name than STARLY, was rejected by legal, so this was the second best option. |
Staravia |
"starling + avian + aviate" (スタラヴィア)
"Avian" means "bird" and "aviate" means "to fly". |
Staraptor |
"starling + raptor" (スタラプター)
"Raptor" means "eagle/hawk" or "bird of prey".
As the name evolves from "Starly" to "Staravia" to "Staraptor", the image of strength increases. The names all sound like they form a pair. |
Bidoof |
"beaver" + "doofus" (ビドゥーフ)
Doofus (silly, clumsy) is a friendly term that can be used among family and friends. It has a nuance that combines words like "fanny, cute, silly", and is a friendly name.
Overall, we recommend this name as it makes this Pokémon more memorable and friendly-sounding. |
Bibarel |
"beaver" + "barrel" (ビバレル)
It sounds better than "Barbippa". |
Kricketot |
"cricket" + "tot" (クリケトット)
Tot means "small child".
We think it matches the cuteness of this Pokémon.
Cricket would be too obvious, so we changed the C to a K to make the spelling more unique.
- We thought it was a very cute sounding name.
|
Kricketune |
"cricket" + "tune" (クリケトゥーン)
The German word "Stimmstock" is "Sound Post" in English.
However, we feel that the terms "Stimmstock" and "Sound Post" are difficult for Americans to picture. However, when you encounter this Pokémon in the game, a unique melody plays, so we considered whether we could express this with another word related to music or melody.
Tune means "melody". We think it matches this Pokémon well, more so when looking at its Pokédex description. |
Shinx |
"shimmer (or shine) + Linx" (シンクス)
Like "Flash" and "Glow", "shimmer" also means to shine or sparkle (without the image of reflection).
It also fits from the perspective of the evolutionary flow (strength) of Shinx → Luxio → Luxray. |
Luxray |
"Lux" + "x-ray" (ラクスレイ)
Roentgen rays are commonly called "x-rays" in English.
This is the best option if you want to emphasize the meaning of "light". Considering the progression of the line, it's for the best.
- The connection with "Luxio" is good, and it sounds cool as well.
→We hope that "-ray" doesn't come across as the name of a ray, which doesn't sound like a Pokémon name. We're concerned about this.
→It has a triple meaning: "Lux", "x-ray", and "ray".
"Luxray" is fitting as a name and sounds cool, so there's no problem.
|
Budew |
"bud" + "dew" (バデュー)
In English, it's difficult to combine the words "tsubomi" (bud) and "subomu" (to contract), so we prioritized "bud" and considered a cute word that suited this Pokémon.
Dew means "dewdrops", which gives the impression of something "pure and fresh". It also has a cute ring to it.
→Dew translates to "dewdrops" in Japanese, but in English it is usually used in the context of "dewdrops on plants and flowers", so it brings to mind plants more than water. When Americans hear "Dew", they generally imagine a refreshing, scenic display of plants and flowers covered in dew in the early morning or after the rain. The little bud lives to bloom and flower… this is the kind of nuance that's conveyed.
→"Budew" has multiple layers of meaning, and evokes a fresh image, so we like it. |
Cranidos |
"cranium" + "dos" (クラニドス)
The skull is called "bone of skull"[sic] or "skull" in English.
It can also be called cranial bone, but cranial brings to mind "head" more than "bone". It feels a bit abstract.
Considering the connection with the "Skull Fossil" item, "Heabudos" is better.[References a cut name for Cranidos.] |
Rampardos |
"Ram" + "hard" + "Leopard" (ランパードス)
A slight change to the ending of the Japanese name. |
Shieldon |
"shield" + "don" + "on" (シールドン)
We combined "shield" with "don", which is often used as a suffix for dinosaur names.
On top of this, it can also be interpreted as "wearing a shield". This name sounds very nice. |
Bastiodon |
"bastion" + "don" (バスティオドン)
Bastion means "fortress, rampart". It sounds more imposing than "fort", and also has a strong ring to it. |
Burmy |
From "bag worm" (バーミィ)
A shortened version of "bagworm".
It's small and cute-sounding, and an easy name to remember. We recommend it. |
Wormadam |
"bag worm" + "madam" (ウォーマダム)
Madam is an old way of saying "miss". Since it looks as if it's wearing a fur coat, we used "Madame", which is reminiscent of a high-class woman.
It expresses gender while also having a playful nuance. |
Mothim |
"moth" + "him" (モスィム)
It's well-rounded and easy to pronounce.
Also, Wormiss and Mothim have the same number of syllables, so we think it will be easier for people to recognize them as a pair.[References a cut name for Wormadam.] |
Combee |
"Honeycomb" + "bee" + "combination" (コムビー)
Honeycomb means "bee's nest" in English.
It looks like a bee's nest, and the name suggests a relation to honey. It also evokes the idea of "combination". While the name alone doesn't strictly limit it to "three creatures", it conveys the nuance of "a combination of several things, several things joined together".
If emphasizing the "three, three creatures" aspect is important, "Trbee" might be better, but it lacks charm when compared to "Combee".→In Japanese, "combi" [コンビ] means "a duo, a pair", but would it be perceived that way in English?→It doesn't imply a specific number like "duo". The English word "combination"doesn't evoke a specific number like two or three; it applies to any number of two or more things. |
Vespiquen |
"vespid + queen" (ヴェスピクウェン)
Vespid means "wasp".
"Baroness" refers to a female baron. This is closer to the original "Beequen", so we recommend this one.[The "baroness" part is in reference to a cut name for Vespiqueen, "Beeoness".] |
Buizel |
Variation of the Japanese name.
→After considering whether the spelling "BUOYZEL" could be used globally, it was decided to localize this Pokémon.
→While "buoy" is an English word found in dictionaries, it's unfamiliar to most Americans. Particularly outside coastal regions of the Americas, many people have likely never seen or heard it.
Even if the meaning itself is unclear, a word anyone can read would be acceptable. However, "BUOY" is originally a (French) loanword, and vowel sequences like "OUY" are not typical in English. Without prior knowledge, it's a word most people cannot read.
When surveyed internally at NOA, many responded uncertainly with "Boi-zel?" or "Bu-i-zel?", suggesting children likely couldn't read it.
Therefore, we believe changing the spelling to "BUIZEL" to create a name anyone can read is the best solution. The pronunciation is nearly identical, and those familiar with the word "BUOY" can make the association upon seeing its appearance.
As this Pokémon appears in the movies, we kind request you make its name easier to remember. |
Floatzel |
Variation of the Japanese name.
→"FLOATZEL" is recommended as there is only one way to pronounce it.
Strictly speaking, the "T" is not pronounced very often, so for Americans, this spelling is easier to read. |
Cherubi |
"cherry + cherub + baby" (チェルビ)
"Cherub" means "(child) angel", but it is also used in everyday life to mean "cute as an angel, round and cute". It gives the image of a cute pre-evolution. |
Shellos |
"shell" + "loss" (シェロス)
Loss means "lost".
It has the same image as the Japanese name, and sounds good too.
"Less" expresses the state of "not having", but "Shellos" is closer to the feel of the original name.
When comparing "Shellos" and "Loshel", "Shellos" sounds better. |
Gastrodon |
"gastropod" + "don" (ギャストロドン)
"Gastropod" is a general term for slugs, snails, and the likes. We think it matches with its appearance. |
Ambipom |
"ambi" (ambidexterity) + "A[i]pom" (アムビポム)
Being able to use both hands is called ambidexterity in English. Ambi alone means "both". When expressing "two-handed", ambi (-dextrous) is easier to picture in English.
Its pre-evolution is called Aipom in English, so by using the same "pom" part, we hope to create a sense of unity in this line. |
Drifloon |
"drift" + "Balloon" (ドゥリフルーン)
Drift has a similar meaning to "floating lightly in the air" but with a strong nuance of doing so "aimlessly". The word "drift" also suits its evolved form very well, so I think it would be best to use "Driftoon" to unify this line. |
Drifblim |
"drift" + "blimp" (ドゥリフブリム)
The meaning of "Drift" is as mentioned above. It perfectly matches its Pokédex description: "No one knows where they go".
A "Blimp" refers to a small airship. |
Buneary |
"Bunny + bun + ear" (バニアリィ)
Bunny means "rabbit" and bun means "curly hair". The "y" added at the end makes it sound cuter.
As stated earlier, it has three meanings. "Bun" matches with the "curly hair" (curled ears) from the material we received. |
Lopunny |
"Lop-eared + Bunny" (ロパニィ)
Lop-eared means "lop-eared (rabbit)".
It's a cute name that evokes ears. This rhymes with the "bi" sound in "Earabi".[References a cut name for Lopunny.] |
Mismagius |
"Misdreavus" + "mage" (ミスマギアス)
It has a similar feel to Misdreavus and has the same number of syllables, so it creates a sense of unity.
"Mismagius" has a stronger image than "Misdreavus". In Japanese, magus sounds better than "magician", so it has a strong image in itself. The ending "gius" also has a powerful ring to it. |
Honchkrow |
"honcho" + "crow" (ホンチクロゥ)
Here, "krow" is shared with Murkrow to maintain evolutionary consistency. Honcho means roughly the same as "boss" or "leader" (carrying less negative connotation). Crow would be too obvious, so we changed the C to a K to make the spelling more unique.
→ While "honcho" seems to originate from the Japanese "班長" (banchō), does it carry any particular (Japanese) connotation?
If there's no issue, "Honchkrow" is fine.
→ While "honcho" is indeed said to originate from "班長", it's firmly established in everyday English usage and carries no Japanese connotation, so it's perfectly acceptable. |
Glameow |
"Meow"+ "glamour" (グラミャオ)
From the sound a cat makes in English. (For example, the English name "Meowth"), and "glamour".
In Japan, the word "glamour" may only refer to one's physical appearance, but in English, "glamour" refers to "attractiveness" in general.
It also sounds better and more catchy than "Meowcham".[References a cut name for Glameow.] |
Purugly |
"Puur[sic] + Ugly" (パラグリィ)
"Purr" is the sound a cat makes. |
Chingling |
"Chin + Jingle" (チングリン)
From the sound of a small bell (ching).
"Jingle" is the sound of jingling, like that of bells.
As a name, it sounds very cute.
"Jinging" does not particularly convey the idea of size of size, but it does give the impression of being small, more so than "Jinging".[References a cut name for Chingling.] |
Stunky |
"Stinky + Stunk Skunk"
It combines three words: "Skunk", "Stinky", and "Stunk" (the past tense of "Stink"), which intuitively conveys the meaning of "being a skunk" and "having a stinky smell". |
Skuntank |
"skunk" + "tank" (スカンタンク)
The nuance of skunk in "skutank" is difficult to convey in English, so we added the letter N. |
Bronzor |
"Bronze" + "mirror" (ブロンズォー)
Compared to "Bronzmir", it flows better and sounds more powerful.
- Since bronze mirrors and bronze bells are unique to Japan, it's extremely tough for Americans to get the exact same impression from the name that Japanese people do. Since both are blue and made of copper, we wanted to use "Bronze". While it doesn't carry the same impression as the Japanese name, bronze is often used in older architecture in the US too. So, even if it doesn't reach ancient times, it does have a notion of "old". [References a cut name for Bronzor.]
|
Bronzong |
"Bronze" + "dong" (ブロンズォング)
Dong comes from the sound of a large bell. Compared to "Bronzell", it flows better and sounds more powerful.
It also has a good sense of evolutionary unity.
- Since bronze mirrors and bronze bells are unique to Japan, it's extremely tough for Americans to get the exact same impression from the name that Japanese people do. Since both are blue and made of copper, we wanted to use "Bronze". While it doesn't carry the same impression as the Japanese name, bronze is often used in older architecture in the US too. So, even if it doesn't reach ancient times, it does have a notion of "old". [References a cut name for Bronzong.]
|
Bonsly |
"Bonsai" + "Sly" (ボンスライ)
Since it looks like a bonsai when still, we played on the word "BONSAI", which is already familiar in English even in the US. SLY means "mischievous", so it becomes tree + lie, but it loses the rhyme with its evolved form. However, the name BONSLY feels like it would be easy to remember.
- Indeed, "BONSAI" reinforces the image of a "small, cute tree". (The image matches well. "BONSAI" is a surprisingly well-known word in the US, and is associated with "smallness", as it is a tree planted in a pot.)
|
Mime Jr. |
"Mr.Mime" + "Jr". (マイム ジュニア)
"MR.MIME" was named in Red and Green, and since there was no gender then, it was given the name MR. Since it's a pre-evolution, when considering what to replace MR with, there was no suitable title so the opposite was used, JR (Junior).
Usually, JR is added after a person's name, so it's Mime Junior. JR also means "son", but since the evolution is "MR", the evolutionary nuance is maintained. |
Happiny |
"pink" + "happy" + "tiny" (ハッピニィ)
This name is short, easy to remember, and sounds cute.
Since the English names Chansey and Happiny both end with "y", we want to maintain evolutionary consistency here.
→The Japanese names are "Pinpuku" (fortune) → "Lucky" (good fortune) → "Happy" (happiness), which give the impression of increasing luck and happiness. We want the North American name to reflect this relationship, so please reconsider. Please propose again next time.
→Regarding "Happiny":
The word "Happy" is used very broadly and commonly to mean "happiness". It applies to things both big and small.
Whether it 100% conveys the idea of growing fortune and happiness... while individual perceptions may vary, it doesn't feel out of place within the evolution flow.
→ If it doesn't feel out of place in the evolutionary flow, then either "HAPPINY" or "Gladily" is acceptable.
Which one to prioritize is left to the judgment of Mr. Tominaga and the NOA staff.
A name with a cute sound is preferable.
→Considering "it fits the flow of evolution" and "it has a cuter sound" (not that "Gladily" is bad at all), we'll go with "Happiny".[Blissey is referred to here using its name from the Spaceworld 1997 demo of Gold and Silver, with "Happy" (ハッピー) instead of "Happiness" (ハピナス). Keisuke Tominaga is credited in Diamond and Pearl under "English Version Coordinators".] |
Chatot |
(Chatty + Parrott[sic]) "チャトット"
In English, "chattering away" or "a talkative person" is called a Chatter.
It's a word used really often in everyday life.
When you hear "Rarrott"[sic], the image that comes to mind is obviously the bird itself, but it also evokes the idea of being "chatty" or "repeating the same words".
This is the most recommended option. It cleverly combines the meanings of both words. Furthermore, the pronunciation also aligns well with this Pokémon's appearance. Additionally, whether seen written down or heard, it's a short name, making it easy for young children to remember. |
Spiritomb |
"Spirit" + "tomb" (スピリトゥーム)
Its name derives from "granite", and considering the Pokédex description of "formed by 108 spirits" along with its appearance, we explored names evoking spiritual, mystical, or frightening things.
"Soul" carries strong religious connotations, so we prefer to avoid using it.
"Tomb" means "grave, gravestone".
"Spirit" evokes something like a fireball, like in Japan.
The name that fits closest with the feel of "108 souls" is "Spititomb"[sic], but compared to "Phantomb", it lacks a bit of impact.
- "Phantom" is also tempting, but it evokes a ghost with a more human-like form, which is too off-the-mark.
|
Gible |
These three Pokémon are thought to be based on sharks, but their types are "Dragon" and "Ground".
When considering their English names, we felt that adding a shark-like nuance would make them more likely to be intuitively perceived as Water-types. Therefore, we considered names that reflect the strength of their bite, like in their Japanese names.
→An alternative, because legal rejected "Gibble". There's no change in pronunciation or nuance.
"Nibble" evokes the image of a small animal gnawing on something hard. Gible is a pre-evolved Pokémon, and it looks cute, so we think it fits the image.
Additionally, we wanted the other two stages to keep their Japanese names, so we thought that by starting with the letter G, we could give this line a sense of unity. Also, by starting with G, it gives the impression of being strong. |
Gabite |
These three Pokémon are thought to be based on sharks, but their types are "Dragon" and "Ground".
When considering their English names, we felt that adding a shark-like nuance would make them more likely to be intuitively perceived as Water-types. Therefore, we considered names that reflect the strength of their bite, like in their Japanese names.
→ The meaning of "Gaburi" [がぶり, "with a big bite"] is lost, but "Ga" is a strong sound, so it gives a strong image.
There's no problem with using this name. |
Garchomp |
These three Pokémon are thought to be based on sharks, but their types are "Dragon" and "Ground".
When considering their English names, we felt that adding a shark-like nuance would make them more likely to be intuitively perceived as Water-types. Therefore, we considered names that reflect the strength of their bite, like in their Japanese names.
→ "G" + "chomp" (ガーチョムプ)
G and chomp go well together and give off a very powerful impression. We think both are good, but recommend this one for its sound. |
Munchlax |
"Munch" + "LunchBox" + "SNORLAX" |
Hippowdon |
"hippopotamus" + "-don" (ヒパウドン)
We added a "w" between "Hippo" and "don".
This also makes the spelling reminiscent of "power".
Also, "pow" is a word that expresses an impact sound, like "thud", so it adds to the idea of strength. |
Skorupi |
From "scorpion" (スコゥピ)
The Japanese name is written "Scorupi" in the Latin alphabet, but in the case of the English name, adding a "u" after the "r" makes the "scorpion" part less straightforward.
→"Skorpi" was better, so it was rejected, but since "Scorpi"[sic] was rejected by legal an alternative was proposed. |
Croagunk |
"Croak" + "Gunk" (クロゥガンク)
This name is well-balanced, and matches the image of this Pokémon. |
Toxicroak |
"Toxic" + "croak" (トクスィロゥク)
Toxic, as in "poison".
Croak is the sound a frog makes (Japanese: gerogero).
As the name of an evolved form, it matches well with "Croagunk" above. |
Carnivine |
"Carnivore" + "vine" (カーニヴァイン)
We heard that this Pokémon was named after the scientific name "Dionaea maskipura" and the word for "gap tooth".
In English, "carnivorous plants" is the term that's generally us. Carnivorous here means "insect-eating".
We think that using "Carnivorous" in the English name will help players grasp the image more easily than a scientific name.
Vine refers to a "plant with tendrils".
This emphasizes that this Pokémon is a plant. |
Finneon |
"Fin + neon" (フィネオン)
It shows the evolutionary connection with Lumineon, rhyming with it.
Going from Finneon to Lumineon also gives the impression it is getting stronger. |
Lumineon |
"Luminous" + "neon" (ルミィネオン)
Luminous means "to shine", but it has a brighter image than "Glow".
As an English name, it feels more cohesive than Neolanta. (The sounds of "Luminous" and "neon" flow smoothly together.) |
Mantyke |
(マンタイク)
Tyke means "child" in casual situations. In Japanese, it's closer to the image of a "little kid".
It has a cutesy feel.
It's also easy to understand that it's the pre-evolution of "MANTINE". It's easy to pronounce, so I recommend it. |
Snover |
"Snow" + "cover" + "over" (スノーヴァー)
The Japanese name translates well into English.
In addition to the meaning of "to wear" (kabuki), it also has the meaning of "over" (as if covered with snow), which matches the appearance of this Pokémon well. |
Abomasnow |
"Abominable" + "master" + "snow" (アボマスノゥ)
In English, the "Yeti" is also known as the Abominable Snowman, and is widely known by people of all ages. The word "Abominable" itself means "unpleasant" or "unlikable", but for Americans, the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the word "Abominable" is the Snowman.
The name is a combination of "Abom" and "snow". This alone will evoke the image of a yeti for English speakers. By adding an "a" in between, the pronunciation becomes smoother and the nuance of "master", as in "king" or "lord", is also included. |
Weavile |
(ウィーヴァイル)
From the English word "WEASEL", as well as "SNEASEL" (which has the nuance of SNEAKY). Since it's the evolved form of Sneasel, it needed to sound strong, but the English word "EVIL" seems a bit harsh to use in a Pokémon name. So, instead of EVIL, we combined it with VILE (not in a sexual sense, but meaning nasty, evil, or mischievous) to create an impish image. We feel that WEAVILE matches the feel and sound. |
Magnezone |
"Magnet" + "zone" (マグネゾーン)
The letter Z gives off a strong sound and image, so we think it's a good match for the name of a final evolution. |
Lickilicky |
"Lick" + "Lick" (リキリキィ)
We used "Lick" twice. The repetition makes it cute and fun.
In terms of meaning, it gives the impression that its "licking" has become even more impressive.
We think it's also an easy name to remember.
→We hope it's not a cuter, weaker-sounding name than "Lickitung".
Does the evolution from Lickitung to Lickilicky seem strange?
The evolution from Lickitung to Lickilicky doesn't seem strange. Using "Lick" twice gives the impression of an evolved form.
- There's no real reason for combining it with "belt" in Japanese; it was just a pun on the onomatopoeia for licking, ("berori" → "berobero").
The best name would be one that sounds good and incorporates "Lick", rather than sticking to "belt".
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Rhyperior |
"Rhydon" + "superior" (ライペリゥアー)
Superior means "better" or "stronger", and is combined with "Rhydon".
The "Perior" part is pronounced with a low, strong tone. This makes it a cool, strong, and stylish-sounding name, so we highly recommend it. |
Tangrowth |
"Tangela" + "growth" (タングロゥス)
A combination of the English name, "Tangela", and "overgrowth" (the image of an overgrown plant, surrounded by vines and lush vegetation).
It also contains the word "growth" (simply meaning "grown"). It flows together very nicely, so we highly recommend it.
- The reason we used "Jumbo" in the Japanese name is because it was a good fit with "Moja". Since there is already a "g", we think the combination with "growth" is very good.
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Electivire |
"Electric"[*] + "live wire" (イレクティヴァイア)
Live wire means "power line". Fitting with its Pokédex description, "It pushes the tips of its two tails against the foe, then lets loose with over 20,000 volts of power".
However, "wire" alone does not convey the nuance of a power line, so by changing the "w" in "wire" to the "v" in "live", the feeling and nuance of "live wire" is achieved. It also sounds cool.
This is our top recommendation for the name of this final evolution. |
Magmortar |
"magma"+ "mortar" (マグモゥター)
The arm of this Pokémon resembles a "mortar", so it matches its appearance. It's a name that sounds very powerful.
<MORTAR (追撃砲) Reference URL> http://images.google.co.jp/images?hl=ja&q=mortar&btnG=Google+%E6%A4%9C%E7%B4%A2&lr=&sa=N&tab=wi |
Yanmega |
(ヤンメガ)
If we named it Megayanma, it would have many syllables in English, making it difficult to pronounce.
We think Yanmega would be easier for players to remember.
The English name of its pre-evolved form is "Yanma". The addition of Mega gives the impression that it has become much stronger. |
Leafeon |
From "leaf" (リーフィオン)
The names of Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Umbreon, and Espeon all end in "eon", so the same goes for Leafeon and Glaceon. |
Glaceon |
From "glacier". (グレイシオン)
The names of Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Umbreon, and Espeon all end in "eon", so the same goes for Leafeon and Glaceon. |
Gliscor |
"Gligar" + "scorpion" (グリスコォー)
We first considered the Japanese name "Glion", but felt that it lacked impact in English.
"Gliscor" is a name that gives the impression of a stronger evolution. |
Mamoswine |
"Mammoth" + "swine" (マモスウァイン)
A combination of Mammoth and Swine. Swine is a word that means "pig" or "wild boar", but is also used in the English names Swinub and Piloswine, which gives a sense of evolutionary unity. Appearance-wise, this Pokémon has a nose similar to a pig's, so we think there's no problem with using this name. |
Gallade |
"Gallant" + "blade" (ギャレイド)
Gallant is a word meaning "brave" or "heroic". It's the kind of word used to describe medieval knights. It fits perfectly with its personality, "A master of courtesy", as described in the Pokédex. If "elbow" part wasn't so important, this name would sound cooler. It's a name that makes use of the original etymology. |
Probopass |
"Proboscis" + "compass" (プロボパス)
Proboscis means "long/large nose". It's a word that is also used to describe an elephant's trunk or a human's large nose. It really conveys the idea of "big nose", is easy to pronounce, and has the same feel as the Japanese name. It also has a good sense of evolutionary unity, so we recommend it. |
Dusknoir |
"Dusk" + "noir" (ダスクノワァー)
For the English name, we wanted to create a sense of evolutionary unity centered around the word Dusk, as shown below. "Noir" is French, but even in English it conveys the nuance of black or darkness, and fits the image. |
Froslass |
"frost + lass" (フロスラス)
Both are perfectly natural for an evolution of "Snorunt". If anything, the sound is softer, so we think it's a closer match for this Pokémon. |
Uxie |
"UMA" + "pixie" (ユクシー)
The names of Uxie and the other two members of this legendary Pokémon trio are derived from "UMA", so we think it would be a good idea to add the initials U.M.A. to their English names to create a sense of unity. |
Mesprit |
"UMA" + "sprite" (メスプリット)
When combining the initial letter "M" and "sprite", adding an "E" between them makes the pronunciation smoother and the name sound more natural. |
Azelf |
"UMA" + elf" (アゼルフ)
"Elf" means "fairy".
The added "Z" gives the spelling and pronunciation a mysterious feel.
It also fits perfectly with "Uxie" and "Mesprit".
The legal issue with "Agnom" was caused by an existing registered trademark that was very similar, so if we were to chose "Agnom", we would have had no choice but to make the name longer. |