Development:Pokémon Diamond and Pearl/Localization Glossaries/English/Rejected Names

This is a sub-page of Development:Pokémon Diamond and Pearl/Localization Glossaries/English.

Twigle

Turtwig

"Twig" + "turtle" + "wiggle"　(トゥウィグル).
Twig means "small branch".
Wiggle calls to mind small animals or little children squirming and scurrying about.
We believe these meanings combine to create a name that flows well, is endearingly cute, and is easy to remember. It has also been well-received among our staff.
Strictly speaking, "seedling" and "twig" are different things, but here "seedling" is straightforward for Americans to think of as a twig.
Also, as the English proverb goes, "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree. (What's learned in youth lasts a lifetime.)", it carries the image of a twig growing into a tree.

*Don't use (legal).

Sproutle

"Sprout" + "turtle"(スプラウルトゥ).
Sprout means "bud, seedling".
In terms of meaning alone, Sproutle is closer to the Japanese name, but "Twigle" sounds cuter.
Sproutle is somewhat similar to Squirtle, although it's not easily mistaken for it.

*Don't use (Twigle is better).

Treetle

Grotle

"tree" + "turtle"(トゥリートゥル).
It sounds similar to Twigle.
However, it may sound a little too cutesy as the name of an evolved form.

*Don't use (Grotle is better).

Turgrove

"turtle" + "grove"(ターグロゥヴ).
Although the meaning is the same, the name lacks cohesion compared to "Grotle" and "Treetle".

Fortoise

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.
Compared to "Torterra", it lacks a bit of impact.

*Don't use (Torterra is better).

Torterth

Scorchimp

Chimchar

"scorch" + "chimp" (スコォーチンプ).
Chimp means "chimpanzee", but baby monkeys are also commonly called "chimps". Scorch also means "to burn", but Char has a stronger connotation. We believe that "Chimchar" is a more likable name.

*Don't use (Chimchar is better).

Monkindle

Monferno

"Monkey" + "kindle" (モンキンドゥ).
Kindle means "to light a fire", but compared to "Monferno", it is somewhat less powerful in both sound and meaning.

*Don't use (Monferno is better).

Pyromape

Infernape

"Pyro" + "ape" (パイロゥメイプ).
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. Pyro carries the meaning of "high temperature". For example, a pyrometer is a "high-temperature gauge". However, since the same root word "pyro" is also used in "pyromaniac", meaning "arsonist", we believe discussion is needed on whether it is appropriate for a Pokémon name. This time, we have included it as a suggestion for your reference.

*Don't use (Infernape is better).

Plupil

Piplup

"Ploop/plup" + "pupil" (プルッポル).
"Ploop" corresponds to the Japanese "ぽちゃん" (pochan) [the sound of something small hitting the water].
Pupil means "child". It is generally used for elementary school students. (Student is used for high school students and older.)
In addition to following the Japanese name semantically, it also sounds very cute, and we think it is also a memorable, likable name. We highly recommend it.

*Don't use (legal).

Ploopil

"Ploop" + "pupil" (プルッポル).
"Ploop" corresponds to the Japanese "ぽちゃん" (pochan) [the sound of something small hitting the water].
Pupil means "child". It is generally used for elementary school students. (Student is used for high school students and older.)
In addition to following the Japanese name semantically, it also sounds very cute, and we think it is also a memorable, likable name. We highly recommend it.

*"Ploopil" may be reminiscent of "Poop", so the spelling needs to change.

Pudlin

"puddle" + "penguin" (パドゥリン).
Puddle, as in a water puddle. Like 1, it has a cute sound and feel.

*Don't use (Ploopil is better).

Ploopling

"Ploop" + "youngling" (プルップリン).
Also gives off a cute impression.

Plupen

"plup" + "penguin"　(プラッペン).
It has a cute sound, and is highly recommended.
"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.

*Don't use (Plupil[*] is better).

preppy●●

→We want to incorporate "Bocchan"—the origin of the Japanese name—into the North American name as well. Since "a naive, spoiled young master with a high sense of pride" is a defining trait of this Pokémon, so we would like that nuance to be incorporated.
→There are several English equivalents for the Japanese "Bocchan" (such as "preppy").
However, due to cultural differences, the concept of "Bocchan" itself is likely to carry a negative connotation (sounding condescending or arrogant), so it's considered inappropriate as a word to use for English Pokémon names.
After reconsidering, we still believe there's a risk it could be perceived negatively, so NOA would prefer to avoid it.

Don't use. There is a risk that it will be taken as something negative, and since these are the starter Pokémon, we want names that appeal to everybody.

*Don't use. There is a risk that it will be taken as something negative, and since these are the starter Pokémon, we want names that appeal to everybody.

Plupip

"plup" + "pip" (プラピップ).
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.

*Don't use (legal).

Prinploop

Prinplup

"Prince" + "ploop" (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 the name of an evolution, follows the same meaning, and has a good flow and sound.

*"Prinploop" may be reminiscent of "Poop", so the spelling needs to change.

Plooprince

"ploop" + "prince" (プルプリンス).
"prinploop" and "Plooprince" are basically the same idea, but "prinploop" sounds more cohesive as a name. It has a unified feel as the name of an evolution, follows the same meaning, and has a good flow and sound.

*Don't use (Prinploop is better).

Penguire

"penguin" + "esquire" (ペングワイア).
Esquire was the name of a medieval knight's rank, one rank below Knight.

*Don't use (Prinploop is better).

Pengporer

Empoleon

"Penguin" + "emperor" (ペンポゥロゥァー).

*Don't use (Empoleon is better).

Mukuru

Starly

Same as the Japanese name.
(We've kept only one K to make it easier to pronounce. Mukkuru → Mukuru)
To Americans, this name is fitting, sounding like a bird's cry, so it would work as the English name.
We also considered localizing the name, but as it is, it's catchy and easy to remember, so we'd prefer to keep this name for the English version.

*Don't use (legal).

Starlil

"starling" + "little" (スターリィル).
It's a cute-sounding name.

*Don't use (Mukuru is better).

Mukubird

Staravia

Like Mukkuru, the Japanese name is carried over as-is.
It's acceptable. We would be happy to adopt the same name.

*Mukkuru, based on the Japanese name, was rejected by legal. Therefore, the name's direction was changed to unify the evolutions.

Startori

"starling" + "tori" (スタートリ).
The Japanese name is a combination of "Muku" (Japanese) and "Bird" (English), but if we reverse this, the English name becomes "Starling" (English) and "Tori" (Japanese).
It's obvious that it's a starling.
We think it will be interesting to see Japanese and American players trade through WiFi.
→Mukubird is better, but due to the name change of the first stage, the first proposal was changed.

*Don't use (a name with a stronger impression than "Starly" is preferable).

Staravia

"starling" + "avian" + "aviate" + "aviation" (スタラヴィア).
The root "avia" evokes the meaning of "to fly", as seen in "avian" (birds), "aviate" (to fly), and "aviation" (air travel). This was then combined with "starling".

*Don't use (Mukubird is better).

Mukuhawk

Staraptor

Like Mukkuru/Mukbird, its Japanese name can be used.

*Mukkuru, based on the Japanese name, was rejected by legal. Therefore, the name's direction was changed to unify the evolutions.

Takahawk

"taka" + "hawk" (タカホーク).

*Don't use (Mukuhawk is better).

Startaka

"starling" + "taka" (スタータカ).
Also from "stratosphere".
→Mukubird is better, but due to the name change of the first stage, the first proposal was changed.

*Don't use (we'd like a name that sounds stronger than "ムクバード" [Staravia]).

Teever

Bidoof

"Teeth" + "beaver"　(ティーヴァー).
It brings out its distinctive trait (the teeth).

*Don't use (Bidoof is better).

Bippa

"beaver" + "deppa" (ビッパ).
We'd like to use the Japanese name, as it sounds good and has a strong impact in English. Also, if you look at this Pokémon, this name immediately makes you think of a beaver.

*Don't use. Since this is a Pokémon that appears early in the game, it's preferable that its name showcases its characteristics (beaver, buck teeth, silly face, etc.)

Beavory

"beaver" + "ivory" (ビーヴォリー).
In addition to ivory, it also means tooth.

Barbippa

Bibarel

"barrel" + "beaver" + "bippa" (バビッパ).
"樽" is "barrel" in English.

*Don't use (Bibarel is better).

Kricketoy

Kricketot

"cricket" + "toy" (クリケトーイ).
From the roly-poly toy.
However, since the word "Toy" just means "plaything", it lacks a slightly more "lifelike" feel compared to 1.

*Don't use (Kricketot is better).

Kricketone

Kricketune

"cricket" + "tone" (クリケトーン).
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.
"Tone" refers to sound. However, 1 better matches its musical abilities.

*Don't use (Kricketune is better).

Kricketock

"cricket" + "stimmstock" (クリケトック).
Same as the Japanese name. The sense of evolutionary unity is better expressed by 1 and 2.

Glinx

Shinx

"glint" + "linx"[sic] (グリンクス).
>Glint means "to shine", but more specifically, it has the nuance of "shining brightly". Glint is the perfect word for the "It flees while the foe is momentarily blinded". part of its Pokédex description.
We combined this word with linx.
The spelling is different from "glynx", but we think "Glinx" is better.

*Don't use (legal).

Flinx

"Flash" + "linx" (フリンクス).
"Flinx" is a combination of "Flash" and "linx". It has the same impression as "Glinx".

*Don't use (legal).

Glynx

"glint" + "linx" (グリンクス).
Glint means "to shine", but more specifically, it has the nuance of "shining brightly". Glint is the perfect word for the "It flees while the foe is momentarily blinded". part of its Pokédex description. We combined this word with linx.

*Don't use (Glinx is better).

Volynx

Luxio

"volt" + "linx" (ヴォリンクス).
The "sharing current" aspect is emphasized.

*Don't use (Luxio is better).

Shoxray

Luxray

"shock" + "x-ray" (ショックスレイ).
Good if you want to emphasize the "electricity" part.

*Don't use (Luxray is better).

Lynxray

"linx" + "x-ray" (リンクスレイ).
Good if you want to emphasize its appearance (linx).

Budly

Budew

"bud" (バドリー).
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.
By simply adding "ly", we were able to achieve a cute sound.
It has a friendly feel and is popular among our staff.

*Don't use (Budew is better).

Subomie

Same as the Japanese name.

*Don't use (has a bad feel).

Skuldos

Cranidos

"Skull" + "dos" (スカルドス).
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".
We recommend it because it's simple, easy to understand, and easy to imagine.

*Rejected because it felt too similar to "Duskull". *Words like "headbutt" and "hard-headed" can be used to describe this Pokémon.

Heabudos

"head butt" + "dos" (ヘブドス).
The headbutting part is clearer.
Both sound like ancient dinosaurs.
You can imagine a connection with the "Skull Fossil" item.

*Don't use (Cranidos is better).

Craniard

"cranium" + "hard" (クラニアード).
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.

*Don't use (with "Skuldos" being rejected).

Kranidos

"cranium" + "dos" (クラニドス).

Rampard

Rampardos

"Ram" + "hard" + "Leopard" (ラムパァード).
There is no issue with using the Japanese name. The spelling above gives a stronger feel than Rampald. The "pard" part also evokes the nuance of "hard" (tough, fierce).

*Don't use (legal).

Shieldarus

Shieldon

"shield" + "arus" (シールドァラス).
Arus is reminiscent of dinosaurs.

*Don't use (Shieldon is better).

Shieldops

"shield" + "dops" (シールドプス).
dops is reminiscent of dinosaurs.

Citadon

Bastiodon

"citadel" + "don" (スィタドン).
Citadel also means "fortress" or "rampart", but bastion sounds stronger.

*Don't use (Bastiodon is better).

Wormag

Burmy

From "bag worm" (ウォーマグ).
This name is a shortened version of "bag worm".
It's sounds small and cute, and an easy name to remember. We recommend it.

*Don't use (Burmy is better).

Wormiss

Wormadam

"bag worm" + "miss" (ウォーミス).
Miss used to be a title for single women, but now it is used for all women.
For example, "Excuse me, miss?" is used when addressing a woman, whether she is single or married.
It's the most memorable, so we recommend it.

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.
"Miss" was rejected because it only expresses gender.

Wormatron

"bag worm" + "matron" (ウォーメイトゥロン).
matron means "lady".
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.

*Don't use (Wormadam is better).

Mothmale

Mothim

"moth" + "male" (モスメイル).
Straightforward, but that makes it a little less interesting.

*Don't use (Mothim is better).

Menmoth

"men" + "moth" (メンモス).
Straightforward, but that makes it a little less interesting.

Tribee

Combee

"Trio" + "bee" (トゥライビー).
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".

*Don't use (Combee is better).

Beequen

Vespiquen

"bee" + "queen" (ビークウェン).
There is no issue with using the Japanese name.

*Don't use (legal).

Beeoness

"bee + baroness" (ビーオネス).
"Baroness" refers to a female baron.

*Don't use (Vespiquen is better).

Buoyzel

Buizel

→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.

*Don't use (too difficult to pronounce).

Bozel

"bobber" + "weasel" (ボゼル、ボ－ゼル).
This name uses the word "bobber" (fishing float), which has a similar meaning to the "BUOY" in the Japanese name "BUOYZEL". This slightly changes the original meaning.

*Don't use (Buizel is better).

Floazel

Floatzel

English rendering of the Japanese name.
When an American sees it, it may be read as "Flozel" or "Floezel".

*Don't use (Floatzel is better).

Cherinbo

Cherubi

There is no issue with using the Japanese name.

Since the name "Sakuranbo" is derived from "Bozu" (child), that part was naturally included.
It's better to combine it with words that evoke a pre-evolutionary stage (child, small, etc.), so it's a no-go.

Cherib

"cherry + cherub"　(チェリブ).
"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.

*Don't use (Cherib is better).

Shelles

Shellos

"shell" + "less" (シェレス).
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.

*Don't use (Shellos is better).

Loshel

"loss" + "shell" (ロシェル).
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.

？？？

There are names such as "higurashi" (cicada) and "funkorogashi" (dung beetle) that simply describe their characteristics. "Karanakushi" [Shellos] was named in the same style. In a sense, it doesn't sound like a proper noun, but we sometimes use this pattern when coming up with names. Are there any creatures that are familiar to American children and that have been named in a similar way? If so, we thought referencing those names could broaden the scope for naming options.

This does not mean that "Shellos" can't be used, but we hope it will give you some kind of hint.

Tritodon

Gastrodon

Japanese name.
The meaning isn't clear.
From the spelling, it could be taken to mean "three", like in Dugtrio.

*Don't use (Gastrodon is better).

Ambiape

Ambipom

"ambi" (ambidexterity) + "Ape" (アムビエイプ).
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.
Ape means "monkey".

*Don't use (Ambipom is better).

Waftoon

Drifloon

"waft" + "Balloon" (ワフトゥーン)
Waft is a word that describes something floating or drifting in the air.

*Don't use (Drifloon is better).

Driftrip

Drifblim

"drift"+ "trip" (ドゥリフトリップ).
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.
Trip means "journey". It has the same meaning as Trek, but we think trip is easier to understand.

*Don't use (Drifblim is better).

Driftrek

"drift"+ "trek" (ドゥリフトゥレック).
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.
Trek means "journey". The TV series Startrek also comes from this.
Trip is easier to understand.

Mimirol

Buneary

Same as the Japanese name.
"Mimi" (ear) is a Japanese word, so the meaning isn't clear, but it sounds very cute in English as it is. It's simple in a good way, and we think it's an easy name to remember.
We hope we can use this name in English as well.

*Don't use (we want a name that makes it clear that this Pokémon has distinctive ears).

Bunear

"Bunny" + "bun" + "ear" (バニアー).
Bunny means "rabbit" and bun means "curly hair".

Earabi

"Ear" + "rabbit"　(イラビィ).
It calls attention to its ears, and also sounds very cute.

*Don't use (legal).

Bunear

"Bunny + bun + ear" (バニアー).
This is one of the previous suggestions. Bunny means "rabbit" and bun means "curly hair". It also brings to mind ears.

*Don't use (Earabi is better).

Lapinear

"lapin" + "ear" (ラピニアー).
"Lapin" means "rabbit" in French.

*Don't use (Buneary is better).

Mimilop

Lopunny

Same as the Japanese name.
As with Mimirol, we would like to be able to use the Japanese name.

*Don't use (we want a name that makes it clear that this Pokémon has distinctive ears).

Loppirab

"Lop-eared" + "rabbit" (ロピラブ).
Lop-eared means "lop-eared (rabbit)".

Lopirab

"Lop-eared" + "rabbit" (ロピラブ).
Lop-eared means "lop-eared (rabbit)". This is one of the previous suggestions.

*Don't use (Lopunny is better).

Mismagus

Mismagius

"Misdreavus" + "magus" (sorcerer) (ミスマガス).
Mage and magus both mean "wizard", so we combined them with Misdreavus. 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.

*Don't use (Mismagius is better).

Donkrow

Honchkrow

"don" + "crow".
"Don" is used like in the Japanese name.

This Pokémon's appearance, combined with the hat and scarf, gives off a strong mafia image, but unfortunately we'd rather avoid it. In particular, in urban areas such as New York, it still has a strong negative impression, so it's a no-go.

Boskrow

"boss" + "crow" (ボスクロゥ).
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.
We think it may be too simple.

*Don't use (Honchkrow is better).

Meowcham

Glameow

"Meow"+ "charming" (ミャオチャム).
From the sound a cat makes in English. (For example, the English name "Meowth"), and "charming".

*Don't use (Glameow is better).

Meowgly

Purugly

"Meow" + "ugly" (ミャオグリー).
"Meow" is the sound a cat makes.
The ugly nuance of "Meowgly" is a little more subdued than "Mugly" or "Meo[w]ugh".
It sounds ugly, but somehow cute.
We think it's close to its Japanese name.
It has a stronger image than "Glameow" but also has impact because it comes from "Ugly".

*Don't use (legal).

Mugly

"mug" + "ugly" (マグリー).
Mug means "face". This gives the impression of an ugly face.
Mug also means "to steal", so it gives the impression of being "brazen", as explained in the Pokédex.

*Don't use (Meowgly is better).

Meowugh

"Meow" + "ugly" (ミャオグ).
Ugly means unattractive. Meow is the sound a cat makes.

Tingting

Chingling

"ting" + "ting" (ティン(グ)ティン).
The Japanese word "rinrin" (the high-pitched sound heard from a small bell) is expressed as "ting" in English. It carries the exact same meaning.
It has a cuter ring to it than names that use "ding".

*Don't use (legal).

Tingding

"ting" + "ding" (ティングディング)
Ding is the sound of a bell ringing, but ting gives a higher pitched sound.

*Don't use (Tingting is better).
Legal no-go too.

Jinging

"Jingle" + "ring"　(ジンギン).
"Jingle" is also the ringing bells.
It is a combination of "Jingle" and "ring".

*Don't use (Chingling is better).

Skunpu

Stunky

Same as the Japanese name. In terms of spelling, there's only one U at the end.
We think "Skunpu" is more interesting than just spelling it "Skunpeuw".

"peeuw!" becoming "PU" is quite funny.

*Don't use (legal).

Skunpeuw

"skunk"+ "peeuw" (スカンピゥー).
peeuw is a slang word used to describe something that stinks, especially farts. When someone farts, their close friends say "peeuw!" In Japanese, it has the nuance of "Something stinks!" or "Someone farted!"
As mentioned above, "peeuw!" is pronounced "pee-yu!".
The "pu" of Skunpu, which has the same name as in Japanese, is also made up of the letters "P" and "U".

*Don't use (Skunpu is better).

Skutinky

"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".

*Don't use (SKUNKY[sic] is better for North America).

Skunreek

Skuntank

"skunk" + "reek" (スカンリーク)
Reek means "a terrible stench".

*Don't use (Skuntank is better).

Bronzmir

Bronzor

"Bronze" + "mirror" (ブロンズミアー).
"Bronzor" 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".

*Don't use (Bronzor is better).

Bronzell

Bronzong

"Bronze" + "bell" (ブロンズェル).
"Bronzong" 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".

*Don't use (Bronzong is better).

Fibush

Bonsly

(フィブッシュ)
Based on the themes of "lie" and "tree", we came up with the idea of FIB (a silly lie) + BUSH (tree). BUSH tends to be thought of as a plural, but it also means tree in the singular. FIBUSH and BONSLY don't rhyme with their evolution, but we think they fit nonetheless. We feel like BONSLY is easier to relate to.

*Don't use (Bonsly is better).

Sadowoodo

If we add "SAD" to the name, it would give the impression of being a "sad Pokémon", so we decided not to use it.

Sorowoodo

(ソロウド)
We used the word SORROW to capture its characteristic of pretending to be crying, and used the same ending to rhyme with SUDOWOODO.

If we add "SORROW" to the name, it would give the impression of being a "sad Pokémon", so we decided not to use it.

Bonspout

(ボンスポウト)
Since it looks like a bonsai when still, we played on the word "BONSAI", which is already familiar in English even in the US. SPOUT means "spitting out liquid", so it would become "a Pokémon that spits out liquid", and the "lying" aspect would be lost.

*Don't use (Bonsly is better).

Mimini

Mime Jr.

(ミミニ)
It expresses MIME ( mime), MIMIC (mimicry), and MINI (pre-evolution).

*Don't use (Mime Jr. is better).

Petimi

(プチミ)
It stands for PETIT (small, because it's a pre-evolution) and MI (mime).

Gladily

Happiny

"glad" (グラディリー)
"Glad" has the same meaning as "Happy", but generally feels lesser than "Happy".
→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".
[Keisuke Tominaga is credited in Diamond and Pearl under "English Version Coordinators".]

*Don't use (Happiny is better).

Pinksy

"pink" + "sy" (ピンクスィ)
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.

Pinappy

We would like to avoid it, as it sounds similar to Nappy (a slang term for a black person).

Pinappi

Parchaty

Chatot

(Chatty + Parrott)　"パーチャティ"
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".

*Don't use (Chatot is better).

Parpeat

"Parrott" + "Repeat"　(パーピート).
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".

Phantomb

Spiritomb

"Phantom" + "tomb" (ファントゥーム).
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".
Phantom means "ghost, apparition" (it brings to mind something closer in shape to a human).
This name is very cohesive and impactful, and is popular with our staff. It has a cool ring to it, and a slightly scary feel. We think it suits its fairly scary appearance.

*Don't use (the image of a human-like ghost is too different).

Spectomb

"Specter" + "tomb" (スペクトゥーム).
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".
Specter means "ghost" (fits somewhere between Spirit and Phantom).

*Don't use (Spiritomb is better).

Gibble

Gible

"G" + "nibble" (ギボゥ).
"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 names of its two evolved forms to remain in Japanese, so we thought that starting with the letter G would create a sense of evolutionary unity. Also, by starting with G, it gives the impression of being strong.

*Don't use (legal).

Nibal

"nibble" + "ball" (ニボゥル).
"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.

*Don't use (Gibble is better).

Drabite

Gabite

"dragon" + "bite" (ドゥラバイト).
The "bite" in Gabite (the Japanese name) is a commonly used English word.

*Don't use (Gabite is better).

Gaburias

Garchomp

As with Gabite, there is no problem with reusing this name.
Also, the sound and spelling of Gaburias is similar to Burly (big and strong), so although the meaning of "Gaburi" [がぶり, "with a big bite"] is lost, it still gives a strong image. We think it matches its appearance too. Our recommendation is Gibble → Gabite → Gaburias.

*Don't use (a name that starts with "G" while still taking advantage of the relationship of "Nibble → Bite → G●●" would be better for this line).

Guchomp

"G" + "chomp"(ガチョムプ).
G and chomp go together well, giving it a very powerful impression.

*Don't use (Garchomp is better).

Chomperil

"chomp" + "peril" (チョムペリル)
chomp originally meant "to munch", but it is now used to describe the sound of, for example, a lion eating the flesh of its prey, or a monster like Godzilla biting into something large like a building.
It gives off a more violent image than Bite.
The intensity of the biting increases from Nibble, to Bite, to Chomp.
Peril means "danger". When combined with Chomp, it gives off a strong, ferocious image.

The relationship of "Nibble → Bite → Chomp" is very good, so we think incorporating it into a name that starts with "G" would be perfect for this line.

Chomperor

"chomp" + "emperor" (チョムペロァー)
chomp originally meant "to munch", but it is now used to describe the sound of, for example, a lion eating the flesh of its prey, or a monster like Godzilla biting into something large like a building.
It gives off a more violent image than Bite.
The intensity of the biting increases from Nibble, to Bite, to Chomp.
It's a combination of emperor and chomp.

Hippodon

Hippowdon

"hippopotamus" + "-don" (ヒポドン).
A combination of "hippopotamus" and "don".

*Don't use (doesn't feel as strong as "Hippopotas").

Skorpi

Skorupi

"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. By spelling it like this (changing the C to a K), you can keep the sound and nuance of the English word scorpion while still feeling unique.

*Don't use (legal).

Scorupi

*Don't use (Skorpi is better).

Frogunk

Croagunk

"Frog" + "Punk" + "Gunk" (フロガンク).
Punk means "delinquent" or "someone with bad behavior", and is where punk rock music comes from. It's a word commonly used in everyday life too, like friends saying "You're punk!". In Japan, the word "punk" might strongly evoke music and fashion, perhaps sounding cool. However, in English, it's more limited in meaning, and the image typically associated with the word "punk" is that of a "delinquent" or "someone with bad behavior".
Also, "gunk" means "something sticky and slimy".
We think this fits the image of this Pokémon.

We thought "Gunk" and "Croak" would be good words to make up the name. Especially by using onomatopoeia, it will be an easy name for children to understand.

Don't use (it's better to name it with the two aforementioned words).

Punkroak

"Punk" + "Croak" (パンクロゥク).
This is a combination of Punk and Croak. Croak is the sound a frog makes ("gerogero" in Japanese).

Froxic

Toxicroak

"Frog" + "toxic" (フロクスィック).
Toxic, as in "poison".
As the name of an evolved form, it matches well with "Frogunk" above. The change from Gunk to Toxic conveys the idea of evolution.

*Don't use (need to match Croagunk).

Carniveeth

Carnivine

"Carnivore" + "teeth" (カーニヴィース).
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 has teeth.

*Don't use (Carnivine is better).

Glofin

Finneon

"Glow" + "fin" (グロゥフィン).
Glow means "to shine". It's a word used for something that shines in the dark, whose light is not very strong.
From what's seen in the Pokédex, it looked like its tail fin was glowing.
Glofin is a more unique name than Glofish.

*Don't use (legal).

Glofish

"Glow" + "fish" (グロゥフィッシュ).
Glow means "to shine". It's a word used for something that shines in the dark, whose light is not very strong.
From what's seen in the Pokédex, it looked like its tail fin was glowing.
→GLOFIN was better, but it was rejected by legal, so Glofish became the first option.
It has the same feel as the Japanese name ("fluorescence" + "fish").

Fineonn

"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.

*Don't use (spelling error).

Neolanta

Lumineon

"Neon" + "lantern" (ネオランタ).
Luminous means "to shine", but it has a brighter image than "Glow".

*Don't use (Lumineon is better).

Mantwhee

Mantyke

(マントゥウィー)
Whee is something children often shout when playing. In Japanese, the closest translation would be "Wai, wai" ["わーい、わーい"]. Also, "Wee" sounds the same, but has the nuance of "small".
It also has a cute, adorable feel.

*Don't use (Mantyke is better).

Mantiny

(マンタイニー)
Tyny[sic] means "small". It means "small Mantine", so it's easy to understand, but some people thought it was too simple.

Sneti

Snover

"snow" + "yeti" (スネティ).
Yeti may be a word with too strong image for this Pokémon.

*Don't use (Snover is better).

Majesnow

Abomasnow

"Majestic" + "Majesty" + "snow" (マジェスノゥ).

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.
Majestic means "magnificent". This is a word that often comes to mind when Americans see stunning snow-capped mountains or natural wonders of nature.

*Don't use (Abomasnow is better).

Wicksel

Weavile

(ウィックセル)
Rather than EVIL, we combined WICK[ED] (mischievous, mean, immoral), VILE (not in a sexual sense, but meaning nasty, evil, or mischievous), and VICE to create an impish image. The last one, VICE, is close to EVIL in meaning, but in terms of impact we'd prefer to avoid using EVIL in a negative sense.
WICK[ED] has a lighter nuance, while being stylish. However, we feel that WEAVILE is a better match in terms of feel and pronunciation.

*Don't use (Weavile is better).

Weavice

(ウィーヴァイス)
Rather than EVIL, we combined WICK[ED] (mischievous, mean, immoral), VILE (not in a sexual sense, but meaning nasty, evil, or mischievous), and VICE to create an impish image. The last one, VICE, is close to EVIL in meaning, but in terms of impact we'd prefer to avoid using EVIL in a negative sense.
WICK[ED] has a lighter nuance, while being stylish. However, we feel that WEAVILE is a better match in terms of feel and pronunciation.

Magnereck

Magnezone

"Magnet" + "wreck" (マグネゥレック).
It sounds and feels powerful, fitting as the name of a final evolution.
Wreck (destruction) has the same meaning as break, but more intense.
It's also close to the meaning of Self-Destruct.

*Don't use (Magnezone is better).

Lickilash

Lickilicky

"Lick" + "lash" (リキラッシュ).
Lick corresponds to the "ベロ" [bero] part.
We used Lick to create a sense of evolutionary unity.
In the Japanese name, the two meanings of "tongue" and "belt" overlap and rhyme, but it's difficult to convey this nuance in English using Lick and belt.
Thus, we thought we could create a good English name by combining the following words:
Lash means "(to) whip".
Leash means "rope, chain (used to tie animals)". It has the nuance of controlling by pulling.
It gives off a stronger, cooler impression than "Lickileash".

*Please avoid names that come across as silly or ridiculous.

Lickilap

"lick" + "lap"(リキラップ).
"Lap" means "to lick (mainly for animals)". It has the same nuance as "Licklicky".

*Don't use (Lickilicky is better).

Lickileash

"lick" + "leash" (リキリーシュ).
Lick corresponds to the "ベロ" [bero] part.
We used Lick to create a sense of evolutionary unity.
In the Japanese name, the two meanings of "tongue" and "belt" overlap and rhyme, but it's difficult to convey this nuance in English using Lick and belt.
Thus, we thought we could create a good English name by combining the following words:
Lash means "(to) whip".
Leash means "rope, chain (used to tie animals)". It has the nuance of controlling by pulling.

*Please avoid names that come across as silly or ridiculous.

Rhynormus

Rhyperior

"Rhydon" + "enormous" (ライノームァス).
enormous means "huge".

*Don't use (Rhyperior is better).

Tangembo

Tangrowth

"Tangela" + "Jumbo" (タンジェンボ).
Just like the Japanese name, it's a combination of Tangle and Jumbo. There's no problem here either. It sounds better than "Jumbela".

*Don't use (Tangrowth is better).

Jumbela

"Tangela" + "jumbo" (ジャンベラ).
Like the Japanese name, it's a combination of Tangle and Jumbo. This is also fine.

Electivolt

Electivire

"Electric"[*] + "live" (イレクティヴォルト).
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.

*Don't use (Electivire is better).

Elekible

Same as Japanese name.
As the final evolved form, it doesn't have a "strong" feel.
The Japanese name gives the impression of being strong because of the sound "ブル", but the English spelling "ble" makes it sound and feel weaker.

*Don't use (it doesn't feel "strong" enough for a final evolution).

Elecable

Magmolten

Magmortar

"magma"+ "molten" (マグモルテン).
molten is often used to describe melting rock or metal, and can give a more intense impression than "burn".

*Don't use (Magmortar is better).

Magburn

"magma" + "burn" (マグバーン).
In English, burn is a very common word, so it kind of lacks impact.

Megayanma

Yanmega

(メガヤンマ)
If we named it Megayanma, it would have many syllables, and would seem like a very long name to English-speakers, making it difficult to pronounce.
We think that Yanmega would be easier for players to remember.

*Don't use (Yanmega is better).

Leafia

Leafeon

"leaf" (リーフィア).
Same as Japanese name.

*Don't use (Leafeon is better).

Glacia

Glaceon

"glacier" (グレイシア).
Same as Japanese name.

*Don't use (Glaceon is better).

Glion

Gliscor

"Gligar" + "scorpion" (グラリオン).
We first considered the Japanese name, romanized as "Glion", but felt that it would lack impact in English.

*Don't use (Gliscor is better).

Ellade

Gallade

"Elbow" + "blade"　(エレイド、イレイド).
Japanese name.

*Don't use (Gallade is better).

Passnoot

Probopass

"compass" + "snoot" (パスヌゥーツ).
Snoot is slang for "nose".

*Don't use (Probopass is better).

Misnow

Froslass

"Miss" + "snow" (ミスノー).
Miss is now used for all women, whether married or not.
It also has a good cohesiveness as a name.

*Don't use (names using "LASS" are better).

Snolass

"lass" + "snow" (ラスノー).

*Don't use (sounds similar to "Snorlax").

Arctilass

"arctic" + "lass"　(アークティラス).
"Arctic" means "North Pole, extreme cold".
It makes sense for the evolved form of Snorunt.

*Don't use (Froslass is better).

Arctimiss

"arctic" + "miss"　(アークティミス).
"Arctic" means "North Pole, extreme cold".
Both make sense for the evolved form of Snorunt.

Lasnow

"lass" + "snow" (ラスノー).
Usually, in English, it means "young girl", but "lass" is a relatively old word. However, the spelling may make it look like "Lastsnow".

We really like that "lass" is a relatively old word. If "Lasnow" is mistaken for "Lastsnow", is there another name that uses "lass"?

Yuxie

Uxie

[None listed. Same as the Japanese name.]

*Don't use (Uxie is better).

EMRIT

MESPRIT

[None listed. Same as the Japanese name.]

*Don't use (Mesprit is better).

Agnom

Azelf

"UMA" + "gnome" (アグノム).
The last E was removed from this romanization of the Japanese name. This is a simpler spelling. The pronunciation is the same and the "gnome" part remains intact.

*Don't use (legal).

AGNOME

[None listed. Same as the Japanese name.]

*Don't use (Agnom is better).

Agnomelf

"UMA" + "gnome" + "elf" (アグノメルフ).
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. Taking this into account, "Agnomelf" was created, based on "elf" (fairy). However, this name is a bit long.

*Don't use (Azelf is better).