Naming Pokemon

[CWisgood]

I don't know if anyone agrees with me, but I find it extremely hard to remember the names of certain Pokemon. Or maybe I should say it's the reverse; I find it hard to remember what type of Pokemon it is. Sometimes good writers manage to make their Pokemon's name really stand out (Larmo the Linoone in The Pokemon Rebellion for instance) and others hard to remember (To cite a few examples, Matthew the Charmander or Doug the Eevee or Bobby the Snorlax).

After wondering for a while, I believe I found a solution - at least a solution that works for myself. When I name Pokemon, I follow certain rules I set for myself:

1) Never give Pokemon ordinary names.
Bob and Sue, along with others, are very ordinary names. Hardly anybody is going to remember your Bob/ Sue amid a thousand others. I always look for lesser-known names, but not so complex it's simply a jumble of spam.
2) Try to give them names that correspond to their characters.
Or the reverse. Damian the evil, demonic Darkrai. Angel the evil, cunning girl. These names stand out and help people remember the characters.
3) Give Pokemon names with names similar to their species.
Lily the Lileep. Belle the Bellossom. Diana the Ledian.

Well, that's my two cents. Does anyone have any other suggestions to offer?

 

[Manafi's Dream]

You could name it by it's type:Cement The Golem

 

[Freawaru]

It's not a matter of a name being memorable or unmemorable in itself, it's writing. Good writing: you remember. Bad writing, you don't. Being able to create a memorable character through prose and dialogue is a vital part of writing well.

I only agree with #2 of your three points.

That said, if names look or sound too similar (Mike/Mick, Amy/Annie), it will be easier for the reader to get confused, even if the characters are very well written. So names should be individually distinctive.

 

[Ash_Junior]

*snickers*

#1 has inspired me to have a character name a couple Pokemon Mary Sue and Gary Sue....

but I actually disagree with you--yeah, it is hard to remember the type sometimes IF the author only uses the name, and that's bad--that's where description kicks in.

Bob Smith looked down at Gary Sue and grinned. "Let's go PWN those n00bs!" he yelled. His energetic little Charmander articulated his agreement, and the pair charged forward, killing all the Legendaries and defeating every single l33t tr@1n3r!!!!!!1!!1!!!!11!!!!!!11

while that is a little bit stupid (just a little bit? ), it shows what people should do (and what not to do, too ). Make sure that people KNOW what type/species of Pokemon the trainer has, and don't always refer to it by its name....

 

[Yami Ryu]

I smell HYPOCRICY!

1) Never give Pokemon ordinary names.
Bob and Sue, along with others, are very ordinary names. Hardly anybody is going to remember your Bob/ Sue amid a thousand others. I always look for lesser-known names, but not so complex it's simply a jumble of spam.

3) Give Pokemon names with names similar to their species.
Lily the Lileep. Belle the Bellossom. Diana the Ledian.

AND BESIDES, what's wrong in using common names? I mean it's not like they have to all be original and special. Looking at my last trainer fic- Angel the human had Caim the Magicarp and Hades the Charmeleon, and Hades is probably very common for fire/dark/ghost pokemon. And to be honest, naming a pokemon after their name is kinda silly, unless I was doing a fic oh of like a five year old, or if I was pressed for time in playing the game and cheaped out on the name.

I have a hundred pokemon named Lily and Bell

2) Try to give them names that correspond to their characters.
Or the reverse. Damian the evil, demonic Darkrai. Angel the evil, cunning girl. These names stand out and help people remember the characters.

Damian isn't a reverse. Reverse would be FLUFFY the LOVING AND CHEERFULL DARKRAI- and so what about a name? Hundreds of people share the same name. Hell I would love to see someone try and have a villian while the villian is the end result of two hippies falling in love and naming said Villian, male or female, Flower or something along the lines.

D: and overall I guess you never heard of the song called 'A boy named Sue'.

 

[Psychic]

What about when a trainer is naming their Pokémon?
Think about it. Sometimes you'll name your dog Roxie, which is also a human name (oddly enough, it's the name of both my grandfather's yappy little dog as well as this girl from my camp). My friend named her cat Oscar (also the name of the aforementioned grandfather XD). So who's to say a trainer isn't going to give his Pokémon a human name? If the character has the sort of personality where they would do something like that, I don't really see why a writer should be limited to give Pokémon non-human names.


But I think that remembering a Pokémon's name also has to do with what Freawaru said. A writer should try to put little reminders in the fic along the way to make sure the readers know that so-and-so has this-and-that name to avoid confusion.

Example. In my first fic, The Mutations, I had only Pokémon characters, all of which had made up names. Strange names like Heekali, Shazaro, Kendar and Lumerah. But I didn't always refer to them solely by name. Sometimes I would say "the Grovyle said" instead of "Kendar said" or I would give an indication by having Lumerah rustle the spikes on her back or something to make the reader think 'oh, right, Lumerah is that Sandslash'.

If the writer can do things like that, the readers shouldn't have many problems remembering names.


I'll admit, though, that some names are hard to remember, including human ones. *shrugs*



And in my fics I don't always use the same methods for giving Pokémon names, nor are their names similar. Here are a few names I have given Pokémon in three of my fics:

The Mutations- all Pokémon characters who have names from birth: Kendar, Lumerah, Shinari
*Old fic I may bring back*- trainers give their Pokémon names: Daniel, Alan
*Fic I am currently working on*- human doesn't name Pokémon, but they all on a team and they either name themselves or give each other names: Flyfree, Streak


But I doubt I would have a character with a Ledian named Diana or something. Maybe I'd think it over if it was a young girl who thinks it would be cute to name her pretty little Bellossom 'Belle', but I just find that a bit dull and almost cliché in a way.


I don't think writers should have to follow restrictions when giving names to their Pokémon. It's a bit limiting. And if you're going to give a Pokémon a name that describes their personality, like Vulcan or Serene, then it shouldn't have that name from birth- maybe their trainer gave them that name?
No offence meant, Yams. I still <3 Angel (and Caim...and Hades XD) but I just disagree a bit, even though I like that Angel's name is Angel, not, like, Elizabeth. ^^;



Buuut, if you can't remember the name of a certain character, tell the author that they should try to put in more indicators of what species they are. Or just look back and check yourself.

And anyways, what exactly is the point of this topic? To get writers to follow certain guidelines when naming Pokémon? Cuz I'll tell you right now that it won't work, and if it does I'd be awfully ashamed of the FanFiction community for not doing what they want when naming characters.


So I'll pretend this thread is asking for ways we name our Pokémon characters. =3 XD

~Psychic

 

[Weaver]

Mm, I didn't follow much of your communication, so I'll just go with what Psychic said and explain how I name my characters.

When it comes to non-Pokemon fiction, I basically just think of random names that might sound good for the character, though I would never call a person who uses fire magic, "Blaze" or "Flamer" or "Burn the Burn Burn."

But when it comes to Pokemon, I've actually found a better method: What I do is search for Japanese words by entering English text words, like, say, "thunder." I search through the list of words/sayings that are in the translation "dictionary," and find a suitable name for the Pokemon, and then alter it a bit so that it differs from the exact word. What I come up with is "Rakurai the Raichu." ;026;

I've found this to be a handy tool, as it helps me get past a "writer's naming block."

...If there is such a thing...

 

[Yami Ryu]

LOL Japanese names for pokemon is, I think the most common thing out there. Had a whole team on an LG game dubbed japanese names- only thing is I forgot what they meant after a week. And they are now floating about in Ruby but yeah- naming them greek/japanese/roman/etc things is pretty common Weaver but 'Rakurai' is basically what, thunder chu/mouse/thunder rai, and rai is thunder/lightning itself so thunderthunder?

 

[Weaver]

Actually, I double-checked, and found that it is, indeed, a single word.

rakurai
(n,vs) thunderbolt; bolt of lightning;

Therefore, it doesn't mean "thunder thunder," but instead a "bolt of lightning." "Pikachu, use rakurai!"

I did not think it was as common as you are letting on, based on what I've seen here thus far, but then again, I've never written Pokemon fan fiction before now. I suppose I should check in to that.

But... Maybe I'll use Greek + Japanese + Roman words and add them together, then nobody can call it common! *Rubs hands sinisterly.*

 

[The Big Al]

Well, in my current project there's an Electabuzz named Thor.

And in one of my fanfics I named a Blastoise Dreadnought.

 

[Dragonfree]

I agree with Psychic. There is no reason to assume anybody names their Pokémon names that are easy to remember. I think the touch is just to remind the reader often enough of the Pokémon's species - instead of using the name all the time, sneak in a "the Rapidash" or "Alan's Vaporeon". And, of course, if you have a lot of focus on one particular Pokémon, the reader is just getting a bit stupid if they can't remember that one's species - I don't assume I'm going to have to repeat over and over that Denol is a Furret(wo) in The Second Clone, which is just as well because it's written in first-person and he's not likely to name his species every few seconds.

So yeah... depends on the role of the character, but as a rule of thumb you can always get the species in every now and then.

 

[Negrek]

There is only one guideline when naming pokemon belonging to trainers:

They should be named as the trainer would name them.

It only makes sense. The fact is, you shouldn't be naming your pokemon characters according to what you think sounds cool or according to what you think will be the most memorable; rather, it should be according to what your trainer character would think to be a "good nickname." This really opens up a lot of leeway and gives you the opportunity to bring your character's personality through in a new way--some trainers have little patterns that they go through when naming pokemon, such as referring to Greek gods (obvious issue here; if the Greeks don't/didn't exist in your pokemon world, then those should be off-limits), naming them by colors or somesuch, or yes, even giving them human names. Also, your average ten-year-old is not going to start naming pokemon Moribund or Placebo or similar--and if they do, then it's an obvious commentary on their character (or should be). Looking back through my old Red game always reinforces how your taste for nicknames matures with you; I named my pokemon some ridiculous stuff way back when. Sometimes, you might end up using a nickname that you think really stinks, but if it's one your character likes, then you should go with it.

It also helps to illuminate why your character picks a certain name if they tend to have off-the-wall ones. For example, if they nicknamed their alakazam Llama for some reason, it would probably be pretty weird and out-of-character; if there was some sort of story they could present for why they thought such a name was appropriate, though, it would make it much more meaningful.

And as I touched on earlier, you also have to consider the world in which your 'fic is set. If there is no Japan, there should be no Japanese-related names. The absence of various religions would remove the associations of various other names as well.

Now, it's more difficult finding names for pokemon with no trainers--if you even consider that they would have names as we consider them. I'd consider it unlikely in this instance that pokemon would have human names, although you could make it work. Here, you'd just have to figure out how you think pokemon would be named; it's much more open. If pokemon in your 'fics are given the option of naming themselves, then obviously the same rules would apply as to trained pokemon--they should be named, then, according to their character.

Now, as to what the point of this thread seems to be... if a name is forgettable, it is not the fault of that name, but rather a misuse of the character by the author. If you can't differntiate between the pokemon, it's because the author isn't properly differentiating characters, not because the name is somehow forgettable or unsuitable.

So, the summary of the tl;dr:

Is your pokemon's name one that their trainer would pick?

If the answer is yes, then it's a fine name. If it's no, then you've done something wrong. Simple.

 

[Weaver]

Hmm... For some of that, it seems you expanded much too far on the subject in an attempt to make wrong. Odd. If Nintendo didn't use Japanese-related names for their Pokemon, there wouldn't be any. Take Raichu for example (yet again); that name is connected to the Japanese words "rai" (relevant to thunder, I believe) and "chu" (mouse, or mouse squeak). Therefore, it's similar to meaning "thunder mouse,"which is basically what Raichu the Pokemon is.

The point is: It doesn't really matter how you get your names, so long as YOU are satisfied with them, and they make sense to the character. I mean, stealing names from other writers isn't exactly fair game, but we're not talking about that. I think taking from Japanese names/words is a fine thing, even if the Pokemon setting doesn't take place in Japan. Plenty of other things are taken from Japan and put into Pokemon, as it is made in Japan. (If you don't get my point, take a look at the kimonos and such put on the show/game.)

However, I really agree with what you said about having the character choose the name. I don't know, but something clicked when I read that -- it makes perfect sense. Maybe I should slap my forehead or something, but I'll think of something else less painful... Very good point, and thank you for that.

 

[Kiyohime]

Ahhh...interesting topic. I generally give Pokemon names that fit their personality or characterstics--Vespa the Kakuna: vespa is a classification of wasp. Pierrot the Breloom: A pierrot is an antiquated French clown with a frilly collar that resembles the one Brelooms have. And Jabberwocky the Sableye because every word that comes out of his mouth makes no sense.

I try to use names that are memorable, basically. It isn't a big issue with me, though. ALTHOUGH I do love that name 'Damien.' :3

 

[PDL]

I mostly name my characters after pokémon in my games. Which in turn are named after things that are associated with what they are.

For example, Kentucky from Sabrina's Story is named after Kentucky, a Blazkien from my Sapphire game. This Blazkien's name was in turn, derived from the Fried Chicken Resturant.

Also, an unusual thing that has come up my fic is that all the "good" characters have names while all the "bad" characters simply go by their spieces name.

 

[Negrek]

Hmm... For some of that, it seems you expanded much too far on the subject in an attempt to make wrong. Odd. If Nintendo didn't use Japanese-related names for their Pokemon, there wouldn't be any. Take Raichu for example (yet again); that name is connected to the Japanese words "rai" (relevant to thunder, I believe) and "chu" (mouse, or mouse squeak). Therefore, it's similar to meaning "thunder mouse,"which is basically what Raichu the Pokemon is.

What? I don't understand the first two sentences. Primarily what "make wrong" means.

But yeah, I know how Nintendo came up with the pokemon names and how some of them are related to romanized Japanese. That still doesn't mean that Japan and its language exist in the author's fanfiction world; it would not necessarily make sense for people to be naming their pokemon in Japanese.

 

[Weaver]

What? I don't understand the first two sentences. Primarily what "make wrong" means.

It seemed, to me, as though you were expanding on the subject unnecessarily by making the ones that believed naming Pokemon names related to Japanese words was OK, wasn't. In other words, trying to prove "us" wrong while yourself right. Don't mind that too much -- we all have our own opinions.

But yeah, I know how Nintendo came up with the pokemon names and how some of them are related to romanized Japanese. That still doesn't mean that Japan and its language exist in the author's fanfiction world; it would not necessarily make sense for people to be naming their pokemon in Japanese.

What do you mean it wouldn't? If they understood the language, sure, they might become a little confused as to why the Pokemon is being called a "thunder mouse." But I'm pretty sure the majority here cannot speak Japanese, so it wouldn't "not" make sense. A name is a name, especially in fan fiction. Just because the name is relevant to something Japanese, doesn't mean the characters in that setting have to speak it.

I mean, it is fan fiction, after all.

 

[DGCatAniSiri]

It really is more of a matter of 'Would this character name it this' rather than 'how would I name it?' (Of course, if the character is based on you, they're the same question, but...)

Additionally, not every character would nickname their Pokemon. None of the anime main characters have (Ritchie has, but he's a secondary character in my book).

So base the nicknames more on the characters than 'I want this Pokemon to have a nickname'. The nickname might come in handy if you plan on having the Pokemon fight a Pokemon of the same species, but if push came to shove it could be 'his/her <Pokemon>' or 'the wild <Pokemon>'.

 

[Negrek]

It seemed, to me, as though you were expanding on the subject unnecessarily by making the ones that believed naming Pokemon names related to Japanese words was OK, wasn't.

Oh. No. Using common practice as an example to support my argument.

What do you mean it wouldn't? If they understood the language, sure, they might become a little confused as to why the Pokemon is being called a "thunder mouse." But I'm pretty sure the majority here cannot speak Japanese, so it wouldn't "not" make sense. A name is a name, especially in fan fiction. Just because the name is relevant to something Japanese, doesn't mean the characters in that setting have to speak it.

I think we must be talking about different things, so I'll try to explain more clearly:

In many people's version of the pokemon world, there neither is nor was any country of Japan and, consequently, no Japanese language. Therefore, for someone in that canon to name their pokemon something Japanese would be the equivalent of them naming it a string of gibberish nonsense because Japanese does not exist in that world. Of course, characters might name a pokemon some random gibberish name just because they thought it sounded cool, like Zefalian or something, but if they were to say, "I'm going to name it *insert Japanese word for "blaze"* because it means Blaze!" when there isn't any Japan around for them to draw the language from, there would be obvious issues.

However, there are a fair number of authors that set their fanfictions in worlds where Japan does exist; in that case, it would be reasonable for their characters to, if they were so inclined, know a bit of the language or look up some words online or what have you and then name their pokemon that because they thought it would be cool or whatever.

If they understood the language, sure, they might become a little confused as to why the Pokemon is being called a "thunder mouse."

If they didn't understand the language or have some access to it (that is, if it didn't exist), how would they randomly come up with Japanese phrases out of thin air?

But I'm pretty sure the majority here cannot speak Japanese, so it wouldn't "not" make sense.

How does the readers' comprehension of the language relate to the fictional characters' comprehension of it?

Just because the name is relevant to something Japanese, doesn't mean the characters in that setting have to speak it.

Speak it, no. Have access to it, yes. Unless you want to go the "names-that-mean-nothing (to the character)-but-just-happen-to-be-cool-Japanese-words" route.

I mean, it is fan fiction, after all.

oh god not that old argument again

 

[Timid Kyogre]

D: and overall I guess you never heard of the song called 'A boy named Sue'.

XDDDDDD lmfao! You still like that song?

Well, it's Fan Fiction, and I say you can name your character whatever you want. Hell, I can write a story about some dumb trainer who named his Wrumple 'Idiot'! Who can stop me?

You can name it something different and special, you can choose names like Vespa and Pierrot from Kiyohime's Aeon, or you can name it any real life name (Alex or Jasmine, for example)

Sure, if you name it some original name, it will be easier to remember. Still, it's absolutely no reason to avoid naming them names like Annie or Andrew. Maybe if you name the character after someone you know/met in real life, you'd remember it easier? If not, you could just write a list of the characters and save it in your computer. That's what I did, anyway.

In my opinion (and that's just my opinion) Lily, Rose, etc. has been used too much. Suggestion: why not find a name in another language that sort of means the same thing?

I'm not saying you can't name your character Lily or Rose. Again, it's your choice, and that's just what I think.

~Timid Kyogre