Pokemon Design origins

[Porygandrew]

#152 ;152; Chikorita ( Chicorita) / #153 ;153; Bayleaf ( Bayleaf) / #154 ;154; Meganium ( Meganium):
English Name Origin

Chikorita: "Chik" from chicory, a type of plant, and "ita" a femenine suffix in the spanish language, referring to it's generally girly appearance. (Tyranitarphantom)
Bayleaf: Corruption of the words 'bay' and 'leaf', which make up 'Bay Leaf', a plant, hence Bayleef's Grass-Type. (Buraddo_Aipom)
Meganium: The ending 'anium' derived from the word 'geranium', a type of flower that is similar to the flower growing around it's neck. The 'mega' is refering to the Pokémon's large stature.​

Japanese Name Origin

Chicorita: Based off the "chicory", a type of herb.
Bayleaf: Based off the "bay leaf", an aromatic leaf of the bay tree that's commonly used in cooking when dried.
Meganium: Based off the English word "mega", and "geranium", a type of flower.​

Species
Herbs, Flower, & Sauropods


#155 ;155; Cyndaquil ( Hinoarashi) / #156 ;156; Quilava ( Magmarashi) / #157 ;157; Typhlosion ( Bakphoon):
English Name Origin

Cyndaquil:A portmanteau of the of the words 'cynda' wich means cinder (thus, it's a fire type), and 'quil', referring to it being a porqupine, an animal with quils. (Jdrawer)
Quilava: From Quils (As In the spikes on it's back) and Lava for it's fire type. (Bobby Frank JR)
Typhlosion: The "typh" is from 'typhoon', which means it's hyper and crazy. The "-losion" is from 'explosion', showing when the Pokémon sends fire-type attacks, it activates the fire on it's back. (the1stpkmnfan)​

Japanese Name Origin

Hinoarashi: Hi (Fire), ? Arashi (Storm). The "no" is a partical, basically saying that the storm is of a firey nature. Of course, in English, that "no" wouldn't be translated and we'd just have "fire storm" (ex. "Hagane no Renkinjutsushi", Steel Alchemist, or Fullmetal Alchemist).
Magmarashi: Arashi (Storm), and the English word "magma".
Bakphoon: Bakufuu (Blast), and English word "typhoon". Years ago, I was personally under the impression that "Bakufuun" somehow related to the "baku", a dream-eating creature of Japanese folklore that's commonly associated with the existing new world animal, the tapir, in recent times. The only thing I had to relate them was that a tapir was a four-legged mammal, and Bakphoon's obviously mammalian and runs on four-legs at times (it shows that it tends to do that quite a few times in the Raikou special). But looking at it nowadays, it seems kinda silly to try relating them. ^^​

Species
Cyndaquil is an echidna, while Quilava is a weasel and Typhlosion is a honey badger (1 2)


#158 ;158; Totodile ( Waninoko) / #159 ;159; Croconaw ( Alligates) / #160 ;160; Feraligatr ( Ordile):
English Name Origin

Totodile: Although most may pronounce it "Toh-toh-dile," it was more likely intended to be "Tot-oh-dile," which sounds like the word crocodile (the animal it is based on). "Tot" means small or baby, refering to the fact that it is the smallest in its family. (Voltaic)
Croconaw: Comes from "crocodile", the animal it's based on, and from "gnaw", that means to bite continuously. (Poisonmaster)
Feraligatr: 'Feral' comes directly from the word 'feral', and 'gatr' is short for 'Alligator'. (Sapphire Phoenix)​

Japanese Name Origin

Waninoko: Wani (Crocodile, Alligator), ?*? Ko (Child). As with Hinoarashi, the "no" is a particle that could mean that this child is of the crocodilian race.
Alligates: Based off the English word "alligator".
Ordile: Based off of "eau" (French word for "water"), and the English word "crocodile".​

Species
Alligators (1 2).


#161 ;161; Sentret (Otachi) / #162 ;162; Furret (Ootachi):
English Name Origin

Sentret: Sentret is made of up 'sentry' and 'ferret', which is why it stands on it's tail, to keep watch like a sentry. (Hydrohs)
Furret: Furret sounds like 'ferret.' (Manafy)​

Japanese Name Origin

Otachi: O (Tail), ?? Tatsu (Stand), Itachi (Weasel, Skunk, Mink, etc.).
Ootachi: Ookii (Large), ? O (Tail), ?? Tatsu (Stand), Itachi (Weasel, Skunk, Mink, etc.).​

Species
Flying Squirrel. Furret, as its name implies, is a ferret


#163 ;163; Hoothoot ( Hoho) / #164 ;164; Noctowl ( Yorunozuku):
English Name Origin

Hoothoot: An onomatopoeia of the sound an owl makes. (Sinnoh Champion
Noctowl: "Noct" as in 'nocturnal', and "owl" as in the creature which its based off of. (Sinnoh Champion)​

Japanese Name Origin

Hoho: "Houhou", Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound an owl makes.
Yorunozuku: Yoru (Night), Mimizuku (horned owl).​

Species
Owls. Hoothoot looks like a Pygmy owl; Noctowl looks like an Eagle owl.


#165 ;165; Ledyba (Rediba) / #166 ;166; Ledian (Redian):
English Name Origin

Ledyba: Name is a shortened version of Ladybird, which is also a ladybug. (Umbreon-dana)
Ledian: Name is a misspelling of a ladybug and alien. (Umbreon-dana)​

Japanese Name Origin

Rediba: Redibaado (Ladybird), which I think is some species of ladybug. That, or a common misnaming of the English name for the spotted beetle.
Redian: Redibaado (Ladybird), which I think is some species of ladybug. That, or a common misnaming of the English name for the spotted beetle. Also based off of the word ?? "An". All Palette says about "an" is ???? "That lineage/system/geological information". Any info on this would be appreciated.​

Species
Ladybird Beetles, of course. Ledian may also have some basis in Pulseman (1 2).
There could also be some Ganbaron in there, too.


#167 ;167; Spinarak ( Itomaru) / #168 ;168; Ariados ( Ariados):
English Name Origin

Spinarak: Derived from 'spin' (or 'spinneret', the organ spiders use to make thread) and 'arachnid' meaning spider or spider-like. Spinarak is a bug (NOT a spider, since it only has 6 legs) Pokemon that spins webs. (Trynyti)
Ariados: Named after Ariadne of Greek mythology, from the story of Theseus and the Minotaur (half-man, half-bull). She gave a ball of thread to Theseus to trail behind himself so he would not get lost in the labyrinth when hunting the Minotaur. Thus Ariadne, like the Ariados spider family, is famous for thread. 'Dos', spanish for two, implies that Ariados is the second spider, the evolved form of Spinarak. (Trynyti)​

Japanese Name Origin

Itomaru: Ito (String, Thread, etc.), ?? Marui (Round). Palette also says something about "Itomarugawaru", which it says is ???????? "A little thing of a concave roof tile". May be a saying or something, but any further info would be nice.
Ariados: "Ariadone" is the Japanese way of saying "Ariadne", a figure of Greek mythology which some scholars believe was a goddess of weaving, much like Arachne.​

Species
Happy face spider and some other spider


(#041 Zubat) / (#042 Golbat) /#169 ;169; Crobat (Crobat):
English Name Origin

Crobat: Possibly "acrobat" - "a-", referencing its flying ability. (-BJ-)​

Japanese Name Origin

Crobat: Kuro (Black), and the English word "bat". Palette also mentions something about something called "The Black Bat", some kind of villian from a hit 1965 drama who was a white skeleton wearing a black mant. Does anyone know about this? Palette also says it's based off the English words "acrobat" and "cross", as well as "kurou", which is Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound a crow makes.​

Species
Vampire bat


#170 ;170; Chinchou (Chonchi) / #171 ;171; Lanturn (Rantan):
English Name Origin

Chinchou: A rearrangement of the Japanese word "chouchin", meaning "lantern", which references Chinchou's illuminative nature. (Cavan_II)
Lanturn: A play on "lantern" (referring to the way it can light up the ocean with its antenna; hence it being the Bright Pokémon). (loonatic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Chonchi: Chouchin (Paper lantern).
Rantan: Based off the English word "lantern".​

Species
Angler fish


#172 ;172; Pichu (Pichu) / (#025 Pikachu) / (#026 Raichu):
English Name Origin

Pichu: Pichu's name is based on the same exact thing as Pikachu's; It is a combination of "pikapika", which is Japanese onomatopoeia for sparkle, and "chūchū" which is the sound of squeaking. This basically means "Sparkling Mouse", relating to what Pichu is. However, unlike Pikachu, Pichu's name only uses the "pi" of "pikapika". It is also possible that Pichu's name is just a shortening of Pikachu, and nothing more. (m190049)​

Japanese Name Origin

Pichu: Based off of "chuu", the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound a mouse makes. Palette says the "pika" refers to electricity, but I'm sure several of us have heard by now that "pikapika" is a Japanese onomatopoeia for glittering or sparkling.​

Species
Generic mouse?


#173 ;173; Cleffa (Pii) / (#035 Clefairy) / (#036 Clefable):
English Name Origin

Cleffa: A corruption of the word cleff, due to its love of song, with 'fa' at the end, cause its a baby pokemon. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Pii: Based off the English word "baby". Also ??????????????, which means "Pii (word used to express something cute)". I don't know if it's Japanese slang, but from what I've seen, things starting with the letter "p" do seem to give off a cute vibe. Since I never heard such slang myself, I'll come to the conclusion that it's based off "pea", the legum-turned-cute-English-slang. Surely, we're all familiar with terms like "sweet pea" and "sugar pea" and whatnot.​

Species
Starshape fairy


#174 ;174; Igglybuff ( Pupurin) / (#039 Jigglypuff) / (# Wigglytuff):
English Name Origin

Igglybuff: Igglybuff may simply be both a corruption and a play on Jigglypuff and Wigglytuff. Although "buff," meaning to reduce or deaden the force of, may be another reference to its rubbery, balloon-like body. (Voltaic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Pupurin: "Purinpurin shiteiru", which, after doing some research, I can come to the assumption means "to be smooth" (though it's also worth mentioning that "purin" means "pudding"). Palette also said it's based off the English word "pretty", which would be spelt as "puritii".​

Species
Balloon


#175 ;175; Togepi ( Togepy) / #176 ;176; Togetic ( Togechick) / (#468 Togekiss):
English Name Origin

Togepi: "Toge" means spikes in Japanese, refering to it's spiked head. (Power of Fire)
Togetic: "Toge" means 'spike' in Japanese, and "-tic" may be a corruption or mistranslation of the end of its Japanese name "Togechick." It may be "chick" in Japanese to symbolize a bird hatching out of an egg and then learning how to fly (the same concept applies when Togepi evolves into Togetic). (Voltaic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Togepy:
Togechick:​

Species
Togepi is an egg, Togetic is a fairy


#177 ;177; Natu ( Naty) / #178 ;178; Xatu ( Natio):
English Name Origin

Natu:Natu's name may be a reference to Atu, an Aztec god, referencing it's Psychic Nature. Atu is also the name of the first man of Samoan mythology, again referencing it's Psychic Nature. Natu is also Latin for birth, which may reference how it is so small and baby-like. It's name may also be a corruption of native, which would relate to how it looks like a Native American Totem Poll. (m190049)
Xatu: It's name mainly just appears to be "Natu" with an X instead of an N. It's name may also be based off the word Native somewhat, which would relate to how it looks like a Native American Totem Poll. (m190049)​

Japanese Name Origin

Naty: Based off of "Native American".
Natio: Ou (King). Also based off of "Native American".​

Species
Based off of Native American totem poles. (Xatu resembles the Thunderbird)


#179 ;179; Mareep ( Merriep) / #180 ;180; Flaaffy ( Mokoko) / #181 ;181; Ampharos ( Denryu):
English Name Origin

Mareep: This Pokemon's name origins lie within the nursery song "Mary had a Little Lamb." "Mar-" comes from Mary and "-eep" is the end of the word sheep. (Voltaic)
Flaaffy: Refers to fluffy but uses two a's because of the sound that a sheep makes--"baa". (prettybigjoe)
Ampharos: The three words that make up Ampharos's name are 'amp' (short for Ampere, an SI unit of measuring electricity), 'pharos' (a peninsula in Northern Egypt where an ancient lighthouse sits that shares the same name), and 'amphora' (a Greek vase shaped a lot like Ampharos's body). (Kyogre Master)​

Japanese Name Origin

Merriep: Based off of "Mary", from "Mary Had a Little Lamb". Also the English words "sheep" and "sleep".
Mokoko: Ko (Small), ?*? Ko (Child), and "mokomoko shiteiru", which, after doing some research, I can assume means "to be fluffy".
Denryu: Denryuu (Electric current), ?? Denki (Electricity), ? Ryuu (Dragon).​

Species
Sheep; partially shaved sheep; totally shaved sheep(?)/lighthouse


(#043 Oddish) / (#044 Gloom) / #182 ;182; Bellossom ( Kireihana):
English Name Origin

Bellossom: A portmanue of the words 'bell', a common plant shape, reffering to its grass type, and 'blossom', wich is something a plant does, also reffering to its grass type. (Jdrawer)
'Bell' could also refer to a musical bell, which someone (or something) can dance to, thus showing that Bellossom loves to dance. (Buraddo_Aipom)
​

Japanese Name Origin

Kireihana: Kirei (Pretty), ? Hana (Flower).​

Species
"Grass-skirt girl" hula (1 2) dancer


(#298 Azurill) / #183 ;183; Marill (JPNName) / #184 ;184; Azumarill (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Marill: Marill's name may be a combination of marine, which is something of the water, and rill, a small river or brook. These relate to Marill's water type nature. The name may also come from a contraction of the phrase marine blue. (m190049)
Azumarill: Azumarill's name may be a combination of azure, a shade of blue, or azul, blue in Spanish, both referencing it's color. It's also may be based on the word Marine, of the water, or possibly mar, Sea in Spanish, and rill, a small river or brook. These relate to its water type nature. It may also be a contraction of marine blue, again, referencing it's color. (m190049)​

Japanese Name Origin

Maril: Mari (Ball), and the English word "marine".
Marilli: Mari (Ball), ?*? Ruri (Lapis lazuli), and the English word "marine".​

Species
Marill is a ? (WG said pika), Azumarill is a rabbit


(#438 Bonsly) / #185 ;185; Sudowoodo ( Usokkie):
English Name Origin

Sudowoodo: Sudo is a corruption of pseudo, meaning false, and woodo references wood and rhymes with the first syllable (sudo). (derkins)​

Japanese Name Origin

Usokkie: Usotsuki (Liar). Usotsuki's also the Japanese name for some species of tree.​

Species
Petrified tree


(#060 Poliwag) / (#061 Poliwhirl) / #186 ;186; Politoed ( Nyorotono):
English Name Origin

Politoed: The "poli" is from the "poliwog" in refrence to it's froglike form, and the "toed" represents that Politoed is based off a toad. (Electivire Addict)​

Japanese Name Origin

Nyorotono: Tonosama (Feudal lord). Palette doesn't mention it, but I recall from a ton of sites with Digimon info that "tonosamakaeru" means "bullfrog". Also based off of "nyoronyoro", the Japanese sound effect for slithering.​

Species
Toad


#187 ;187; Hoppip ( Hanecco) / #188 ;188; Skiploom ( Popocco) / #189 ;189; Jumpluff ( Watacco):
English Name Origin

Hoppip: Combination of 'hop', as it likes to hop and dance through the air, and 'pip', a type of seed. (m190049)
Skiploom: Portmanteau of the words "skip" and "bloom," which describes this Pokémon as a grass-type. (starfire_jirachi)
Jumpluff: Basicly Jump and Fluff. (mitchlord)​

Japanese Name Origin

Hanecco: Ha (Leaf), ?*??? Nekko (Root, stub, stump, etc.), ??*? Haneru (To jump), ? Ko (Small), ?*? Ko (Child).
Popocco: Tanpopo (Dandelion), ? Ko (Small), ?*? Ko (Child).
Watacco: Tanpopo no watake (Dandelion's fluff), ? Ko (Small), ?*? Ko (Child).​

Species
Stylized dandelions


#190 ;190; Aipom (Eipam) / (#424 Ambipom):
English Name Origin

Aipom: Its name sounds like the words "Ape + Palm"; "Ape" referring to its monkey-like body, and "Palm" refers to its hand-like​

Japanese Name Origin

Eipam: Based off the English word "ape". Considering the short 'a' sound that's apparent through the kana spelling, I'm not certain if it's also based off the word "palm" as well (it should have a longer 'a'. Palette doesn't mention it being based off "palm", so you know). Though the word "palm" certainly would make some sense for this Pokemon.​

Species
A monkey (perhaps a spider monkey) with an exaggeration of the monkey's prehensile tail. A link to Ahuizotl (Aztec god that's a cross between a dog and a monkey, with a hand on the end of its tail) was also suggested.


#191 ;191; Sunkern ( Himanuts) / #192 ;192; Sunflora ( Kimawari):
English Name Origin

Sunkern: "Sun-" refers to its resemblance to a sunflower seed, "-kern" refers to "kernel", meaning a seed encased in a husk.(Cavan_II)
Sunflora: Sun refers to its connection with the sun, flora means all plant life. It's name could also come from sunflower. (Drake Pokétrainer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Himanuts: Hima (Leisure), Himawari (Sunflower), and the English word "nuts".
Kimawari: Himawari (Sunflower), ? Ki (Rejoice).​

Species
A budding seed and a sunflower


#193 ;193; Yanma (Yanyanma) / (#469 Yanmega):
English Name Origin

Yanma: Yanma is the Japanese word for a large dragonfly. (Voltaic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Yanyanma: Yanma (A large dragonfly), Ginyanma (A species of dragonfly. I couldn't find an English equivalent, but I did find its scientific name, Anax guttatus).​

Species
Red dragonfly


#194 ;194; Wooper (Uupa) / #195 ;195; Quagsire (Nuo):
English Name Origin

Wooper: Wooper's English is based directly on its Japanese name, Upah/"Wooper". Upa is drived from "Wooper Looper", a marketing term created in Japan that started a pet salamander raising fad in Japan. Wooper Loopers (or "Upa") are the Japanese term for the larval stages of the axolotl, a species of salamander. (Bulbapedia)
Quagsire: A 'quagmire' is an area of boggy grounds. This word combined with “sire” (meaning ruler) means Quagsire is the king of the bog. (Voltaic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Uupa: Uupaaruupaa (Axolotl, a type of salamander).
Nuo: Numa (Swamp), ? Ou (King), Nuou (A type of shout), and Numenume (Slimey).​

Species
Axolotl and giant salamander


(#133 Eevee) / #196 ;196; Espeon ( Eifie):
English Name Origin

Espeon: Based on "ESP" meaning Extrasensory Perception, and "eon", a very long period of time. (flyboy1308)​

Japanese Name Origin

Eifie: Based off of ???? Eievui's name written in Roman letters. As we know, the "ii" can be spelt as "ee", or "eie" in this case. In English, we may still pronounce it "ii", but most other languages (including Japanese) would pronounce it as "eh" or "ay" or however you wanna spell it (English is just screwed up that way). As for the last part of Eievui's name, this is ?? "bui", and this is ?? "fi". Notice a similarity?​

Species
Nekomata


(#133 Eevee) / #197 ;197; Umbreon (Blacky):
English Name Origin

Umbreon: The "umbr" means shade, or shadow, as in umbrella, and "eon" is a very long period of time. (flyboy1308)​

Japanese Name Origin

Blacky: Based off the English word "black".​

Species
Witch's cat


#198 ;198; Murkrow ( Yamikarasu) / (#430 Honchkrow):
English Name Origin

Murkrow: A portmontuea of the words 'murk', meaning darkness or gloom, reffering to its dark type, and 'crow', reffering to the animal its based on, and thus for, its flying type. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Yamikarasu: Yami (Dark), Karasu (Crow).​

Species
Crow with a witch hat and broom tail


(#079 Slowpoke) / #199 ;199; Slowking ( Yadoking):
English Name Origin

Slowking: A combination of the words 'slow' and 'king', hinting how it is the king of slowliness. (Sinnoh Champion)​

Japanese Name Origin

Yadoking: Yadokari (Hermit crab), ?? Yadoru (To dwell, lodge, etc.), and the English word "king".​

Species
A Smart Hippopotamus?


#200 ;200; Misdreavus (Muuma) / (#429 Mismagius):
English Name Origin

Misdreavus: Possibly a portmanteau of Mischievous and Dread, both of which explain this Pokemon's characteristics. (eonmaster_457). Possibly "reave" as well​

Japanese Name Origin

Muuma: Muma (Dream demon. I guess there might be some kind of folk tale behind this or something).​

Species
Banshee / Nukekubi


#201 ;201; Unown (Anon):
English Name Origin

Unown: Corruption of the word "unknown". It's origin is also unknown. (in-game). (Drake Pokétrainer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Anon: Based off the English word "unknown".​

Species
Living alphabet letters / Heiroglyphs


(#360 Wynaut) / #202 ;202; Wobbuffet ( Sonans):
English Name Origin

Wobbuffet: Derived from 'wobble' and 'buffet' (as in, 'to hit/strike'). When attacked ('buffet'), it will act like one of those creepy clown punching bags, using the strength and momentum of the attack to fight back while 'wobbling' back and forth. Think of how it acts in the Super Smash Bros. games. (Trynyti)​

Japanese Name Origin

Sonans: Sounan desu ("That is so"). I think I recall hearing that this was a phrase commonly used by a late comedian, or comedic manga artist, or something. This guy had a tendency to place his hand on his head, much like Sounansu does.​

Species
Full-sized punching bag? and Sanpei Hayashiya


#203 ;203; Girafarig ( Kirinriki):
English Name Origin

Girafarig: Girafarig is a palindrome. It uses part of the word 'giraffe' (which is the animal it's based off). This ties into it having a head on it's tail. (otaku-dono)
*Its palindromic name is both a reference to its two heads and an adaptation of its Japanese name, Kirinriki, which itself was a katakana palindrome - KI-RI-N-RI-KI (BCVM22 12/26/2008)​

Japanese Name Origin

Kirinriki: Kirin (Giraffe), ???* Nriki (Reverse-spelling of "kirin" in Japanese katakana), ?? Nenriki (Will power. Worth nothing that this is a technique used by Pokemon, called "Confusion" in the English version).​

Species
Giraffe - The Japanese name (Kirinriki) is a palindrome, meaning it can be read the same forward and back. The Japanese word for 'giraffe' is Kirin (the same as the legendary creature). The dual normal/psychic type covers the most popular weakness of each type. Psychic prevents normal's fighting weakness and normal prevents psychic's ghost weakness. Bug and Dark type attacks still affect Girafarig; though with the 2nd generation, dark types were relatively rare.
Also: "The pushmi-pullyu (pronounced like "push-me-pull-you") is a fictional breed of antelope in the Doctor Dolittle novels and the 1967 film. The pushmi-pullyu is a two headed antelope; the two heads are at opposite ends of the body. Both heads act as though they are on the front of the body, and when prompted to move, both attempt to move forwards. Unsurprisingly, this makes guiding the pushmi-pullyu a difficult task." (noted by Octoboy, supplimented by Kthleen) [info | [picture]


#204 ;204; Pineco ( Kunugidama) / #205 ;205; Forretress ( Foretos):
English Name Origin

Pineco: Corruption of the word Pine-cone which is what it's based off. (Bobby Frank JR)
Forretress: Forest+Fortress or Forest+Trees; Corruption of the word forest which is it's habitat and from the word fortress which is what it sort of is. Basically the forest fortress or fortress of the forest. Or from Corrupted Forest (where it lives) and from corrupted version of trees (What it came off). (Bobby Frank JR)​

Japanese Name Origin

Kunugidama: Kunugi (Sawtooth oak tree, scientific name is "Quercus acutissima"), ? Tama (Ball).
Foretos: Alteration of the English word "forest". ????? "foresuto" (forest), ????? "Foretosu".​

Species

Pineco: Bagworm/pinecone
Foretress: Bagworm/(either a turret, giant clam, or both)​

#206 ; 206; Dunsparce ( Nokocchi):
English Name Origin

Dunsparce: Combo of 'dun', meaning grayish yellow or gloomy, refrencing to its appearence, and 'sparse' which can mean meager, or small, since this Pokémon is small. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Nokocchi: An alteration of "tsuchinoko". ???? "tsuchinoko", ???? "Nokotchi". As for what exactly a "tsuchinoko" is, it appears to be some kind of snake. Anyone have further info on this?​

Species
Tsuchinoko, aka bachi-hebi (1 2 3)


#207 ; 207; Gligar ( Gliger) / (#472 Gliscor):
English Name Origin

Gligar: Combo of 'glide', as it glides through the air, and 'gargoyle', what it's based on. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Gliger: Based off the English word "glider".​

Species
Scorpion/gargoyle


(#095 Onix) / #208 ; 208; Steelix (Haganeil):
English Name Origin

Steelix: It is composed of 'steel' (a precious metal), refering to its Steel Type. Its name is finished with 'ix' reffering to 'onyx' (another precious metal), reffering to 'Onix', the Pokémon that evolves into Steelix. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Haganeil: Hagan = steel​

Species
A metal worm/wyrm


#209 ; 209; Snubbull ( Bulu) / #210 ; 210; Granbull (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Snubbull: Combo of snub, refering to its flat nose, and bull, referring to bulldogs, the animal it's based on. (Buraddo_Aipom)
Granbull: Combo of grand, refering to its large size, and bull, referring to bulldogs, the animal it's based on. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Bulu: Based off of "bulldog".
Granbulu: Based off the English words "grand", "rumble", and "bulldog". I think the English word "grumble" would make sense too, even though Palette doesn't mention it.​

Species
Bulldogs


#211 ; 211; Qwilfish ( Harysen):
English Name Origin

Qwilfish: A portmanteau of the words 'quil', refering to its quils and its secondary Poison Type, and 'fish' refering to the animal its based off of, and its Water Type. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Harysen: Harisenmoto (I think it's read that way, but I'm not sure. The kanji translate to "needle", "thousand", and "origin" respectively. I can't find a word for these kanji combined, so I'm guessing it's the name of some kind of skill or art), Harisenbon (Balloonfish), Harisen (Some type of tool). "One thousand needles" is a technique commonly used by the sabotender (a weird little cactus man) enemy in Final Fantasy games and probably has a legendary/mythical basis. On a funny note, in the US version of Final Fantasy 6 (FF3 for SNES) this ability was renamed "Blowfish".
Also, a harisen is a very typical folding Japanse hand fan, usually made of paper, but sometimes iron if I remember correctly. http://www.ringing-shallows.org/side-a/pic/harisen.jpg What that might have to do with a blowfish, I don't know. All I could think of is that a harisen fan expands greatly in size when opened, and pufferfish expand greatly in size when they feel the need ... that's not the greatest connection. Are there any legends involving a blowfish with a folding fan?​

Species
Blowfish / puffer fish


(#123 Scyther) / #212 ; 212; Scizor (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Scizor: A corruption of the word "Scissor", referring to the Pokemon's sharp claws. (profpeanut)​

Japanese Name Origin

Hassam: Hasami (Scissors), ?? Hasamu (To hold between).​

Species
Metal Mantid / scissors


#213 ; 213; Shuckle ( Tsubotsubo):
English Name Origin

Shuckle: Its name may be derived from 'shuck', which means to remove from a husk or pod, which is what it lives in. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Tsubotsubo: Tsubo (Jar, pot), Tsubo (Unlike the "tsubo" that means a jar or pot, Palette has this one written in katakana rather than kanji. I'd guess it may be a species of animal, but I don't know which one it would be), Utsubo (Moray eel), Fujitsubo (Barnacles, but I'm not certain on this one).​

Species
Scale insect (maybe Ceroplastes rusci ]), and perhaps the worm in the apple


#214 ; 214; Heracross ( Heracros):
English Name Origin

Heracross: It is a combination of "Hercules" (a Greek God) and "cross". (alli940)​

Japanese Name Origin

Heracros: Based off the "Heracles beetle", and "Heracles", a figure from Greek mythology (commonly known as "Hercules" to English-speakers). Also based off the English word "cross".​

Species
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Sneasel: Kamaitachi


#215 ; 215; Sneasel ( Nyula) / (#461 Weavile):
English Name Origin

Sneasel: From 'sneak' as it is a Dark Type, and 'weasel' as it is designed after a weasel. Weasel also means 'sly', and it's also a vehicle used on snow or ice. (Grande Ball)​

Japanese Name Origin

Nyula: Based off of "nyaa", the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound a cat makes. Also based off the English word "new" (I guess this explains why Nyaasu tends to show tensions with Nyula in the anime).​

Species
Kamaitachi


#216 ; 216; Teddiursa ( Himeguma) / #217 ; 217; Ursaring ( Ringuma):
English Name Origin

Teddiursa: 'Teddy', as in every child's best friend, and 'Ursa', which is Latin for bear. It can also be associated with the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear. (Trynyti)
Ursaring: 'Ursa' refers to the Latin word for bear, as well as the constellation Ursa Major, or Great Bear. 'Ring' refers to the marking on its stomach. (Trynyti)​

Japanese Name Origin

Himeguma: Hime (Princess), ??? Himeta (To have hidden), ? Kuma (Bear). Palette also says ?????????????? "Hime (a word to express something small)".
Ringuma: Kuma (Bear), and the English word "ring". Palette says something about the ring relating to ??*???????? "A bear of the ring around the crescent moon" (that's my best translation, anyway).​

Species
Teddiursa is a teddy bear/bear cub, Ursaring is a sun bear


#218 ; 218; Slugma ( Magmag) / #219 ; 219; Magcargo ( Magcargot):
English Name Origin

Slugma: A portmanteau of the words 'slug', refering to its shape and animal its based off of, and 'magma', refering to its lava and its Fire Type. (Jdrawer)
Magcargo: Derived from 'magma', which refers to its type and physical attributes, and 'escargot', which is French for snail. In other words... it's a fried snail. (Trynyti)​

Japanese Name Origin

Magmag: Based off the English words "magma" and "slug". Note that the end of the Japanese writing of the Pokemon's name ????? (Magumaggu) doesn't match with the beginning part of the name, even though the official Roman spelling says both parts are the same. Rather, the end more closely resembles the end of the Japanese kana for the English slug ???? (suraggu). I personally think "Magmug" would've been a more suitable spelling, but then again, several of these official spellings seem off in my personal opinion.
Magcargot: Based off of the English word "magma" and the French snail appetizer, "escargot". Also "karugo", which is some kind of shellfish or something.​

Species
Slugma is a slug, Magcargo is a snail


#220 ; 220; Swinub ( Urimoo) / #221 ; 221; Piloswine (Inomoo) / (#473 Mammoswine):
English Name Origin

Swinub: A portmanteau of swine, which is a synonym of pig(which it is based on), and nub, referring to its small size. (~Magic Thunderbolt~)
Piloswine: 'Pilo' means 'to be covered in hair or fur', while the '-swine' is a name for a pig, which is the animal Piloswine is base upon.. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Urimoo: Uribou (Young wild boar).
Inomoo: Inoshishi (Wild boar).​

Species
Inobuta boar-pig and some sort of boar/mammoth mix


#222 ; 222; Corsola ( Sunnygo):
English Name Origin

Corsola: Its name comes from the words 'coarse' or 'coral' and 'sola', like 'solar'. 'Coarse' means rough, and coral is an organism that lives in the sea. Since its head is made of rough corals, and it is a Water Type, this makes sense. The ending of its name refers to the sun, which is almost always seen on beaches, which is where Corsola would live. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Sunnygo: Sango (Coral), the English word "sunny", and the Spanish word "amigo".​

Species
A chunk of coral


#223 ; 223; Remoraid ( Teppouo) / #224 ; 224; Octillery ( Okutank):
English Name Origin

Remoraid: Derived from Remora, a fish that attatches itself to larger fish, and raid (or possibly aid, as in aiding the Mantine. (Commander Blitzkrieg))
Octillery: The beginning, "oct" refers to it being an octopus, and "illery" comes from the word artillery, meaning weaponry. (flyboy1308)​

Japanese Name Origin

Teppouo: Teppou (Gun), Uo (Fish), Teppouuo (Archerfish).
Okutank: Based off the English words "octane number", "octopus", and "tank".​

Species
Remoraid is an archer fish/remora (1 2 3) and a gun, perhaps a pistol; Octillery is an octopus


#225 ; 225; Delibird ( Delibird):
English Name Origin

Delibird: A fusion of the word "Delivery" and "Bird" (A flying vertibrate, bacause it's a Flying type). (~Spacial Rendation~)​

Japanese Name Origin

Delibird: Based off the English words "delivery" and "bird".​

Species
Rockhopper penguin/Santa.

(#458 Mantyke) / #226 ; 226; Mantine ( Mantain):
English Name Origin

Mantine: Its name could be a romanization of its Japanese name, Mantain, or may be a combination of 'manta', the animal it's based on, and 'marine', which is the habitat that it lives in. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Mantain: Based off the ray specie, "manta".​

Species
Manta ray


#227 ; 227; Skarmory ( Airmd):
English Name Origin

Skarmory: Its name is the word, "armor" in the word, "sky", so it is literally "armor in the sky". (Argon)​

Japanese Name Origin

Airmd: Based off the English words "air" and "armed".​

Species
Stymphalian birds/Andean condor with a Marabou stork beak, armored crane


#228 ; 228; Houndour ( Delvil) / #229 ; 229; Houndoom ( Hellgar):
English Name Origin

Houndour: Its name is a combination of 'hound', the animal it's based on, and dour, refering to its harsh nature.(Buraddo_Aipom)
Houndoom: Hound as its based on a dog and/or the hell hound and doom as it's dark type. (mitchlord)​

Japanese Name Origin

Delvil: Based off the English word "devil".
Hellgar: Based off the English word "hell". Palette doesn't mention it, but I think on Bulbagarden somewhere, Blackjack Gabianni mentioned how the name could also be associated with "Garm", a demonic dog figure of Norse mythology.​

Species
Doberman Pinschers/hell-hounds (like cerberus, only one head)



(#116 Horsea) / (#117 Seadra) / #230 ; 230; Kingdra ( Kingdra):
English Name Origin

Kingdra: A mix of the words 'king' and 'dragon', since it is the top of it's evolution chain, and is based on a dragon. (Pika-Freaka)​

Japanese Name Origin

Kingdra: Based off the English words "king" and "dragon".​

Species
Weedy sea dragon and/or Leafy sea dragon


#231 ; 231; Phanpy ( Gomazou) / #232 ; 232; Donphan ( Donfan):
English Name Origin

Phanpy: Comes from 'Elephant' an animal it's based on and 'Baby', as it is the first form of a Donphan. (Power of Fire)
Donphan: “Don” means boss, showing its superiority to Phanpy, and “-phan” comes from the word elephant, the animal on which Donphan is based. (Voltaic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Gomazou: Goma (Sesame seeds, which Palette points out are small like Gomazou), ? Zou (Elephant).
Donfan: Don (Dull, slow, stupid, etc.), and based off the English words "don" (see Charizard) and "elephant".​

Species
Very short elephant and elephant/tire


(#137 Porygon) / #233 ; 233; Porygon 2 ( Porygon2) / (#474 Porygon-z):
English Name Origin

Porygon 2: Porygon2 is a reference to technology, showing that it is an upgraded and improved version of Porygon. (Voltaic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Porygon2: Based off of "polygon", the basis of 3D imaging, as well as the number "2".​

Species
Toy drinking bird


#234 ; 234; Stantler ( Odoshishi):
English Name Origin

Stantler: Derived from 'staring', which refers to its Intimidate ability, and 'antler', referring to its physical attributes. (Trynyti)​

Japanese Name Origin

Odoshishi: Shishiodoshi (It's one of those Japanese garden decorations. You know, the hollow stick of bamboo that fills with water and tilts to spill it out every few seconds), ??? Shika odori (Deer-dancing), ?? Odosu (To threaten), ?? Odoru (To dance), Shishi (Deer).​

Species
Caribou


#235 ; 235; Smeargle ( Doble):
English Name Origin

Smeargle: Derived from "smear" (referring to the way it uses its tail like a paintbrush; hence it being the Painter Pokémon) and "beagle" (a type of dog it is based on). (loonatic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Doble: Based off the English word "dabble", as well as "beagle" and "doberman", breeds of dog.​

Species
Beagle?/lemur? (read the second paragraph under ‘Behavior’) / artist


#236 ; 236; Tyrogue ( Balkie) / #237 ; 237; Hitmontop ( Kapoerer) or (#106 Hitmonlee) or (#107 Hitmonchan):
English Name Origin

Tyrogue: Derived from "tyro" (a beginner or novice; referring to it being a Fighting-type in training to be either a Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, or Hitmontop) and "rogue" (I suppose referring to it preferring to train alone against foes). (loonatic)
Hitmontop: A portmanteau of the words 'hit', refering to its Fighting Type, 'mon' refering it to being a Pokémon, and 'top', refering to its spinning fighting style. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Balkie: Based off of "Valkyrie" from Norse mythology, as well as the English word "bulky".
Kapoerer: Based off of "kapoera", a Brazilian fighting-style that also works as a dance-style.​

Species
Are humanshape pokemon that embody different fighting styles (Hitmontop = Capoeira)


#238 ; 238; Smoochum ( Muchul) / (#124 Jynx):
English Name Origin

Smoochum: Smoochum's name is based on smooch, or kiss. It may also be a pun on smooch 'em. (Power of Fire)​

Japanese Name Origin

Muchul: Muchuu (To daze or trance), and "chuu", the Japanese sound effect for kissing.​

Species
Baby Jynx


#239 ; 239; Elekid ( Elekid) / (#125 Electabuzz) / (#466 Electivire):
English Name Origin

Elekid: Electric and Kid as its a baby form. (mitchlord)​

Japanese Name Origin

Elekid: Based off the English words "elec" and "kid".​

Species
Plug


#240 ; 240; Magby ( Buby) / (#126 Magmar) / (#467 Magmortar):
English Name Origin

Magby: Magma as its fire type and the ending of baby as its the baby form. (mitchlord)​

Japanese Name Origin

Buby: Based off the English words "boost" and "baby".​

Species
Perhaps another mythical salamander ... or just a fire duck.


#241 ;241; Miltank ( Miltank):
English Name Origin

Miltank: A portmanteau of the words 'milk', reffering to it being a cow, and 'tank', reffering to it being a cow, who, in real life, would feel like a tank if they tackled you. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Miltank: Based off the English words "milk" and "tank".​

Species
Cow, versus Tauros' Bull.


(#440 Happiny) / (#113 Chansey) / #242 ;242; Blissey ( Happinas):
English Name Origin

Blissey: Blissey's name comes from the word 'bliss', refering to its blissful and happy nature. (Buraddo_Aipom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Happinas: Based off the English words "happiness" and "nurse".​

Species
Good mother/nurses and luck

 

[Porygandrew]

#243 ;243; Raikou ( Raikou):
English Name Origin

Raikou: From the Japanese word, literally meaning "Thunder King". (Shiny Trainer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Raikou: Raikou (Thunder Prince, based off some Chinese mythology about a thunder god), ? Rai (Thunder), ?? Koutei (Emperor), ?? Raikou (Lightning).​

Species
Smilodon, raiju

#244 ;244; Entei ( Entei):
English Name Origin

Entei: Japanese word of 'fire empoeror'. (pikadon92)​

Japanese Name Origin

Entei: Enteikounouji (I think that's how you pronounce it. Basically translates to "Blazing Ruler God" and is based off some Chinese mythology about a third emperor or something), ? En (Flame), ?? Teiou (Emperor).​

Species
Fuu dog/Shishi

#245 ;245; Suicune ( Suikun):
English Name Origin

Suicune: From its Japanese name, 'suikun,' which is a combination of 'sui,' water, and 'kunshu,' ruler. (pikadon92 )​

Japanese Name Origin

Suikun: Suikun (Water Boy, based off some Chinese mythology), ? Sui (Water), ?? Kunshu (Ruler). Shui-guan is the Ruler of Water.​

Species
The connection with the North and its dog-like shape lead some to believe that it is based on a wolf; the facts that the other two are based on cats and that it has a comparatively short and wide muzzle lead some to believe that it is based on the cheetah; the facts that it is known to purify water and that it has this large thing sticking out of its head lead some to believe that it is also partially based on the unicorn/kirin. Heck, it's probably a mix.
Komedic Konservationist has suggested the civet (Civet standing and Suicune in a somewhat similar pose), but then revised it to a Genet/url]. There could also be a hint of a [url=http://www.thepatioranch.com/images/photos/troph_manchurian-241S.JPG]Manchurian Sika Deer [Latios]


#246 ;246; Larvitar ( Yogiras) / #247 ; 247; Pupitar ( Sanagiras) / #248 ; 248; Tyranitar ( Bangiras):
English Name Origin

Larvitar:"Larvi-" comes from the word "larvae" which implies that Larvitar is a beginning stage. The suffix "-tar" is used for the entire evolutionary line's name. It may be derived from the word "monster", as the entire line seems to be some sort of generic monster-like creature. (-BJ-)
Pupitar: 'Pupi' refers to 'pupae', the transforming stage (wich is why its a coccon). (Jdrawer)
Tyranitar: 'Tyran' refers to 'tyrant', as its the king of this evolution line. Tyran could also refer to tyranasaurus rex, a big dinosaur, refering to its shape, size, and animal it's based off of. (Jdrawer)
In addition, Larvitar's final evolution, Tyranitar, seems to be based on Godzilla. In Japan, the names of the entire evolutionary line end in "-girasu", which is a word relating to the monster that Godzilla is based on. (-BJ-)​

Japanese Name Origin

Yogiras: Youchuu (Larva), Gira (A type of fish scale), Girasu (The type of monster that Gojira/Godzilla is), and "Ankylus", which I think is another way of saying "Ankylosaurus" (Palette does describe it as a dinosaur, leading me to that assumption).
Sanagiras: Sanagi (Pupa), Gira (A type of fish scale), Girasu (The type of monster that Gojira/Godzilla is), and "Ankylus", which I think is another way of saying "Ankylosaurus" (Palette does describe it as a dinosaur, leading me to that assumption).
Bangiras: Yaban (Savage), ?? (I didn't find a single word for these combined kanji, but the first one is "ban", meaning "night", and the last one is "life". Dusk of a lifespan would reference to the slow growth rate of this particular evolution line), Gira (A type of fish scale), Girasu (The type of monster that Gojira/Godzilla is), and "Ankylus", which I think is another way of saying "Ankylosaurus" (Palette does describe it as a dinosaur, leading me to that assumption).​

Species
dinosaurs of some sort? Perhaps monitor lizards & and homage to Godzilla


#249 ;249; Lugia ( Lugia):
English Name Origin

Lugia: It probably comes from 'Lutetium', an element with a silverish color. (Sapphire Phoenix)​

Japanese Name Origin

Lugia: Reverse of the word ?? "Giru" (gill, as in fish gills), resulting in ?? "Rugi". Also "gia", the first initials to the English word "giant". Palette also mentions "metarugia" (metal gear), but I don't know what the hell that would have to do with Lugia.​

Species
Gray heron (there's one that looks like Lugia on the cover of Across the Nightingale Floor)/dragon partner to the phoenix/Halcyon, also Susa-no-o


#250 ;250; Ho-oh (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Ho-oh: Purposeful misspelling of "houou" (the Chinese name for the mythical phoenix) to better accommodate English speakers. (BCVM22)​

Japanese Name Origin

Houou: Houou (Phoenix).​

Species
Ho-Oh, the Japanese phoenix/phoenix partner to the dragon, also Amaterasu


#251 ;251; Celebi ( Serebi):
English Name Origin

Celebi: Name comes from Celestial and Being. (Umbreon-dana)​

Japanese Name Origin

Serebi: Palette says ????????????? "Serebu (A blessing by God)". The closest I could find was "celeb", which would be short for the English word "celebrity". My best guess is that "celebrity" was derived from some Latin or Greek word meaning a blessing, considering how celebrities are held with such high-regards in society. It's either that, or it's not "celeb", but instead some other word like "sereb", "selev", "cerev", etc. that I have no clue about because it's from some foreign language. Anyway, it's also based off the word "serenade".1.plant guardian 2.tree guardian 3. Forest guardian​

Species
A chibi forest fairy/sprite.

#252 ;252; Treecko (Kimori) / #253 ;253; Grovyle (Juptile) / #254 ;254; Sceptile (Jukain):
English Name Origin

Treecko: A combination of "tree" and "gecko", the animal it represents. (Kutie Pie)
Grovyle: Comes from the words, "gavial", which is a crocodile-like lizard, and "grow" (all vegetation grows). (Argon)
Sceptile: Maybe a portmanteau of scepter, referring to its title as the "king of the forest,"and reptile. (~Magic Thunderbolt~)​

Japanese Name Origin

Kimori: Komori (Wooden guard), ? Ki (Tree), ? Mori (Forest), Imori (Newt).
Juptile: Ju (Wood), and the dinosaur "raptor". The official Roman spelling really seems off, considering the Japanese pronunciation is clearly "Juputoru", like "raputoru" (raptor), not "reputairu" (reptile). Again, I'll say that I personally think "Juptor" would've been much more fitting.
Jukain: Jukai (Sea of trees, dense woodland, etc.).​

Species
Leaf-tailed gecko
Leaf-tailed gecko , and deinonychosaur has been suggested due to its shape and it having feathers
Green basilisk /Leaf-tailed gecko (Pokémon of the Day Chick thinks that Sceptile's tail looks like part of a juniper bush. I do, too. X) ) Also, Porygandrew thinks that the yellow "seeds" on its back has to do with cupping. Perhaps someone can find a plant that looks like Sceppy's tail and has large yellow seeds?


#255 ;255; Torchic (Achamo) / #256 ;256; Combusken (Wakasyamo) / #257 ;257; Blaziken (Bursyamo):
English Name Origin

torchic:Combination of "torch", to burn, and "chick", as it's a baby bird. (Kutie Pie)
Combusken: Combination of "combust", to do with bursting into flame, and "chicken". Also a play on the word "combustion." (Kutie Pie)
Blaziken: Combination of "blaze", burning fire, and "chicken." (Kutie Pie)​

Japanese Name Origin

Achamo: Akachan (Baby), ?? Atsui (Hot; sometimes, when people get scalded, they'll exclaim "acha!" as an alternate saying to "atsui"), ?? Shamo (Game fowl).
Wakasyamo: Wakai (Young), ?? Shamo (Game fowl).
Bursyamo: Baba (Old woman, hag; Bursyamo does have white hair and is fully-evolved, plus I always personally felt he gave the impression of an elder martial arts master, so this could fit somewhat), ?? Shamo (Game fowl), and the English word "burn".​

Species
Chick and cockfighting chickens/harpy (Blaziken has some basis in the bantam rooster, and absol attacker suggested garuda ), resembles Horus or Ra


#258 ;258; Mudkip (Mizugorou) / #259 ;259; Marshtomp (Numacraw) / #260 ;260; Swampert (Laglarge):
English Name Origin

Mudkip: Broken down to "mud" and "skip", which refers to the animal it was based on, the "mud skipper." (Dramatic Melody)
Marshtomp: marsh is a muddy area, seeing as it's a water,ground type and tomp might refer to stomp, bringing your foot onto the ground hard and making a loud sound.
Swampert: swamp, a mucky watery area, and pert might refer to expert, because it's the final evolution. (Pokemaster001)​

Japanese Name Origin

Mizugorou: Mizu (Water), Mutsugorou (Pond-skipper, a species of mudskipper).
Numacraw: Numa (Swamp, bog, pond, lake, etc.), ? Kuro (Black), Mutsugorou (Pond-skipper, a species of mudskipper; note that the Japanese pronunciation, "Numakurou" ends with a "rou" like "mutsugorou"), and the English word "claw".
Laglarge: Based off the English words "lagoon", "large", and "rage".​

Species
Mudskippers /blue axolotls , and Swampert may have some bunyip in it


#261 ;261; Poochyena ( Pochiena) / #262 ; 262; Mightyena ( Graena):
English Name Origin

Poochyena: The "Poochy" means it's a puppy, or a small dog. The "ena" comes from Hyena. (the1stpkmnfan)
Mightyena: Might and the 'yena' of a hyena. (mitchlord)​

Japanese Name Origin

Pochiena: Pochi (A representative name for dogs. I think it's somehow based off of "poochy", a common dog name in English), ?? (another word for small), the English word "pouch", and the wild dog species "hyena".
Graena: Based off the English word "grand", and the wild dog species "hyena".​

Species
Brown hyenas (Cub) Beast of Gévaudan (thanks to GentleArtillery)


#263 ;263; Zigzagoon ( Jiguzaguma) / #264 ;264; Linoone ( Massuguma):
English Name Origin

Zigzagoon: "Zigzag" comes from its fur’s pattern, like a zigzag; "oon" is the ending part of "raccoon." (Fire Suicune)
Linoone: "Lin" comes from line; Linoone run in straight lines. "oone" comes from racoon, with an added 'e' at the end. (Fire Suicune)​

Japanese Name Origin

Jiguzaguma: Araiguma (Mainly refers to the Euroasian badger, but I hear it also refers to a raccoon), and the English word "zigzag".
Massuguma: Massugu (Straight, direct, etc.), Araiguma (Mainly refers to the Euroasian badger, but I hear it also refers to a raccooon).​

Species
Zigzagoon: Raccoon dog (aka tanuki)
Linoone: Zorilla


#265 ;265; Wurmple ( Kemusso) either #266 ;266; Silcoon ( Karasalis) / #267 ;267; Beautifly ( Agehunt) OR #268 ;268; Cascoon ( Mayuld) / #269 ;269; Dustox ( Dokucale):
English Name Origin

Wurmple:The 'wurm' comes from 'worm' since it shows that it's based on a worm. The enitre name could be coming from "worm hole," which is directly related to being made by a species of certain worms. Also gives it a hidden vowel change in the name. (the1stpkmnfan 12/28/08)
Silcoonormanteau of "silk" (which is what it's made of) and "cocoon" (Black Doom)
Beautifly:"Beauti" came from the word beautiful; "Fly" came from the word butterfly. In shorter terms of description, it is a beautiful butterfly.(starfire_jirachi)
Cascoon: Cas reffers to 'casket', wich is something that keeps people in. It is also a misspelling of the word 'cacoon' wich explains its bug type and shape. (Jdrawer)
Dustox: "Dust" are dry particles of matter; "Tox" came from the word toxic. This explains why Dustox flaps out toxic dust from its wings. (starfire_jirachi)​

Japanese Name Origin

Kemusso: Kemushi (Caterpillar), and the Italian word "rosso", which means "red".
Karasalis: Kara (Shell), and the English word "chrysalis".
Agehunt: Agehachou (Swallowtail butterfly), and the English word "hunt".
Mayuld: Mayu (Cocoon). Palette doesn't mention, but I think it may also be based off the English word "shield".
Dokucale: Doku (Poison), and the vegetable "cale", a type of cabbage. (Why not the english word, 'scale'?)​

Species
Wurmple, Silcoon/Cascoon: Stinging rose caterpillar ? and luna moth pupae in the early stages
Beautifly: Old world swallowtail butterfly
Dustox: Female luna moth with some male gypsy moth mixed in


#270 ;270; Lotad ( Hassboh) / #271 ;271; Lombre ( Hasubrero) / #272 ;272; Ludicolo ( Runpappa):
English Name Origin

Lotad:From 'Lota', a small round water container used in Southeast Asia. 'Tad' can mean a small amount or a small boy. It is known that Lotads are like water lilies, but Lotads are known to transport Pokemon on their heads, implying the 'container' part. (Grande Ball)
Lombre: "Lo" comes from lotus; the plant which it seems to have attached to it's head and "ombre" comes from "Hombre" which is the spanish word for man. This depicts Lombre as a "Lotus man". (Cousin_Dan 12/29/08)
Ludicolo: ”Ludicrous” + “Loco” with reversed syllables; Ludicolo is a weird, flat out, Pokemon. It's a Mexican Pokemon, thus, the loco, meaning crazy. (Alkaide)​

Japanese Name Origin

Hassboh: Hasu (Lotus), ??*? Boushi (Hat), ?? Bouzu (Buddhist priest). Palette doesn't mention it, but I think the "bouzu" part specifically refers to the "teruteru bouzu", which are little dolls people hang outside their windows in hopes of keeping rain away. Considering Hassboh is strengthened by rain in the games, it would make sense to be associated with rain.
Hasubrero: Hasu (Lotus), and the Mexican hat "sombrero".
Runpappa: Runrun kibun (A humming mood), ??? Happa (Leaf), Unpappa (Japanese children's song), and the dance style "rumba".​

Species
Lotad: Lilypad/chibi kappa ; may be a pun on "duckweed" (look at this anyway!)
Lombre: Lilypad/sombrero/stereotypical Mexican/kappa
Ludicolo: Dancing sombrero, pineapple, Mariachi, kappa-type thing


#273 ;273; Seedot ( Taneboh) / #274 ;274; Nuzleaf ( Konohana) / #275 ;275; Shiftry ( Dirteng):
English Name Origin

Seedot:The word "Seed" shows that Seedot is seen in the form of a Acorn Seed. The "Dot" reflects as something very small, and Seedot is the smallest from it's family evolution, and overall a small Pokemon. (the1stpkmnfan)
Nuzleaf: Comes from two words combined - "Nuz" and "Leaf." "Nuz" is the corrupted form of "Nose", referring to its unique nose. Leaf refers to the leaf on its head. (Shiny Trainer)
Shiftry: A combination of "shifty" meaning deceitful and "tree", referring to the fact that it is both Dark and Grass. (Manamanah 1/1/09)​

Japanese Name Origin

Taneboh: Tane (Seed), ?? Bouzu (Buddhist priest), and the English word "ball" (pronounced "bouru" in Japanese).
Konohana: Konohanazakura (A type of cherry blossom), ??? Konoha (Foliage), ? Hana (Nose), ? Hana (Flower)
Dirteng: Tengu (A type of long-nosed goblin of Japanese mythology), Tengudake (Amanita pantherina, or panther cap, a species of mushroom), "Daa!" (A cry made by pro-wrestler Antonio Inoki), and the English word "dark".​

Species
Seedot: Acorn
Nuzleaf/Shiftry: Konoha tengu


#276 ;276; Taillow ( Subame) / #277 ;277; Swellow ( Ohsubame):
English Name Origin

Taillow: "Tail reffers to its forked tail and "Low" reffers to the word "swallow," the animal it is based off. (Drake Pokétrainer 1/1/2009)
Swellow: It is based off of 'swallow' which is a species of bird that has forked tails, much like Swellow does. (Sapphire Phoenix)​

Japanese Name Origin

Subame: Tsubame (Swallow), ?*?? Subayai (Quick, agile, etc.), Suwarou (Japanese way of saying the English word "swallow"), and suzume (sparrow). I think Palette went a bit nuts with associating Subame with every little thing that starts with the letter "su", when "tsubame" and "subayai" look like they could've easily sufficed for name origins.
Ohsubame: Ookii (Large), Tsubame (Swallow), ?*?? Subayai (Quick, agile, etc.), Suwarou (Japanese way of saying the English word "swallow"), and suzume (sparrow). I think Palette went a bit nuts with associating Subame (and in essence, Ohsubame) with every little thing that starts with the letter "su", when "ookii", "tsubame", and "subayai" look like they could've easily sufficed for name origins.​

Species
Welcome swallow
Barn swallow


#278 ;278; Wingull ( Camome) / #279 ;279; Pelipper ( Pelipper):
English Name Origin

Wingull: A mix of the words wing and seagull. (Drake Pokétrainer)
Pelipper: a portmantue of the words 'pellican', the animal its based off of, and he 'liper' refferes to 'flipper', an action commonly used by pelicans. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Camome: Kamome (Seagull), and the English word "cat" (pronounced "kyatto" in Japanese). It's worth noting that "umineko" (which translates to "sea cat") is the Japanese name for the black-tailed gull. This is likely why Camome was given a partial cat basis (notice the ears on top of its head).
Pelipper: Based off the bird "pelican", and the English word "upper".​

Species
Gull, likely ring-billed & Pelican


#280 ;280; Ralts ( Ralts) / #281 ;281; Kirlia ( Kirlia) / #282 ;282; Gardevoir ( Sirnight) or (#475 Gallade):
English Name Origin

Ralts: A corruption of the word 'relates', which perfectly describes Ralts' ability to sense emotions using the horns on its head (as described in its Dex entries). It will show itself to cheerful people, but hide when it senses hostility. (Trynyti)
Kirlia: Its name is derived from Kirlian photography, which reveals unseen auras of supposed energy around its subject. However, it is argued that these auras are fake, created by electromagnetic technology. How does this relate to Kirlia? Its Sapphire Dex entry mentions that it has the power to distort the air around it with its psychokinetic powers, therefore creating mirages. (Trynyti)
Gardevoir: Its name is derived purely from the French language - Garde(r) is 'to guard/keep', referring to how it will give up its life to protect its trainer, and voir is 'to see', referring to its Psychic type and powers, and the ability to see the future. (Trynyti )​

Japanese Name Origin

Ralts: Palette says that ?? "raru" (I don't know how to properly romanize that) is a word for "relieving emotions". If anyone knows about this word, and perhaps whatever language it's from, help would be appreciated.
Kirlia: Based off of "kirlian photography", a special type of photography that supposedly captures the aura that a person or thing emmits.
Sirnight: Based off the English words "sir", "knight", and "night".​

Species
A tomboy, a ballerina, and a fairy tale princess/adult graceful woman dancer


#283 ;283; Surskit ( Ametama) / #284 ;284; Masquerain (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Surskit: A combination of 'surface' - "it lives on the water surface" - and 'skit' that probably comes from the word "pond skater", the animal it is based off. (Drake Pokétrainer 1/1/2009)
Masquerain: A portmantue of the words 'masquarade', a party wear people wear masks, refering to the shape on its face, and 'rain', refering to its ability to cause raing (dex entry). (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Ametama: Amenbo (Pond skater), ? Tama (Ball), ? Ame (Rain), ?? Amedama (Hard candy).
Amemoth: Amenbo (Pond skater), ? Ame (Rain), and the English word "moth". Palette also mentions ????? Mousu koudo (Moh's hardness scale), but given how frail Amemoth is, I seriously doubt that.​

Species
Surskit: Pondskater /harvestman
Masquerain: Lanternfly with eye mimicry

 

[Porygandrew]

#285 ;285; Shroomish ( Kinococo) / #286 ;286; Breloom ( Kinogassa):
English Name Origin

Shroomish: "Shroom" obviously comes from "mushroom", which is what Shroomish is. "Ish", as a suffix, means "like", which makes Shroomish "mushroom-like". (Dramatic Melody)
Breloom: A portmanteau of umbrella, referring to its cap, and mushroom, which it is based on. (~Magic Thunderbolt~)​

Japanese Name Origin

Kinococo: Kinoko (Mushroom), ?*?? Kodomo (Child).
Kinogassa: Kinoko kasa (Mushroom cap).​

Species
Shroomish: Mushroom
Breloom: Othnelia /kangaroo?/mushroom


#287 ;287; Slakoth ( Namakero) / #288 ;288; Vigoroth ( Yarukimono) / #289 ;289; Slaking ( Kekking):
English Name Origin

Slakoth:A portmanteau of Slack, referring to its lazy nature, and sloth, which it looks like. (~Magic Thunderbolt~)
Vigoroth: A portmanteau of Vigor, referring to its hyperactive nature, and sloth. (~Magic Thunderbolt~)
Slaking: A portmateau of Slack, referring to its laziness, and King, referring to its role as a leader of a group of Slakoth and Vigoroth. May also refer to its regal laziness. (~Magic Thunderbolt~)​

Japanese Name Origin

Namakero: Namakero (A form of "namakeru", which means "to neglect").
Yarukimono: Yaruki (Vigorous), ?*?? Namakemono (Lazy person), and Namakemono (Sloth, the animal). Palette doesn't mention it, but "mono" isn't part of the word namakemono. "Mono" actually means "thing", so namakemono is literally "lazy thing", and "Yarukimono" should mean "vigorous thing".
Kekking: Kekkin (Absence from work), and the English word "king".​

Species
Slakoth: Sloth
Vigoroth: Sloth, Megalonychid ground sloth (info on Megalonychids and Megatherium )
Slaking: Megatherium/gorilla


#290 ;290; Nincada ( Tutinin) / #291 ; 291; Ninjask ( Tekkanin) and #292 ;292; Shedinja ( Nukenin):
English Name Origin

Nincada: A fusion of the words "Ninja" (A stealthy warrior used in wars in Japan hundreds of years ago, may have somthing to do with it's evolutions) and "Cicada' (Nincada is based on Cicada larvae, a Cicada is a type of insect, Nincada is a bug type). (~Spacial_Rendation~)
Ninjask: Combination of the words "ninja" and "mask." (trixie08)
Shedinja: Combination of the words "shed" and "ninja", the shed being because it is the skin shed of a cicada. (trixie08)​

Japanese Name Origin

Tutinin: Tsuchi (Earth, soil, etc.), ?? Ninja.
Tekkanin: Tekka (Ironwork), ??? Tekkamen (Iron mask), ?? Ninja.
Nukenin: Nukegara (Shedding skin), ??? Nukenin (To reveal; this is a violation of ninja law), ?? Ninja.​

Species
Nincada: Cicada nymph (the Pokémon Zoology page points out that Paras more correctly represents one)
Ninjask: Adult cicada
Shedinja: A shed cicada exoskeleton


#293 ;293; Whismur ( Gonyonyo) / #294 ;294; Loudred ( Dogohmb) / #295 ;295; Exploud ( Bakuong):
English Name Origin

Whismur:Broken down to "whisper" and "murmur", which both refer to soft sounds that it makes. (Dramatic Melody)
Loudred: A mix of the words Loud and Dread. The sound it makes is very loud so people dread or dislike the sound. (Pika-Freaka)
Exploud: Comes from a combination of the words "explode" and "loud", referring to its 'explosive' or 'loud' voice. (flyboy1308)​

Japanese Name Origin

Gonyonyo: Gonyo (Speaking voice).
Dogohmb: Dogou (Angry roar, bellow, etc.), ?? Gouon (Booming sound), and the English words "doom" and "dome" (as in a baseball stadium, which are usually pretty loud and have loud-speakers and such).
Bakuong: Bakuou (Bombing sound, see Typhlosion), and the English word "king".​

Species
Whismur: Jar/rabbit? Family is based on sound getting progressively louder
Loudred: Boombox (it has woofers for ears).... absol attacker thinks that there's some Taz in it
Exploud: Pipe organ, also some howler monkey


#296 ;296; Makuhita ( Makunoshita) / #297 ;297; Hariyama ( Hariteyama):
English Name Origin

Makuhita: Romanization of its Japanese name.
Hariyama: Romanization of its Japanese name.​

Japanese Name Origin

Makunoshita: Makushita (Under curtains, like in a play), and putting "no" in the middle, if I'm reading Palette right, is something that sumo wrestlers commonly do when they use a stage name.
Hariteyama: Harite (Extending hands), ? Yama (Mountain). If I'm reading Palette right, "yama" is commonly used by sumo wrestlers that have a stage name.​

Species
Sumo wrestlers


#298 ;298; Azurill ( Ruriri) / (#183 Marril) / (#184 Azurril):
English Name Origin

Azurill: The beginning of the name 'Azu' is also the beginning of the Spanish word for the color blue, 'azul'. The pokémon Azurill is blue. The 'rill' could be the end of a rodent type in the Muridae family, called the Robbin's Tateril. The double L looks better and is for easier pronunciation. (riolulu)​

Japanese Name Origin

Ruriri: Ruri (Lapis lazuli).​

Species
Unevolved Marill->mouse? (They were just working backwards.)


#299 ;299; Nosepass ( Nosepass) / (#476 Probopass):
English Name Origin

Nosepass: Pormanteau of "Nose" and "Compass." (Black Doom)​

Japanese Name Origin

Nosepass: Based off the English words "nose", "nozzle", "compass", and "north".​

Species
Moai/compass


#300 ;300; Skitty ( Eneco) / #301 ;301; Delcatty ( Enekororo):
English Name Origin

Skitty: Pormanteau of "skitish" (describing it's nature) and "kitty" (name for a baby cat). (Black Doom)
Delcatty: A portmanteu of the words 'delicate', as delcatty is a delicate, fancy cat, and 'catty'/'cat', the animal delcatty is based off of. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Eneco: Ieneko (I might be reading the first kanji wrong, but nontheless, it means "house cat"), ?*?? Koneko (Kitten), and the English word "energy".
Enekororo: Ieneko (I might be reading the first kanji wrong, but nontheless, it means "house cat"), ?*?? Koneko (Kitten), ???? Nekorogaru (Rolling in one's sleep), Enokorogusa (Foxtail grass), and the English word "energy".​

Species
Cats


#302 ;302; Sableye (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Sableye: A portmanteau of the words "Sable" (referring to is black-ish color), and "Eye" (referring to its unique diamond-shaped eyes). (Shiny Trainer)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:​

Species
Troll/goblin

#303 ;303; Mawile (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Mawile: From 'maw' which means an animal's mouth, or a greedy person's mouth.
'Wile' means trick. Mawiles are known as 'the Deceivers'. It tricks a foe into fleeing by turning its back and making it look more vicious than it really is. (Grande Ball )​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:​

Species
Bear trap, Futakuchi-onna(why didn't I see this one before >.<)
Aron: Funky protoceratops-type thing

#304 ;304; Aron (JPNName) / #305 ;305; Lairon (JPNName) / #306 ;306; Aggron (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Aron: Corruption of the word "armor" & "iron." (Drake Pokétrainer)
Lairon: A combination of the words lairy or lair (because it lives in a cave and that is its lair, or home, or territory; and iron (as in, its body as it is completely made of iron).(loonatic)
Aggron: A mix of "aggressive" and "iron." (Drake Pokétrainer)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Aron: tiny ceratopsian
Lairon: Bigger funky ceratopsian
Aggron: Diceratops

#307 ;307; Meditite (JPNName) / #308 ;308; Medicham (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Meditite: Purposeful misspelling of the word “meditate.” (starfire_jirachi)
Medicham: ”Meditate” + “Champion”; Medicham meditates, and is a fighting type, implying the champion part. (Alkaide)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Yogis


#309 ;309; Electrike (JPNName) / #310 ;310; Manectric (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Electrike: Corruption of the word "electric." (Drake Pokétrainer)
Manectric: "Mane" refers to the yellow fur around it's head (its Mane) and "ectric" is just from electric, it's type. (Tyranitarphantom)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Electrike: ? (stromdusk suggested Parson Jack Russell terrier)
Manectric: German shepherd? (and quilava plush suggested maned wolf, but I have a stronger feeling toward the G.S.). If anything, it's at least canine-based. Also based on the raiju


#311 ;311; Plusle (JPNName) and #312 ;312; Minun (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Plusle: Explanation/Origin: Comes from plus, a reference to its positive charge, and also the fact that its red markings represent the color assigned to the positive pole of many magnets (it has nothing to do with maths). The -le suffix, combined with the rest of its name, could be a corruption of pulse, relating to its electrical abilities. (Pink Parka Girl December 29, 2008)
Minun: Comes from minus, a reference to its negative charge, and also the fact that its blue markings represent the color assigned to the negative pole of many magnets (it has nothing to do with maths). The -un suffix could be a corruption of ohm,a unit of electrical resistance. (Pink Parka Girl December 29 2008)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Plusle: Rodent/lagomorph+positive charge
Minun: Rodent/lagomorph+negative charge


#313 ;313; Volbeat (JPNName) and #314 ;314; Illumise (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Volbeat: Volbeat's name is a mixture of "volt," because it's a firefly, and "beetle" because fireflies are a type of beetle. (Manamanah)
Illumise: Illumise's name is a mixture of "illuminate" because it's a firefly, and the english suffix "-ise" which means to become or cause to become. So Illumise's name is "causes light/illumination." (Manamanah )​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Fireflies / Lightning Bugs

(#406 Budew) / #315 ;315; Roselia (JPNName) / (#407 Roserade):
English Name Origin

Roselia: "Rose" for the flowers that form it's hands, "elia" or "lia" for "leia", the suffix to the genus of flowers known as "Buddleia" (Tyranitarphantom)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:​

Species
Woodland sprite/roses


#316 ;316; Gulpin (JPNName) / #317 ;317; Swalot (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Gulpin: A combination of the words "gulp" and "in", which literally refers to how it "gulps in". (AEROBLASTER)
Swalot: A mix of "swallow" and "alot." (Drake Pokétrainer)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Stomachs, blob fish (sidenote: blob fish are part of a family of bottom-dwelling fish called 'sculpins')

#318 ;318; Carvanha (JPNName) / #319 ;319; Sharpedo (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Carvanha: The first three letters supposedly refers to the word carnivore; "Vanha" is a partial slight misspelling that came from the word piranha, which are sharptoothed tropical fish known to often attack animals. (starfire_jirachi)
Sharpedo: 'Shar-' is short for 'shark' in which Sharpedo is suppose to be based off of, and '-pedo' is taken from 'torpedo' which are weapons that are shot in the water to destroy enemy ships, much like how Sharpedo speeds through the water to destroy the hulls of ships. (Sapphire Phoenix)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Carvanha: Red-bellied piranha
Sharpedo: Great white shark/ocean sunfish/Mola Mola. It's name (samehada) comes from a legend based on the Isonade - "Samehada" is Isonade's Subordinate. 'Samehada' means Shark-Skin.

#320 ;320; Wailmer (JPNName) / #321 ; 321; Wailord (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Wailmer: The "Wail" means that Wailmer is a Whale. The "Mer" comes from French, as a term for the sea, used in compounds such as mermaid, merman, merwoman, merbabies, merfolk. (the1stpkmnfan )
Wailord: It is a portmanteau of the way you say Whale (the animal it was based on) which is "Wail", and "Lord", referring to the fact that it is the biggest Pokemon. (Shiny Trainer)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Wailmer: Blue whale/ball
Wailord: Blue whale/basilosaurus/blimp

#322 ; 322; Numel (JPNName) / #323 ; 323; Camerupt (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Numel: Portmanteau of "numb" and"camel." (starfire_jirachi)
Camerupt: Portmanteau of "camel" and "erupt." (BCVM22)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Numel: Dromedary (Arabian) camel (the two major types of camel ) / Tyrannotaur states that the volcano is specifically a dome volcano . The green part resembles moss or foliage growing on the volcano.
Camerupt: Bactrian camel/shield volcano


#324 ;324; Torkoal (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Torkoal: "Tor" came from the word tortoise; "koal" is a purposeful misspelling of the word coal. In shorter terms of description...a tortoise possibly made of coal. (starfire_jirachi)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:​

Species
Red-foot tortoise /coal - Also the Kotasu

#325 ;325; Spoink (JPNName) / #326 ;326; Grumpig (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Spoink: Derived from "spring" (as in a bed spring; referring to the shape of it tail, which is an exaggeration of what real-life pigs' tails look like and also the way it uses its coiled tail to bounce; hence it being the Bounce Pokemon) and "oink" (an onomatopoeia of the sound a pig makes). (loonatic)
Grumpig: Comes from a combination of the words "grunt" and "pig." When it is using its psychic abilities, it grunts, according to its Pokédex entry. (Manamanah 12/30/08)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Pigs (maybe somebody saw this website ! XD), perhaps the biblical "neither cast ye your pearls before swine" (Matthew 7:6) was snuck in there as well


#327 ;327; Spinda (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Spinda: Refers to spin, as its a dizzy panda, hence the swirly eyes. (derkins)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:​

Species
A drunk, tiny, pinkish and tan panda?/teddy bear brought to life? Could have gotten its red color from the Red Panda or it could be part of getting a red face from drinking a lot, a concept (being drunk) that's part of Drunken Boxing. Why a panda? Who knows...

#328 ;328; Trapinch (JPNName) / #329 ;329; Vibrava (JPNName) / #330 ;330; Flygon (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Trapinch: A portmantue of the words 'trap', refering to its sand trap ability, and 'pinch' refering to its biting ability wich feels like a pinch. (Jdrawer)
Vibrava: The "Vibr" come from 'vibrate', as it is the Vibration Pokémon, and the "ava" comes from either "aviator", from its ability to fly, or "larva" since it is not yet fully evolved. (Manamanah 3/4/09)
Flygon: 'Fly-' comes from the 'fly' the kind of bug (the red shields on Flygon's eyes that protect against sandstorms are in the same shape of a Fly's eyes), and '-gon' comes from 'dragon', in which Flygon gets it's type from. (Sapphire Phoenix)​

Japanese Name Origin

JPNName:
JPNName:
JPNName:​

Species
Trapinch: Antlion larva
Vibrava: Adult antlion /faerie dragon
Flygon: Green lacewing /faerie dragon


#331 ;331; Cacnea ( Sabonea) / #332 ;332; Cacturne ( Noctus):
English Name Origin

Cacnea: A combination of "Cactus", creating the "Cac", and "Needle", creating the "Nea". Which shows that Cacnea is a small cactus and has needles, plus knows needle-like attacks. (the1stpkmnfan)
Cacturne: Comes from the words, "cactus" because Cacturne is a cactus, and "nocturne" meaning at night (Cacturne is a Dark type pokemon). (Argon)​

Japanese Name Origin

Sabonea: Saboten (Cactus), and "columnea", a type of plant from the American tropics.
Noctus: Noku (To step back, to get out of the way, etc.), and the English words "nocturnal" and "cactus".​

Species
Cacnea: Barrel cactus
Cacturne: Saguaro cactus/scarecrow

 

[Porygandrew]

#333 ;333; Swablu ( Tyltto) / #334 ;334; Altaria (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Swablu: Swab as in cotton swab and blue (Mr.Mudkip)
Altaria: The aria most likely refers to its ability to learn perish song, an "ending piece of an opera"] (Mr. Mudkip)
*'Aria' which is Latin for 'air'. (sanjay120)
*Derives from "altitude" (referring to the fact that it is able to fly) and "aria" (an air, tune, or melody sung solo in an opera; referring to the humming it does with its soprano voice) (loonatic)​

Japanese Name Origin

Tyltto: Based off of "Chiruchiru to Michiru" (Chiruchiru and Michiru), which, according to Palette's description, are two heroes mentioned in a lucky bluebird's song. Further info on this would be appreciative.
Tyltalis: Based off of "Chiruchiru to Michiru" (Chiruchiru and Michiru), which, according to Palette's description, are two heroes mentioned in a lucky bluebird's song. Also, Palette has "??*???????". Pronounced "(Shiin+a) risu", translated "(consonant+a) risu)". I don't know what the hell that is, but "risu" is the end of Tyltalis's name when written in Japanese. Further info on both of these would be appreciative.​

Species
Swablu: White-winged fairy-wren (1 2 )/cotton
Altaria: Golden fleece-guarding dragon?/white-winged fairy-wren/cotton/cloud


#335 ;335; Zangoose ( Zangoose) and #336 ;336; Seviper ( Habunake):
English Name Origin

Zangoose: A portmanteau of Zigzag + mongoose. Zigzag likely refers to the zigzag mark on its body. Mongoose is the animal it was based on. (Shiny Trainer)
Seviper: Comes from Sever, meaning to cut, wich is the reason for sevipers knifelike tail and fangs, and viper, a type of snake, the animal its based off of. (Jdrawer)​

Japanese Name Origin

Zangoose: Zan (To behead), and the animal "mongoose".
Habunake: Based off of "habu", a type of pit viper found in the Ryukyu islands south of Japan, and the English word "snake".​

Species
Zangoose: A mongoose/cat. The rivalry with Seviper is based on how mongooses can sometimes eat snakes. (Remember The Ghost of Maiden's Peak ?)
Seviper: Seviper: A viper called habu


#337 ; 337; Lunatone ( Lunatone) and #338 ; 338; Solrock ( Solrock):
English Name Origin

Lunatone: A combination of 'Luna'; the first four letters from the word 'Lunar' which means to do with the moon and 'tone' which is from the word stone. (~Cousin_Dan)
Solrock: A combination of 'Sol' which is the first three letters from the word 'solar'; an adjective meaning from or to do with the sun and the word 'Rock'. (~Cousin_Dan)​

Japanese Name Origin

Lunatone: Based off of "luna", the Spanish word for moon, and the English word "stone".
Solrock: Based off of "sol", the Spanish word for sun, and the English word "rock".​

Species
Moon & Sun

#339 ;339; Barboach ( Dojorch) / #340 ;340; Whiscash (JPNName):
English Name Origin

Barboach: A portmanteau of "barb", referring to the barbs on its body and "loach", the type of fish it's based on. (trixie08)
Whiscash: A combination of the words "whisker", because it has whiskers, and the "cash" part is possibly an abbreviation of the word "catfish". Whiscash looks like a catfish. (trixie08 )​

Japanese Name Origin

Dojorch: Dojou (Loach), the English word "catch", and some thing called ??? "katchi". I don't know how to properly romanize that, but Palette's description says it's a "fishnet antiseptic"(?). Any info would be appreciative.
Namazun: Namazu (Catfish).​

Species
Barboach: Loach/(mudfish [info ]/mud-minnow )
Whiscash: Legend of a giant catfish who causes earthquakes (and maybe the wels cat [1 2 ])

Corphish/Crawdaunt: Crayfish
Baltoy: Shakou /spinning top
Claydol: Shakou
Lileep/Cradily: Coral polyps (1 2 )/crinoids (sea lilies), or tunicate.
Anorith/Armaldo: Anomalocaris
Feebas: An odd bass? It looks a lot like this red-bellied piranha to me....
Milotic: Sea serpent/siren with greatly enlongated gills (if you want to Google image search a siren, search "sirenidae"), and it could perhaps be Magikarp/Gyarados' opposite
Castform: Cloud, weather conditions
Kecleon: Chameleon, Crested Gecko [1]
Shuppet: A haunted tissue ghost
Banette: A haunted marionette and voodoo doll.
Duskull: Grim reaper sans scythe/Hitotsume-Kozou/Dokuro
Dusclops: Mummy-wrapped cyclops-ghoul
Tropius: Apatosaurus /banana tree
Chimecho: One of those wind chimes that look like an upside-down cup with a tassel/paper hanging out of it (something like this , but different)
Absol: Barghest , perhaps with some mountain goat
Wynaut: Small punching bag? It's in the sillohuette of a person shrugging. Also based on a Japanese comedian?
Snorunt: A person wearing a straw blanket thing (pic from Zeta), or perhaps ]ame-furi-koz?
Glalie: Getter Robo head/hail
Spheal: Spotted seal with ears/ball (sea lions have external ear projections and real seals don't)
Sealeo: Harbor seal
Walrein: Walrus
Clamperl: Giant clam
Huntail: Gulper Eel (1 2 )/Viperfish
Gorebyss: Oarfish /pipefish, or chimera (thanks to Absol Attacker)
Relicanth: Coelacanth
Luvdisc: Discus fish / kissing gourami / "heart" shape
Bagon: Baby western dragon and perhaps Pachycephalosaurus
Shelgon: Dragon cocoon?
Salamence: Adult western dragon/Devilman
Beldum/Metang/Metagross: Sci-fi invader robots? Beldum, at least according to its name, may be based on a dumbbell; ?Ins0mnIac? has pointed out that Metang looks like this thing from Gundam (what's it called?) and Metagross looks like a Tektite from one of the Zelda games
Regirock/Regice/Registeel: Jewish golems with braille eyes
Latias/Latios: Dragons/jet planes? Stylized griffins?
Kyogre/Groudon: An orca and an upright armadillo lizard (1 2 ) cast in roles vaguely similar to the Biblical Leviathan and Behemoth, respectively
Rayquaza: Eastern dragon (that looks somewhat like a lindworm) cast in a role vaguely similar to the Ziz , to complete the Behemoth/Leviathan/Ziz motif
Jirachi: Tanabata festival/genie (Jirachi has three green tanzaku on it)
Deoxys: Humanoid alien/mutated virus-DNA.... Kthleen's brother thinks it looks like an orbital frame from Zone of the Enders. Red Baron, 2

 

[Pyrax]

As well as weather conditions and weather balloons, Castform is also based on the Teru Teru Bozu, which is usually made from cloth and hanged by a string. It's an "amulet" which supposedly brings good weather and prevents bad weather.

Altaria's name may also refer to Altair, which is the brighest star in the Aquila constellation.

 

[Porygandrew]

Yeah, I lost my second-half of 3rd gen information but yes on both of your observations.

 

[MugoUrth]

Seriously? Everyone calls Gligar a Scorpion/Bat/Gargoyle hybrid? No one has a specific name for it? I'm sure Gamefreak would be more creative than to smush a bunch of creatures together into one with no back-story.

Also, I think their's more to Gardevoir's design origin than just being a ballerina dancer.

 

[XXD17]

Seriously? Everyone calls Gligar a Scorpion/Bat/Gargoyle hybrid? No one has a specific name for it? I'm sure Gamefreak would be more creative than to smush a bunch of creatures together into one with no back-story.

Also, I think their's more to Gardevoir's design origin than just being a ballerina dancer.

well if you must have a name then call it a chimera (a mixture of different creatures)...a lot of pokemon are mixtures of multiple creatures and animals...bidoof, for example, is a gopher/ aplodontia and a beaver...with some cavy thrown in hence the tail-lessness...

 

[MugoUrth]

well if you must have a name then call it a chimera (a mixture of different creatures)...a lot of pokemon are mixtures of multiple creatures and animals...bidoof, for example, is a gopher/ aplodontia and a beaver...with some cavy thrown in hence the tail-lessness...

It's mostly because of the third boss in CastleVania: Bloodlines (If anyone has played Portrait of Ruins, PofR is the sequel to Bloodlines) is pretty similar to Gligar. But as far as I know, they just call it "Gargoyle Bat" in that game. But even then, I have a feeling there is a specific name for it.

 

[Profesco]

Either use the "Animals that aren't Pokemon yet" thread (which catalogues all design bases, not just animals) or the Pokemon Questions thread.