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Natsuki March 24th, 2005 12:43 PM

Pokemon Name Meanings
 
Bulbasaur bulb(ous) + dinosaur
Ivysaur ivy + dinosaur
Venusaur venus (fly trap) + dinosaur
Charmander char + salamander
Charmeleon char + chameleon
Charizard char + lizard
Squirtle squirt + turtle
Wartortle war + tortoise + turtle
Blastoise blast + tortoise
Caterpie caterpillar + pie (as in 'cutie-pie')
Metapod metamorphosis + pod
Butterfree butterfly + free
Weedle weevil + needle
Kakuna cocoon
Beedrill bee + drill
Pidgey pidgeon
Pidgeotto pidgeon
Pidgeot - pidgeon
Rattata - rat
Raticate eradicate + rat
Spearow spear + sparrow
Fearow fear + sparrow
Ekans snake backwards
Arbok cobra backwards
Pikachu pika (Japanese onomotopoeia for "Light Sparks.") + chu (Sound a mouse makes.)
Raichu rai (meaning thunder) + chu
Sandshrew sand+ shrew
Sandslash sand + slash
Nidoran ♀ - needle
Nidorina needle + a to distinguish femininity
Nidoqueen needle + queen
Nidoran ♂ - needle
Nidorino needle + o to distinguish masculinity
Nidoking needle + king
Clefairy clef (as in music) + fairy
Clefable clef + fable
Vulpix vulpine (fox) + six (tails)
Ninetales nine + tails
Jigglypuff jiggly + puff
Wigglytuff - wiggly + tough/tuff as in tuffet/tuft
Zubat - bat
Golbat - gol ("Good as Gold" or gulp.) + bat
Oddish odd + radish
Gloom gloom or gloom(y) + bloom
Vileplume vile + plume
Paras - parasite
Parasect parasite + insect
Venonat venom + gnat
Venomoth venom + moth
Meowth - meow
Persian Persian cat
Psyduck psychic + duck
Golduck - gol ("Good as Gold.") + duck
Mankey - monkey
Primeape primate + ape
Poliwag comes from the word "pollywog" (another name for a tadpole; not certain about spelling)
Poliwhirl tadpole + whirl
Poliwrath tadpole + wrath
Abra magic word
Kadabra magic word
Alakazam magic word
Machop macho + chop
Machoke macho + choke (as in chokehold?)
Machamp macho + champion
Bellsprout bell (as in the plant) + sprout
Weepinbell weeping + bell
Victreebel victory + tree + bell
Tentacool tentacle + cool
Tentacruel tentacle + cruel
Geodude geode + dude
Graveler gravel + er
Golem a golem
Ponyta pony + tail
Rapidash rapid + dash
Slowpoke a slow poke
Slowbro slow + brother
Magnemite magnetic + mite (suffix for some metallic materials)
Magneton magnet + proton?
Farfetchd derived from far-fetched meaning impossible/unusual
Doduo dodo + duo
Dodrio dodo + trio
Seel seal
Dewgong - dew + dugong (kind of manatee)
Grimer grime + slimmer (kind of mold)
Muk muck (like mud or grime)
Shellder shell + oyster
Cloyster clamp + oyster
Gastly gas + ghastly
Haunter haunt
Gengar in Japanese has to do with something you say after you play a prank on someone or Dopplegengar, a ghost that lurks in the shadows and copies people
Onix onyx, a type of mineral
Drowzee drowsy
Hypno - hypnosis
Krabby crab + crabby
Kingler king + angler
Voltorb volt + orb
Electrode an electrode
Exeggcute execute + egg
Exeggcutor executor + egg
Cubone cueball + bone
Marowak - marrow (as in bone marrow) + whack
Hitmonlee hitman/ hit + mon as in monster + lee (Bruce Lee)
Hitmonchan hitman/hit + mon + chan (Jackie Chan)
Lickitung lick + it (lick it!) + tongue
Koffing coughing
Weezing (the name says it all)
Rhyhorn rhinoceros + horn
Rhydon rhinoceros + don (which means tooth in Latin, used kinda like the way they name dinosaurs)
Chansey chancey (as in gambler)
Tangela tangle
Kangaskhan Genghis Khan (Mongolian leader who took over the largest amount of land ever) + kangaroo
Horsea sea horse combined together
Seadra sea dragon
Goldeen goldfish + queen
Seaking sea + king
Staryu starfish + you (in the cartoon it seems to say hey ya! as in hey you or hey yall )
Starmie starfish + me (in the cartoon it seems to say who? which kinda responds to what Staru says)
Mr. Mime its a mime
Jynx a jinx
Electabuzz electric + buzz
Magmar - magma
Pinsir - pincer
Tauros a bull as in Taurus
Magikarp magic + carp (despite being a carp, it isnt very magical)
Gyarados ???
Lapras derived from its Japanese name "Laplace" named after a scientist who studied the waves...
Ditto derived from ditto which basically is a copy of the aforementioned phrase
Eevee - phonetic pronunciation of "EV" the first two letters in "evolve"
Vaporeon water vapor + eon
Jolteon jolt + eon
Flareon flare + eon
Porygon polygon (possibly a Japanese Americanized name, because sometimes words with the letters ru translate to l ex. Mariru = Marill)
Omanyte an ammonite (an ancient seashell mollusk, looks almost like a nautilus)
Omastar ammonite + star
Kabuto a kabuto (a Japanese helmet)
Kabutops kabuto + tops
Aerodactyl aero (prefix for air) + dactyl (suffix for wing)
Snorlax snore + relax
Articuno - artic + uno (Spanish for one)
Zapdos zap + dos (Spanish for two)
Moltres molten + tres (Spanish for three)
Dratini dragon + tiny
Dragonair dragon + air
Dragonite dragon + knight (it represents the dragons that fought knights in the middle ages)
Mewtwo mew as in meow + two
Mew mew (sound a cat makes)
Chikorita Chicory + ita (a Spanish suffix showing a small, feminine, cute, or beloved description of the word added to)
Bayleef bayleaf
Meganium mega + geranium (a kind of flower)
Cyndaquil cinder + quill
Quilava quill + lava
Typhlosion typhoon + explosion (personally I think it should be something like Volquill)
Totodile toddler (tot) + o + crocodile
Croconaw crocodile + gnaw
Feraligatr feral + alligator
Sentret sentry + ferret
Furret fur + ferret
Hoothoot hoot + hootits making a noise, like an owl?
Noctowl nocturnal + owl
Ledyba ladybug the g
Ledian ladybug + alien
Spinarak spinneret + arachnid
Ariados arachnid + ???
Crobat cross + bat (I've also heard crowbar + bat)
Chinchou - (might have to do something with the Chinese lanterns they send down rivers at certain ceremonies)
Lanturn - lantern
Pichu chu + pi (cute or little)
Cleffa clef + fa (As in Do Re Me Fa So La Ti Do.)
Igglybuff iggly (Cute baby word?) + buff (Tough)
Togepi - Toge is the Japanese word for "spike" or "needle"... And I think "pi" means either cute or little... (which explains Pichu)
Togetic - Toge is the Japanese word for "spike" or "needle"... + chick, since its japanese name is Togechikku, and "chikku" could also be written as "chick" (why the official translation is "tic", I have no idea).
Natu - names sound Native American or which makes sense due to the pattern on Natu's stomach; can be part of Aztec language
Xatu - names sound Native American which makes sense due to the pattern on Xatu's stomach; can be part of Aztec language
Mareep Mare + sheep
Flaaffy fluffy + baa
Ampharos amp + pharos (the legendary lighthouse of Alexandria, explains why it is used in the Olivine lighthouse)
Bellossom bell + blossom
Marill rill + mar (Spanish for "sea")
Azumarill azure + rill + mar (spanish for "sea")
Sudowoodo pseudo (prefix meaning "kinda, but not quite" or "false") + wood
Politoed tadpole + toad
Hoppip hop + pip (kind of seed)
Skiploom skip + bloom
Jumpluff jump + fluff/luff (the act of facing the wind)
Aipom ape + palm
Sunkern sun + kernel
Sunflora sun + flora (meaning flower)
Yanma I think its the Jap. Name for dragonflies
Wooper woop + er
Quagsire quagmire + sire
Espeon E.S.P. + eon
Umbreon umbra + eon
Murkrow murk + crow
Slowking slow + king
Misdreavus mischievous + dread
Unown unknownthats it
Wobbuffet wobbly + tuffet
Girafarig giraffe spelled the same forward and backward (I forgot what those words are called, like the word radar)
Pineco pinecone the ne
Forretress forret (French word for forest) + fortress
Gligar glide + ???
Dunsparce dune (like a sand dune) + sparce
Steelix steel + onyx
Snubbull snub + bull
Granbull bull + grand
Qwilfish quill + fish
Scizor scissor
Shuckle shuck + huckleberry (because it stores berries in its shell)
Heracross Heracles (Hercules) + cross
Sneasel sneak + weasel
Teddiursa teddy + ursa (means bear)
Ursaring ursa + ring
Slugma slug + magma
Magcargo magma + escargot ([fried] snail)
Swinub swine + snub
Piloswine a plie of swine (it was the best I had)
Corsola coral + ???
Remoraid remora + raid/aid
Octillery octopus + artillery
Delibird delivery + bird
Mantine manta + marine
Skarmory scar/sky + armor
Houndour hound + devour
Houndoom hound + doom
Kingdra king + dragon
Phanpy elephant + impish? (impy)
Porygon2 polygon + 2
Stantler staring + antler
Smeargle smear + beagle
Tyrogue tyrant + rogue
Hitmontop (see other Hitmons) + top
Smoochum smooch + chum/em
Elekid electric + kid
Magby magma + baby
Miltank milk + tank
Blissey bliss (or blissful)
Raikou directly romanized versions of theirapanese names
Entei - directly romanized versions of theirapanese names
Suicune - directly romanized versions of theirapanese names
Larvitar larva + tar
Pupitar pupa + tar
Tyranitar tyrant + tar
Lugia - directly romanized versions of theirapanese names
Ho-oh - comes from Houou, a type of phoenix
Celebi celestial + being
Treecko tree + gecko
Grovyle grove + reptile
Sceptile sceptor or forceps + reptile
Torchic torch + chick
Combusken combust + chicken
Blaziken blaz(e/ing) + chicken
Mudkip mud + skip (or mudskipper, a kind of fish)
Marshtomp march or marsh + stomp
Swampert swamp + rampart
Poochyena poochy + hyena
Mightyena mighty + hyena
Zigzagoon zig-zag + raccoon
Linoone line + raccoon
Wurmple worm + apple
Silcoon silk + cocoon
Beautifly beautiful + butterfly
Cascoon cast/casket + cocoon
Dustox dust + toxic
Lotad lotus + tadpole
Lombre the Spanish word "hombre" actually means "man", which makes sense because the Pokedex says that it looks like a human child...
Ludicolo a play on "Rudicolo" the spanish word for rediculous
Seedot seed + dot
Nuzleaf nuzzle + leaf
Shiftry shift + tree
Nincada ninja + cicada
Ninjask ninja + mask
Shedinja shed + ninja
Taillow tail + swallow
Swellow swell + swallow
Shroomish mushroom + ish "like a shroom"
Breloom umbrella + mushroom
Spinda spin + panda
Wingull wing + seagull
Pelipper pelican + flipper
Surskit surface + skit
Masquerain masquerade + rain
Wailmer wale + wail + mermaid
Wailord wale + wail + lord
Skitty skittish + kitty
Delcatty delicate + cat + kitty
Kecleon romanization of its japanese name, Kakureon; that name comes from kakureru (to conceal oneself) + chameleon
Baltoy balance/baltic + toy
Claydol clay + doll
Nosepass nose + compass
Torkoal torch or tortoise + coal
Sableye sable + eye
Barboach barb + loach
Whiscash whisker + catfish
Luvdisc love + disk
Corphish core + crayfish
Crawdaunt crawdad + daunt
Feebas feeble + bass
Milotic - ???
Carvanha carve + piranha
Sharpedo shark + torpedo
Trapinch trap + pinch
Vibrava vibrate + ???
Flygon fly(ing) + dragon
Makuhita - a rank you can achive through Sumo Wrestling
Hariyama - a rank you can achive through Sumo Wrestling
Electrike electric + strike
Manectric mane + electric
Numel numb + camel
Camerupt camel + erupt
Spheal sphere + seal
Sealeo seal + leo
Walrein walrus + rein/rain/reign
Cacnea cactus + ???
Cacturne cactus + nocturne
Snorunt snow + runt
Glalie glacier + ???
Lunatone lunar (moon) + stone
Solrock solar (sun) + rock
Azurill azure + rill
Spoink spring + oink
Grumpig grum or grumpy + pig
Plusle plus
Minun minus
Mawile maw + wil(e/y)
Meditite meditate (Spelled funny. XD)
Medicham meditate + champion
Swablu swab + blue
Altaria altitude + aria
Wynaut derived from the phrase why not?
Duskull dusk + skull
Dusclops dusk + cyclops
Roselia - rose + camelia (kind of flower)
Slakoth slack + sloth
Vigoroth vigorous + sloth
Slaking slack + king
Gulpin gulping the g
Swalot swallow + a lot
Tropius tropical + brontosaurus
Chimecho chime + echo
Whismur whisper + murmur
Loudred loud + red/dread
Exploud explode + loud
Clamperl clamp + pearl
Huntail hunt + tail
Gorebyss gore + abyss
Absol the absence of Sol (basically the opposite of the sun)
Shuppet - shame + puppet
Banette banshee + marionette
Seviper sever + viper
Zangoose zany + mongoose
Relicanth relic + coelacanth (an ancient fish, found recently off the coast of Madagascar)
Aron iron
Lairon lair + iron
Aggron aggressive + iron
Castform form + forecast
Volbeat volt + beat
Illumise illuminate
Lilleep lilly + weep
Cradily crawl/cradle + lilly
Anorith - armor + monolith
Armaldo armor + armadillo
Ralts - anagram of "relates" (it relates to its trainer's feelings)
Kirlia derived from Kirlian photography, developed by Seymon Kirlian, to photograph the magnetic force each of us gives off (1939)
Gardevoir devoir (to have to) + guard
Bagon bang (it bangs its head against rocks) + dragon
Shelgon shell + dragon
Salamence salamander + commence
Beldum dumbbell cut in half and then reversed
Metang metal + tang (meaning "point")
Metagross metal + gross
Regirock rock + regicide (to kill a king)
Regice ice + regicide (to kill a king)
Registeel steel + regicide (to kill a king)
Kyogre Kai (meaning God) + Orca (whale)
Groudon ground + don (means mastadon)
Rayquaza directly romanized versions of their Japanese names
Latias - directly romanized versions of their Japanese names
Latios - directly romanized versions of their Japanese names
Jirachi - Russian word for "wish."
Deoxys deoxyribonucleic + s

-------------------
Well there you have it. I've edited this from the older thread. ^^ I used everyone's suggestions from the older thread as well to fill in a few spaces. ^^ Feel free to comment here and post your ideas on some that don't have meanings or are missing parts. ^^

~Kelsey

Sylphiel March 24th, 2005 2:27 PM

I have some. XD

Poliwag seems to come more from the word "pollywog" (another name for a tadpole; not certain about spelling) than from the actual word "tadpole"...

Kecleon - romanization of its japanese name, Kakureon; that name comes from kakureru (to conceal oneself) + chameleon

Hoppip could also very likely be hop + pip (a name for any kind of small seed).

Ho-oh comes from Houou, a type of phoenix.

Togetic...probably goes to something like "toge" + chick, since its japanese name is Togechikku, and "chikku" could also be written as "chick" (why the official translation is "tic", I have no idea).

And if I may be picky with spelling for a moment...the word for snail in Magcargo's name is spelled "escargot". :P (the 't' is silent)

Natsuki March 24th, 2005 2:52 PM

Oooh, those are some good ones Cowire. ^___^ I think the Poliwag one will make more sense than it did before. XD I'll edit the others you had as well. =3 I'll edit them into the list. ^o^

*edits*

~Kelsey

Timbjerr March 25th, 2005 8:50 AM

when this thread was open before, I posted a link to this GameFAQS page, which pretty much explains everything, including many of the blanks Kelsey left above. XD

Natsuki March 25th, 2005 11:50 AM

Whoa...so I see. XD *pokes Game FAQs* Well there you have it! Use that link to learn about the blanks I left. XD I'd edit the list if only the Game FAQs thing would start working. ;P

~Kelsey

HashiriyaR32 March 26th, 2005 3:50 PM

I'm a user at the GameFAQs meassage boards. Look for my username (Asskicker2004)

Porygon March 26th, 2005 4:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmbjr
when this thread was open before, I posted a link to this GameFAQS page, which pretty much explains everything, including many of the blanks Kelsey left above. XD

Mwar, I saved that ages ago ^_^

Blaziken Trainer March 26th, 2005 5:08 PM

Thanks, I've been trying to find the more recent ones.

B-Baller March 27th, 2005 11:57 PM

Theories...

For Cleffa, its probably Clef + Fa (you know, if you take music, you know the 7 notes....Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do)

Meditite is meditate, only its spelled different to make it more interesting. XD

Medicham is meditate + champion.

Deoxys is deoxyribonucleic acid. with an S.

Hope these helps

Ninetales1 April 3rd, 2005 2:47 AM

That link doesn't work... I don't think you can direct link to the page.

Anyways, I think there are some corrections to be made...

-The "chu" in the Pikachu family is the sound a mouse makes. And the "pika" comes from a Japanese onomatopeia for the sound of lightning sparks.

-The "ran" in Nidoran could have something to do with monsters or rascals, based on my observations.

-All Pokemon with "dos" in their names are the second of something, whether it's a group or an evolution line. Which makes sense considering the Spanish word for 2.

-Pokemon with "gol" in their names could be comsidered "as good as gold"

Ninetales: Well duh--it has nine tails!
Golbat: The "gol" could come from "gulp"...
Gloom: green bloom?
Mankey: maniac + monkey
Poliwag: The "wag" is there because it has a tail that can wag.
Abra/Kadabra: Hee hee, it's a magic word split in two!
Arbok/Kadabra: I guess the K's in there just to make the name look better.
Snorlax: snore + relax
Igglybuff: Iggly just sounds like a cute baby word... And the "buff" just means it's strong or something, or tough.
Raikou: Again, "rai" means thunder...
Entei: I think it comes from some sort of fire god Inti...
Suicune: The "sui" most likely means "water" or "sea", and the "cune" is just a title or adress, like a mister or something. (kun)
Celebi: The "bi" signifies that it looks kind of like a bug (bee).
Sceptile: sceptor or forceps + reptile
Ludicolo: Its name could also come from "melodic" and "color".
Baltoy: The "bal" could be "ball", since balls are considered toys... And its head is almost ball-shaped.
Feebas: The "fee" could also come from "feed", since you need to feed it Pokeblocks to make it evolve.
Milotic: It could could come from the sculpture Venus de Milo, and the word "exotic"...
Tropius: tropical brontosaurus
Shuppet: It's more likely to be shadow + puppet...
Rayquaza: Considering the fact it lives far away from civilization, it can be compared to a quasar, which is a starlike object in the outer edges of the universe. (quaza)
Latias/Latios: Again, the "as" or "os" signifies gender... And, "osu" also means "male" in Japanese.
Jirachi: I think it's the Russian word for wish...

Natsuki April 3rd, 2005 6:51 AM

Oooooh, you all have great ideas. =O I'll go and add in the new definitions. X3

~Kelsey

Ninetales1 April 3rd, 2005 10:00 PM

Oh one other thing I forgot:

Crobat could come from "acrobat" without the first letter. Crobat does fly around stealthily like an "air acrobat" so maybe that's where it got it's name. (It sure makes more sense than crowbar...)

kohei April 19th, 2005 2:08 AM

My ideas ^^;

Crobat: Cro (Kuro)=Black, Bat=Bat
Suicune: Sui=Water, Cune=Way of addressing a important person (like a tyrant: Boukun/cune)
Entei: En=From KaEn (fire), Tei=Teiou (king)
Raikou: Rai=Thunder, Kou=Koutei (lord)

seraphim May 6th, 2005 4:09 PM

a pika is a small rodent. magikarp...carp, by some generic japanese legend, turn into dragons once they reach they swim to the top of a waterfall...that explains gyarados or whetevr it's name is...there is indded an actual insect called a weedle that burrows under skin... and relicanth is a play off the coelocanth, an ancient fish thought to have gone extinct until living specimen were found in 1930 something

The S May 6th, 2005 6:51 PM

Quote:

Deoxys is deoxyribonucleic acid. with an S.
WOO-HOO! Finally, some recognition!

And Girafarig is a palindrome.

The rodent "pika" has nothing to do with Pikachu, and, as I've heard on a nature show, is pronounced "Pai-ka". Also, according to my Japanese dictionary, "pika pika suru" means "glittering" or "sparking".

leader clair May 10th, 2005 3:52 PM

why dont you know garados's name :(

Natsuki May 14th, 2005 4:36 PM

Well...umm...I'm sorry? XD I just don't really have any ideas for what Gyrados should be, that's all. ^^; But once I find out I'll put it in the thread. :33

OK, I'm editing the other suggestions that see more fit than the ones already there. ^o^

~Kelsey

Periwinkle~ May 22nd, 2005 12:22 PM

For Togepi there's another meaning, but it's in korean. There's this little goblin called Dogebi and it has three spikes at the top of its head and that kinda explains Togepi. And for Ho-oh, there's this colorful Hawaiin bird called a Oh-oh and that also kinda explains Ho-oh.

kohei May 22nd, 2005 7:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudkip_luv
And for Ho-oh, there's this colorful Hawaiin bird called a Oh-oh and that also kinda explains Ho-oh.

I think Ho-Oh comes from the Japanese, 鳳凰 (Houou), which bascially means a phoenix.

tropicove May 28th, 2005 4:24 AM

you know theres a rodent called the pika so you could be right about it being japanesse. But it makes more sence that Pikachu's (a rodent) name comes from the Mouse Pika, heres a image of it...
http://www.tropicovekids.com/images/pika.PNG isn't it cute? It even looks kinda like Pikachu. The nose is only slightly off the face , the eyes aren't to small or really big there in the middle, the back legs are even big at the end. The Pika also stands on it's back legs and looks even more like a pikachu!

Eon-Rider May 28th, 2005 4:42 AM

Why is Caterpie Caterpillar+Pie? Why is it pie?

Big Smoothin May 28th, 2005 8:28 AM

Gyarados - Gyara- "It's probably a Chinese dragon." Dos - "Spanish for 2?" :17:

tropicove May 28th, 2005 1:00 PM

The pie in caterpie means Cutie-pie like that.
Mmmm.... Pie

~Amethyst_Callista_Moon~ May 29th, 2005 5:40 PM

Wailmer-"Mer" means "sea" in French+Wail (It sounds like it's wailing or something)

Wailord-(Biggest Pokemon out of all, so I think that's why they called it Lord)

Tommeh Smiff May 29th, 2005 6:56 PM

Arcanine: Arcane (Obscure) + Canine (Dog)

Eig June 5th, 2005 11:13 AM

I think the name for Gulpin is like that: Somewhere in the R/S/E/FR/LG Pokedex there was a description of Gulpin. I remember a small element that says "It can disgest even scrap metal", so i think it's Gulp + Pin.

BlackCharizard June 5th, 2005 1:07 PM

In read almost that whole list and noticed that also forgotton was:

Aerodactly - also comes from the anciet flying dinosaur, the Terodactly (Not sure on spelling)
Mew - also is a word, mostly used in Japan, meaning something small or cute.
Gyarados - Gyro (As in "gyroscope" a spinning item used in airplanes and as toys. I think it means because gyarasod is so big and can spiral around itself like a snake.) + dos (Spanish word for "two". Beacuse he is a second stage)
Milotic - Could come from the word "Mitotic" Which is the process of cell division. And since feebas is completely different and ugly maybe this is what it means... :\

Geometric-sama June 5th, 2005 7:50 PM

Hey, I totally didn't know this thread was here! XD I've spent a long time trying to work them all out, but http://www.jkaizer.net/~ryuxnet/pokemon/tpp.php?pokeball=features/names is all I have so far~ Can I add these ones to my list?

Rocket Superior Chase June 9th, 2005 2:36 PM

I was think Magikarp as in Magi (Magic shortened down) because of how he 'Magically' transorms into gyarados and Karp (Carp = Fish)

Also, Bayleef is a mispelling of Bayleaf, a common spice ^^

kohei June 9th, 2005 9:19 PM

Mew comes from the symbol: "μ" (Mu).

Housyasei-san June 12th, 2005 12:44 PM

Everyone's saying Swampert is part of "Swamp" and "Inert". :\ Well, it could it be "Swamp" and "Exert", since it's said to be so strong?

Landon June 12th, 2005 5:56 PM

Thats realy cool. But some of them i think need some work. Im to lazy to check but are all the pokemon acounted for?

Iron Mankey June 21st, 2005 7:10 PM

Gyarados= Gyser + ''Radeau'' (French for ''Oar'', thus relating to the Oarfish, which shares Gyarados' long, snake-like body) + Adolescent

With the Oarfish relation, and the Gyser and Adolescent signifying its explosive temperment

Another theory:

Gyarados= Gyro (since it's a Flying-type as well) + Radical

Meh...just guessin' here.

Fantasy June 25th, 2005 8:29 AM

Wouldn't Vulpix also be from the Latin word "Vulpix", which means fox? There's also a contellation called Vulpix that looks like a fox.
And Gyarados might be "Gya" (as in "Gya! (insert some mad words here)!" since it's a "mean" PKMN) and rad as in "That's so totaly rad!". Os is a mouth-like opening, and boy does Gyarados have a large mouth (what big teeth you have)...I may be wrong on this, though.

BROOKE_&_LUGIA July 7th, 2005 8:30 PM

Cacnea
 
[QUOTE=Typhlozion]
Cacnea cactus + ???
[QUOTE]

Here's what I think:

Cacnea cactus + needle

Doomhanger July 10th, 2005 12:11 AM

The name Ponyta echoes the word Daytona and other racing-car-japanese symbols. don't you think?

Dee Trier July 10th, 2005 12:22 AM

Vibrava maybe vibrate + larva

PD Wooper July 10th, 2005 12:39 AM

Fly/Gon
flying dragon....Duhhh

Dee Trier July 10th, 2005 12:46 AM

For flygon i have a theory
Flygon = Fly + dragon ==> Dragonfly
Look at it's eye

PD Wooper July 10th, 2005 1:16 AM

I guess, since Vibrava has six legs.

Dee Trier July 10th, 2005 1:19 AM

Actually i doubt my own theory coz the flygon's type are dragon and not bug

Sylphiel July 10th, 2005 7:13 AM

Either Fly(ing) + Dragon or "Dragonfly" could work for Flygon, I think, since while it's not quite a dragonfly, it's based off something that looks like one.

Another possibility for Vibrava: the exact word "vibrava" seems to be a conjugation (the third person singular indicative, according to what I'm looking at) of the Italian verb "vibrare", which means "to vibrate".

junedrops July 11th, 2005 2:47 PM

Wow. This was quite interesting and helpful x).

Dee Trier July 11th, 2005 5:42 PM

Hey guys. I just think about flygon and here is my new theory
DragonFLY DraGON

Datriot July 12th, 2005 6:51 AM

Wow....I never knew that Pokemon's names had so many meanings....

Iron Mankey July 15th, 2005 12:36 PM

"Rayquaza-directly Romanized version of its Japanese name"

I think there's more:

Ray= Ray of light or sun, since it lives so high up.
quaza= Quasar, one of- if not the- most powerful sources of energy known to this universe. Since it is an uber. and all ubers are uber-strong.

Saphy_Chronicler July 20th, 2005 7:54 PM

Impressive list. *gives a thumbs-up*

My thoughts:

Mareep - sheep + Mary (playing on the poem "Mary had a little lamb")

Dunsparce - sparce + dun (dull brown or grey in colour)

Vibrava - vibrato (high-pitched wavery singing) + brava (feminine variant of "bravo")

Cacturne - cactus + taciturne (silent, withdrawn)

Mawile - maw (mouth) + crocodile (drawn from its attack "Fake Tears", otherwise known as crocodile tears)

I like Iron Mankey's theory on Gyarados's name, by the way! ^_^

~ Saphy ~

RexRaptor July 22nd, 2005 7:58 PM

Im new, But Im a Dinosaur nut. All the pokemon with ' Saur ' In there name, Saur means Lizard.

Dino= Terrible Saur=Lizard

Fls4eva August 10th, 2005 5:13 AM

O...Gosh...I didn't eva expect Pokemon names to haf reasons behind it...It's totally amazing...

figglychu August 10th, 2005 6:13 AM

I know wobbuffet is wobble+buffet(smacked around) and snorunt is snow(it eats snow) and runt. and maybe houndour is hound and dour(a word meaning gloomy and/or grumpy looking) dewgong is named after a similar animal of the same name. and sneasel is sneeze(it lives in cold places) and weasle. please don't criticize if you have heard it before.

RSL August 10th, 2005 7:33 AM

Just to let you know, a couple of those are wrong.
www.pokemondungeon.com/ 's Pokedex shows the correct name meanings.

qwertyman September 30th, 2005 6:32 AM

in polish "latac" means to fly so maybe that explains latias and latios

♥Whitney♥ October 4th, 2005 9:35 PM

Oh that doesn't really tell me what Miltank's name means,but thanks anyways! ^^

RSL October 7th, 2005 3:08 PM

It's based off of MILK TANK, what you literally say what a cow is.

.::Tsunami::. October 15th, 2005 4:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolmaster
Why is Caterpie Caterpillar+Pie? Why is it pie?

yeah why is it pie? does caterpie taste like pie?

Shadowburn October 21st, 2005 4:41 PM

I guess nobody tried this for raikou. RAI- Of couse thunder (but thats not the whole word!) KOU- Cougar :rambo:

kohei October 22nd, 2005 4:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowburn
I guess nobody tried this for raikou. RAI- Of couse thunder (but thats not the whole word!) KOU- Cougar :rambo:

Actually "Kou" is from the Japanese word, Koutei (皇帝 ), which literally means "emperor".

Same goes to Suicune (Suikun), as Sui, means water, and Kun comes from "kunshu" (君主 ), "lord" in Japanese.

For Entei, it's En (as in fire=ka"en"), and "Tei"ou (帝王 ), which also means emperor.

Dark Quill October 26th, 2005 7:36 AM

Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page, and look for Pokemon. It gives you the name-meanings for all the Pokemon so far. (not counting Diamond/Pearl)
It's quite usefull for looking up almost anything.

Hwoarang October 29th, 2005 3:49 AM

cool thunder emperor now i like the sound of that so man
that is just freaky of what languges are made up of

Lord Nidokingu October 30th, 2005 3:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaikouSpecialLover
Just to let you know, a couple of those are wrong.
www.pokemondungeon.com/ 's Pokedex shows the correct name meanings.

...
lol...
XD

Honestly... Define "correct".
Did the owner of this website walk up to the name creators of the english games and ask?

No.

Just... No.

By the way. Some pokémon names are simply the Japanese name with minor variations. For example:

Nidoking is derived from Nidokingu

Nido is a japanese word meaning "two times" or "two degrees" What does this mean? Well if you connect the fact that there are TWO species of Nidos, (One species for each gender) you get your doubling right there.

Kingu is a japanese word for... You guessed it: King

Nidoqueen is derived from Nidokuin

The prefix is the same in this case.

Kuino comes from kui-n which means: Queen

And to kill off the "omg wut about teh "rino" part in Nidorino, its sposed to be leik rhino!11!oneeleventyfirstbirthday" I have researched that.
No. All Nidos retain their names from japanese. Rhinocerous isn't even close.
Rhinocerous in japanese is "sai".

Rino and Rina are simply masculine and feminine suffixes.

The suffix "ran" in Nidoran is a syllable in japanese words to refer to eggs in some manner. Perhaps "from egg" or even young. Tying in the fact that they are young, it works well.

Didn't see THAT in the above link... =/

So:

Nidoran ♀ - nido
Nidorina – nido + “a” to distinguish femininity
Nidoqueen – nido + queen
Nidoran ♂ - nido
Nidorino – nido + “o” to distinguish masculinity
Nidoking – nido + king

mewtwo in armour November 3rd, 2005 10:25 AM

Vibrava vibrate + ???
well on this name lava is a type of baby insect so hace /ava

sonicty28 November 13th, 2005 11:21 PM

wow
 
wow thats one extensive list, i used to know a few of those but not that many :P

nick-xx November 23rd, 2005 2:13 AM

You are wrong !
 
My friend is japanese he tell me that Gyarados mean in japanese Tsunami so !!!:rambo:

BrainWave November 29th, 2005 12:46 AM

Quote:

Ariados arachnid + ???
I think the dos part is the spanish word for two, like zapdos.

As for nidorino, I think it's Needle+Rhino, since it looks something like a rhino.

kohei November 29th, 2005 1:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick-xx
My friend is japanese he tell me that Gyarados mean in japanese Tsunami so !!!:rambo:

Dude, I'm Japanese... and tsunami is tsunami in Japanese...

It's like the word, "Tycoon". It's an English word derived from Japanese.

Dragonfree November 29th, 2005 8:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mewtwo in armour
Vibrava vibrate + ???
well on this name lava is a type of baby insect so hace /ava

It's "larva", not "lava". Hence "Larvitar".

B.U.N.N.Y December 17th, 2005 11:28 AM

i though feebas came from feebel

edit: oh it must have changed while i was posting

nattynorth December 25th, 2005 2:46 PM

polywhirl
 
Just you may wanna know that polywhirl's name and the spirel on there stomach is based on this thing called a whirly berl (i think) which was used for hypnosis and made your vision go funny, (also the reason in many cartoons when people are being hypnotised the eyes go all swirly)

Spencer February 3rd, 2006 5:10 PM

It must have been I pain in the neck to think of all of those. My brain would have shut off after Nidorina. :tired: :confused:

PS: There isn't a scyther on that list.

aragornbird February 7th, 2006 4:57 PM

♠♣♥♦♠♣♥♦♠♣♥♦♠♣♥♦

To fill in the missing space, the dos for Ariados can refer to the two antennae sticking out of its abdomen, since dos is the Spanish word for two.

Anorith is a tricky one, and you have to know about prehistoric animals to get the reference. Anorith actually based on a type of ancient invertebrate known as Anomalocaris. You can look at this picture to see the resemblance: http://nicholnl.wcp.muohio.edu/NaturalSystems/BurgessShale/Anomalocaris.jpg

♠♣♥♦♠♣♥♦♠♣♥♦♠♣♥♦

Alpham-A-Epsilons February 7th, 2006 5:54 PM

Graveler -Gravel+Monster
Haunter - Haunt + Monster
Chansey - Chance + Lucky
Azumarill - Azul (Spanish for Blue + rill + mar (Spanish for "sea")
Wooper - Woop + Monster
Larvitar – larva + monitar (Lizard)
Tyranitar – pupa + monitar
Tyranitar – tyrant + monitar
Azurill – Azul (Spanish Blue) + rill

Aegis February 7th, 2006 6:28 PM

umm... Azumarill= Azur (spanish for blue, which in this case is refering to water) + marill (basic pokemon name)

thats all I know

Alpham-A-Epsilons February 15th, 2006 3:42 PM

Actually If your refering to water then its Agua and thats how it's spelled Aqua is just a derivation from ''Agua'' and there no such word ''Azur'' just to get things straight

Blue in Spanish is Azul
Water in Spanish is Agua

Got it good I should know I'm Spanish :/

Lt. Surge's Raichu March 5th, 2006 7:59 AM

OMg RIKA how many hours did it take you to write that list with the meanings of the names?????

Shiny Meganium March 5th, 2006 8:54 AM

This is from Wikipedia's article about Gyarados:

...Gyarados's name may be derived from a combination of 虐殺 gyakusatsu massacre/slaughter, and 逆境 gyakkyō, hardship/adversity. Both words relate to the creature's violent nature and the hardship it experienced before evolving. The dos (Spanish) may just indicate that it's the second in its evolutionary line...

Lt. Surge's Raichu March 5th, 2006 9:32 AM

hmm... interesting....... massacre/slaughter....

chuggaaconroy March 9th, 2006 10:37 AM

Man! Somebody beat me to making this list!

Egyptian Sphinx March 9th, 2006 11:03 AM

Pidgeot/Pidgeon cuz Pidgeot actually resembles a Pidgeon

Lt. Surge's Raichu March 9th, 2006 11:55 AM

That wasnæt a big surprise XD

Kuri-Chan ♪ March 11th, 2006 7:27 AM

Pikachu in Japanise Means 'electric Mouse'.

Psycho March 12th, 2006 8:33 AM

Veritably the word chuu - because ピカチュウ actually translates to "Pikachuu" - is the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound a mouse makes. Pika may come from "Pikapika" which is the Japanese onomatopoeia for sparkling. The Pika (pi·ka long i) are small, furry, tailless mammals, of the genus Ochotona, located within the mountains of North America and Eurasia. As you can see here, they belong to the order of lagomorphs - which includes rabbits and hares.

Pigeot, comes from "Pigeon" and "jet" due to the fact that it can fly at incredibly high speeds (If I recall correctly it was mach 2). ピジョット translates to Pijotto and "Jetto" or "Jietto" (which explains Pigeotto) is the Japanese word for jet (ジェット).

Latios is a bit more complex. It's name in Japanese means ラティオス which is "Ratiosu" or "Rateiosu". ラティ translates "rati" and オス is "osu" which translates "male" (which also gives way to Latios's gender). I'm not certain if this applies, but Rati is known as the the goddess of passionate love within Hindu mythology.

Aerodactyl is just Terodactyl. The T has been substituded for an A.

Gyarados (Gyaradosu) is another weird one. Dosu (ドス) means yakuza sword. Yakuza is the Japanese mafia. Gyara (ギャラ) means guarantee. It baffles me as to where they link up, but Gyarados do tend to swim together in packs, and are known as the "terrors of the sea" - they could be the Pokemon Mafia >_> A sword is a weapon of death and destruction, which speaks for itself. Though, whoever said that Gyarados's name could originate from the Spanish word "Dos" which means two and gave the wikipedia link is probably more accuarate.In addition, you may want to note the fact that "Gya" is used as an unit of time to denote length of time before the present within astronomy, geology, and paleontology. In particular, one Gya is equal to 109 years ago. Dosu is, too, the sound for violence or a violent act.

Milokaross (Milotic) translates ミリカリス. ミリ is Milo, could come from the word Milos, an island of southeast Greece in the Cyclades Islands of the Aegean Sea (Venus de Milo was discovered here), or it could be Milo, small drought-resistant sorghums having large yellow or whitish grains. カリス, Charus or Kaross, is a native garment or rug of skin sewed together in the form of a square. Milotic is a water Pokemon, and its name could be derivative from the fact that it is also an island pokemon, of elegance, with rough skin.

Swampert (ラグラージ) is Raguraaji - also Raglanji, and Raglan translates to Raguraa. Raglan is a garment, such as an overcoat or a sweater, that has raglan (extends in one piece to the neckline of the garment, with slanted seams from the armhole to the neck.
) sleeves. Ji means next or sequence; it also means child. Pert has three main definitions: 1. Trim and stylish in appearance 2. High-spirited; vivacious 3. Impudently bold. Swamp just refers to a swamp, a seasonally flooded bottomland.

Magikarp, コイオング, is Koikingu. コイ is carp and オング is king. Koi are (鯉) are ornamental, domesticated varieties of the common carp Cyprinus carpio, Kois are also colorful, playful fish that live in ponds. Here is a picture. Carp is any of various freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. Magi, or Magus, means magician; a sorcerer.

Psycho

~*!*~Tatsujin Gosuto~*!*~ March 26th, 2006 12:48 PM

Wow Psycho:shocked: . You sure do have your resources. I think the names mean something in Japanese.

:t003:Dark Venusaur

EgiFuX March 26th, 2006 1:31 PM

i may have missed it but i havent seen aggron

Psycho March 26th, 2006 1:51 PM

I afright that some of my ramblings may be quite inaccurate, though I do hope that they will help those who may be befuddled by the deriviations.

Aggron is probably a portmaneau of the words "aggressive" and "iron".
Charmander is a portmaneau of "charcoal" and "salamander".
Charmeleon is a portmaneau of "charcoal" and "chameleon".
Charizard is a portmaneau of the words "charcoal" and "lizard".
Wartortle is a portmaneau of the words "warter" and "turtle"
Caterpie's name actually comes from Kyatapī which is the pronunciation of the Katakana (キャタピー).
Butterfree's name could also be related to it's Katakana's pronunciation, Batafurī (バタフリー).
Rattata could come from Raticate's Japanese name Ratta, meaning that its a baby form.
Poliwag is a portmaneau of the words "pollywog" and "wag".
Poliwhirl is a portmaneau of the words "pollywog" and "whirl".
Poliwrath is a portmaneau of the words "pollywog" and "wrath".
Also, in Magnemite's name, -mite just refers to how small it is.
Magneton is just a portmaneau of "magnet" and "ton".
Grimer is only "grime" with the suffix -er added on, which means "one who".
Cloyster is a portmaneau of "cloister" and "oyster".
Shellder could come from both "shelter" and "shelled" comibed.
Haunter is just the word "haunt" with the suffix -er meaning "one who" as an addition.
Another supposition for Gengar would be the Norwegian word/concept Jenganger - a ghostly wanderer that wanders around the countryside by night.
Krabby is only a variation of "crabby"
Kingler is a portmaneau of the words "king" and "fiddler" (Kingler is most likely based off of the fiddler crab)
Cubone is probably a combination of the words "cub" and "bone"
Kabutops comes form "kabuto" and the suffix "-ceratops".
Igglybuff was only made to rhyme with Jigglypuff and Wigglytuff.
Natu is Latin for "birth"; and Atu just happends to be an Aztec god.
Similar to Natu, Xatu's name probably comes from the combination of "X" meaning unknown and Atu, an Aztec god.
Marill is a portmaneau of "marine" and "rill".
Azumarill is a portmaneau of "azul" and "marill".

Psycho

~*!*~Tatsujin Gosuto~*!*~ March 30th, 2006 9:07 AM

Where did you get this info from are you sure its real.:t201-qu:

:t003:Dark Venusaur

Natsuki April 3rd, 2006 8:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Venusaur
Where did you get this info from are you sure its real.:t201-qu:

:t003:Dark Venusaur

Assuming you're referring to my first post, I received most of this information from the thread that existed before this one. I had added a few ideas to it myself, but other members are welcome to post here with their ideas on more suitable explanations for Pokemon name origins. ^^

~Kelsey

Wilph April 11th, 2006 2:45 AM

I recall from somewhere that the "Hera" from "Heracross" is from the greek myth of Hercules/Heracles.

Ash_Pokemaster April 22nd, 2006 7:29 AM

Munchlax - Munch(Big Bite) + [Re]lax
Lucario - From his Japanese name which is Rukario ?(Corruption of Oracle in Japanese)?
Bonsly - Bonsai + Sly

The only I'm not sure for is the Lucario one... But this is mostly to be like that.

johnlai007 May 18th, 2006 1:53 AM

Well, here goes....
Bulbasaur - A dinosaur-like Pokémon with a bulb on its back.
Ivysaur - A dinosaur-like Pokémon with ivy growing off of it.
Venusaur - A dinosaur-like Pokémon with a "Venus fly trap" plant on its back.
Charmander - "Char", as in charred or charcoal, "mander" from the word salamander.
Charmeleon - "Char" from charred, "meleon" from chameleon.
Charizard - "Char" from charred, "izard" from lizard.
Squirtle - "Squirt" because it uses water as a weapon, "irtle" because it is a turtle.
Wartortle - "War" from the word war, "tortle" A portmanteau between turtle and tortoise. Also "War-tor" sounds like water, which is this Pokémon's type.
Blastoise - "Blast" because it blasts water out of cannons attached to its back, "oise" from the word tortoise.
Caterpie - A play on the word "caterpillar".
Metapod - "Meta" from metamorphosis (which is what a pupa undergoes) and pod from its shape.
Butterfree - Literally, a free butterfly.
Weedle - A portmanteau of "worm" and "needle".
Kakuna - A play on the word "cocoon". Also a reference to Kahuna.
Beedrill - It is a bee with drill-like spears on its front limbs.
Pidgey - A play on the word pigeon.
Pidgeotto - See Pidgey.
Pidgeot - See Pidgey.
Rattata - A play on the words "rat" and "attack".
Raticate - A portmanteau of the words "rat" and "eradicate".
Spearow - A play on the words "spear" and "sparrow"
Fearow - A play on the words "fear" and "sparrow".
Ekans - The word "snake" backwards.
Arbok - The word "kobra" backwards.
Pikachu - A portmanteau on the Japanese words "pika", meaning "blinking" or "flashing, and "chu", the onomatopoeic word for the noise a mouse makes. Coincidentaly, a pika is a rodent-like creature. Many people literally translate the name as "Sparklesqueak".
Raichu - A portmanteau of the Japanese words "rai", meaning "thunder", and "chu", the onomatopoeic word for the noise a mouse makes.
Sandshrew - A portmanteau of "sand" and "shrew," a type of insectivore that resembles a mouse.
Sandslash - A portmanteau of "sand" and "slash," referring to its sharp claws.
Nidoran (F) - Thought to be an approximation of "needle" (nido).
Nidorina - A play on "nido" (needle) and "niña" (a Spanish word for "girl").
Nidoqueen - A play on "nido" (needle) and queen.
Nidoran (M) - Thought to be an approximation of "needle" (nido).
Nidorino - A play on "nido" (needle) and "niño" (a Spanish word for "boy").
Nidoking - A play on "nido" (needle) and king.
Clefairy - A portmanteau of clef and fairy.
Clefable - A portmanteau of clef and fable.
Vulpix - A portmanteau of vulpine and six, since it has six tails.
Ninetales - A fabled creature that has nine tails.
Jigglypuff - Referring to the creature's puffy, bouncy nature.
Wigglytuff - A play on "wiggly" and "tough", for being a bit tougher then its prevolution (it, for example, has a mean doubleslap attack).
Zubat - "Zubatto!" is the Japanese onomatopoeic word for an object hitting its target. It also happens to be a bat.
Golbat - Golbat's name may possibly have been taken from "Golden Bat", a minor villain from Henshin superhero series Jinzo Ningen Kikaida.
Oddish - A portmanteau of the words "odd" and "raddish".
Gloom - Quite possibly from the word gloom (or bloom).
Vileplume - A portmanteau of "vile" and "plume", and also perhaps "perfume".
Paras - Shortened from the word "parasite".
Parasect - A portmanteau of "parasite" and "insect".
Venonat - A portmanteau of "venom" and "gnat", as it is a toxic insect.
Venomoth - A portmanteau of "venom" and "moth", as it is a toxic insect.
Diglett - A portmanteau of "dig" and possibly "piglet" because it seems to have a pig nose.
Dugtrio - A portmanteau of "dug", past of "dig", and "trio" as it has three heads.
Meowth - A play on "meow" and "mouth", for the anime character of that name is a real chatterbox. Could also be from its Japanese name Nyāsu/Nyarth ("nyā" from the Japanese onomatopoeic word for "meow", and "-su" word endings are often translated as "th" or "rth").
Persian - Named after the real life breed of cat, as well as the Persian culture. (See Persian)
Psyduck - A portmanteau of "psychic" and "duck".
Golduck - A portmanteau of "gold" and "duck".
Mankey - A portmanteau of "mad" and "monkey".
Primeape - A portmanteau of "primate" and "ape".
Growlithe - A portmanteau of "growl" and "lithe".
Arcanine - A portmanteau of "arcane" and canine.
Poliwag - A portmanteau of "pollywog" and "wag", which means to move a body part (in Poliwag's case, the tail) rapidly from side to side.
Poliwhirl - A portmanteau of "pollywog" and "whirl" (or possibly "swirl"), referring to the spiral on its chest.
Poliwrath - A portmanteau of "pollywog" and "wrath" (anger).
Abra - The first part of "abracadabra".
Kadabra - The second part of "abracadabra", misspelled with a k.
Alakazam - A supposedly magical word, referring to Alakazam's talents.
Machop - A portmanteau of "macho" and "chop".
Machoke - A portmanteau of "macho" and "choke".
Machamp - A portmanteau of "macho" and "champ" (champion).
Bellsprout - A portmanteau of "bell" (its shape) and "sprout".
Weepinbell - A portmanteau of "weeping" and "bell".
Victreebel - A portmanteau of "victory" (and possibly "tree") and "bell".
Tentacool - A portmanteau of "tentacle" and "cool".
Tentacruel - A portmanteau of "tentacle" and "cruel".
Geodude - A portmanteau of "geo" (from geology) and "dude". Also a play on the word "geode".
Graveler - An extension of "gravel". (also linked to "traveler", as this pokemon's pokedex description often mentions its traveling)
Golem - In Hebrew, a golem is a colossal man made of mud or clay.
Ponyta - An extension of "pony". Also from its Japanese name Ponīta.
Rapidash - A portmanteau of "rapid" and "dash".
Slowpoke - "Slowpoke" is an American figure of speech meaning "someone who is slow; mentally and/or physically". The word "poke" describes slowpoke's physical attributes, specifically it's tail and it's controversial role in it's evolution.
Slowbro - A reference to how the Shellder on its tail shares a fraternally symbiotic bond with it.
Magnemite - A portmanteau of "magnet" and "mite" (as in small).
Magneton - A play on "magnetron".
Farfetch'd - "Farfetched" means "unlikely" or "surreal", referring to the fact that it is a bird which carries a negi (a type of spring onion).
Doduo - A portmanteau of "dodo" and "duo" (two), because it has two heads.
Dodrio - A portmanteau of "dodo" and "trio" (three), because it has three heads.
Seel - A play on "seal".
Dewgong - A play on "dugong", a manatee-like creature. Also a portmanteau of "dew" and "dugong".
Grimer - A play on "grime".
Muk - A play on "muck".
Shellder - A portmanteau of "shell" and "shelter" (referring to the shell in which it lives).
Cloyster - A portmanteau of "clam" and "oyster" and a pun on "cloister".
Gastly - A portmanteau of "gas" and "ghastly" or "ghostly" (meaning "awful" and having to do with ghosts).
Haunter - An extension of "haunt", referring to its typical activity of haunting locales.
Gengar - "Gengar" originates from the word doppelganger, meaning a ghostly double of a living thing that haunts its living counterpart.
Onix - A play on the precious stone, onyx.
Drowzee - A play on "drowsy" (meaning "sleepy").
Hypno - An abbreviation of "hypnosis".
Krabby - A pun on both "crab" and "crabby" (meaning "irritable").
Kingler - Either a portmanteau of "king" and "angler", or "king" and "fiddler".
Voltorb - A portmanteau of "volt" and "orb", because Voltorb is spherical electric Pokémon .
Electrode - Named after the word "electrode".
Exeggcute - A portmanteau of "egg" and "execute".
Exeggutor A portmanteau of "egg" and "executor".
Cubone - A portmanteau of "cue" and "bone".
Marowak - An extension of "marrow" and "whack".
Hitmonlee - A hitting monster named in honour of Bruce Lee.
Hitmonchan - A hitting monster named in honour of Jackie Chan.
Lickitung - A portmanteau of "licking" and "tongue", obviously referring to the creature's premier body part.
Koffing - A play on "coughing".
Weezing - A play on "wheezing".
Rhyhorn - A portmanteau of "rhino" and "horn".
Rhydon - A portmanteau of "rhino" and "don" (a suffix used in many dinosaur names; e.g. Iguanodon).
Chansey - A play on "chance".
Tangela - A play on "tangled".
Kangaskhan - A play on "kangaroo" and the Mongol figure "Genghis Khan".
Horsea - A portmanteau of "horse" and "sea", and it resembles a sea horse.
Seadra - A portmanteau of "sea" and "dragon".
Goldeen - A play on "goldfish" and "queen".
Seaking - "Sea" and "king".
Staryu - A portmanteau of "star" and "you".
Starmie - A portmanteau of "star" and "me".
Mr. Mime - It mimes. However, the Mr. has no bearance on its gender; a Mr. Mime may turn out to be female.
Scyther - Its forearms resemble and act as scythes.
Jynx - A reference to the Japanese witches it resembles. Jinx is also a word associated with bad luck.
Electabuzz - A play on "electricity" and "buzz" (although in the anime it sounds more like it gurgles than buzzes).
Magmar - A play on "magma".
Pinsir - A play on "pincer".
Tauros - A play on both the constellation Taurus, and also the Latin word for "bull" (which is also "taurus"). The letter "o" also serves to emphasize a sense of masculinity.
Magikarp - A portmanteau of "magic" (perhaps referring to its astounding evolution to Gyarados) and "carp" (a type of fish).
Gyarados - Gyarados's name may be derived from 虐殺 gyakusatsu massacre/slaughter, and 逆境 gyakkyō, hardship/adversity. Both words relate to the creature's violent nature and the hardship it experienced before evolving. The "dos" may just indicate that it is the second in its evolutionary line.
Lapras - From its Japanese name Rapurasu (Laplace). The name may be a reference to Pierre-Simon Laplace, a mathematician who wrote several books on the mathematical properties of the sea and tides.
Ditto - "Ditto" is a slang word related to the Latin "dictum." Its use implies copying or reiterating an idea, this makes sense as Ditto's only attack most of the time is Transform, which allows it to "ditto" another Pokémon.
Eevee - A play on "evolution" (from the first two letters, E and V). It also behaves as a palyndromic reference to it's evolutionary nature to branch out into multiple forms.
Jolteon - A play on "jolt" and "eon" (evolution).
Vaporeon - A play on "vapour" and "eon" (evolution).
Flareon - A play on "flare" and "eon" (evolution).
Porygon - A play on polygon. The sounds of the letters "r" and "l" are also interchangeable in Japanese.
Omanyte - A play on "ammonite" and oumugai the word for Nautilus in Japanese.
Omastar - A combinaton of "ammonite" and "star" (shape).
Kabuto - A Japanese word for "helmet". Same word is also for "beetle".
Kabutops - A portmanteau of "Kabuto" and "tops" (a suffix used in many dinosaur names; such as Triceratops).
Aerodactyl - A play on "pterodactyl" and "aero" (to do with the air).
Snorlax - A portmanteau of "snore" and "lax" (carefree) or "relax".
Articuno - A portmanteau of "arctic" and "uno" (Spanish for "one").
Zapdos - A portmanteau of "zap" and "dos" (Spanish for "two").
Moltres - A portmanteau of "molten" and "tres" (Spanish for "three").
Dratini - A portmanteau of "dragon" and "tiny".
Dragonair - A portmanteau of "dragon" and "debonair", referring to Dragonair's dragon-like form and its affable and suave nature. The last syllable may also be derived from "air", referring to Dragonair's ability to become airborne.
Dragonite - An extension of "dragon".
Mewtwo - It is learned that Mewtwo is a genetic clone of Mew, and therefore "the second Mew" or "Mew two."
Mew - One of the sounds a cat makes. It also refers to "new" as it is a new species which has been recently found. Also the way you pronounce the Greek letter Mu.
Chikorita - A play on the plant chicory. Also has female name, Rita.
Bayleef - A play on the herb bay leaf. Also has female name, Bailey.
Meganium - A portmanteau of "mega" and "geranium".Also has female name, Megan.
Cyndaquil - A portmanteau of "cinder" and "quill".
Quilava - A portmanteau of "quill" and "lava".
Typhlosion - A portmanteau of "typhoon" and "explosion".
Totodile - A portmanteau of "tot" and "crocodile".
Croconaw - A portmanteau of "crocodile" and "gnaw".
Feraligatr - A portmanteau of "feral" (wild) and "alligator". Beginning could also be a shortening of "ferocious."
Sentret - A play on "sentry" and "ferret",
Furret - A play on "fur" and "ferret".
Hoothoot - Onomotopoeic for the hooting sound made by real owls.
Noctowl - A portmanteau of "nocturnal" and "owl".
Ledyba - A play on "ladybug".
Ledian - A play on "ladybug" and "radian", a unit of angular measurement. One radian is almost 60 degrees; six radians is almost a full circle; Ledian has 6 arms, often displayed at regular angles to its body.
Spinarak - A portmanteau of "spin" (as in thread) and "arachnid". Also the Dutch word for spider is spin.
Ariados - A play on Ariadne, a character from Greek mythology.
Crobat - It is a bat shaped like a cross. Its English name is based on the Japanese version of its name, Kurrobatto. Its Japanese name is a combination of 黒 kuro, black, and bat. It can also be a shortened form of the word acrobat.
Chinchou - From the Japanese word for lantern, Chouchin, and a play on Chinchou's Japanese name, Chonchī.
Lanturn - From the word "lantern".
Pichu - An abbreviaion of "Pikachu" (see above).
Cleffa - An extension of "clef" and "fa" from "fairy" (as in Clefairy).
Igglybuff - It rhymes with Jigglypuff and Wigglytuff.
Togepi - This name is derived from the Japanese "toge", meaning "spike" (referring to the top of this Pokémon's head), and the Japanese fix "pii", which is probably related to the word for "little".
Togetic - The first part of Togetic's name derives from the Japanese word for spike. Its Japanese name "Togechikku" could be literally translated as "Togechick" (chick as in a baby bird, just hatched from an egg). The "-tic" suffix that was used instead may have been an intentional corruption of the name or a mistranslation. 'Tic' could also be from the sound a clock makes as the arms wave in such a motion as well.
Natu - The name "Natu" could be a play on the word native. Its name may also be a reference to Atu, an Aztec god. Atu is also the name of the first man of Samoan mythology. Natu is also Latin for birth.
Xatu - The name "Xatu" could be derived from the same origins of the name "Natu", as Xatu seems to have native patterns on its body, only with the letter 'N' replaced with an 'X' to symbolize something unknown and mysterious.
Mareep - Mareep is a portmanteau of "Mary" and "sheep", with "Mary" being in reference the song "Mary Had a Little Lamb".
Flaaffy - A portmanteau of the words "fluffy" and "baa" (the noise a sheep makes).
Ampharos - Ampharos appears to be a portmanteau of "Amp" and "Pharos". In Pokémon Gold and Silver, an Ampharos is encountered in a lighthouse, and the ancient island of Pharos in Egypt was where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria was located (one of the Seven Wonders of the World).
Bellossom - The English name is A portmanteau of the words "bell" and "blossom", with a more subtle usage of the Latin root "bella" as "beautiful."
Marill - Marill's name possibly derives from the words "marijanah" and "rill." A rill is a small river.
Azumarill - A portmanteau of "azure" (blue) and "Marill".
Sudowoodo - A portmanteau of "pseudo" (false) and "wood".
Politoed - A portmanteau of "pollywog" and "toad".
Hoppip - A portmanteau of "hop" and "pip".
Skiploom - A portmanteau of "skip" and "bloom".
Jumpluff - A portmanteau of "jump" and "fluff."
Aipom - A play on "ape" and "palm".
Sunkern - A portmanteau of "sun" and "kernel" (a type of nut).
Sunflora - A play on "sunflower", in the sense that flora is a Latin root for flower.
Yanma - Yanma's name is an abbreviation of its Japanese name, "Yanyanma", which is in turn 蜻蜓 yanma, large dragonfly, partially doubled.
Wooper - Wooper's name is derived directly from its Japanese name Upā. This came from ウーパールーパー (Uupaaruupaa, Ambystoma mexicanum) due to the sound of its cries. Also, an upa is the Japanese term for the larval stage of the axolotl, a species of salamander.
Quagsire - A play on "quagmire".
Espeon - A play on ESP, a psychic practice, and "eon" (evolution).
Umbreon - A play on "umbra" (meaning "shadow") and "eon" (evolution).
Murkrow - A portmanteau of "murk" and "crow".
Slowking - A portmanteau of "slow" and "king".
Misdreavus - A play on "mischeavous" and "dread".
Unown - A play on "unknown".
Wobbuffet - Probably comes from the words "wobble" and "buffet" (to strike with repeated blows).
Girafarig - A palindrome based on "giraffe" (alluding to its two heads). Also from its Japanese name Kirinriki, which is also a palindrome. A Kirin is a type of Unicorn, but more commonly, it is the word for giraffe in Japanese.
Pineco - A play on "pinecone".
Forretress - A portmanteau of "fortress" and "turret".
Dunsparce - A portmanteau of the words "dunce", a stupid person (or in this case, a Pokémon) or possibly "dun" for its color and "sparse", meaning rare.
Gligar - A play on "glider".
Steelix - A play on "steel" and "ix" from the ending of Onix.
Snubbull - A portmanteau of "snub-nosed" and "bulldog".
Granbull - Granbull originates from "grand" or the Spanish word "Gran", which means "Great", and "bulldog".
Qwilfish - A play on "quill" and "fish".
Scizor - A play in "scissor".
Shuckle - Derived from the words shuck, a husk, pod, or shell, and shackle, which is a reference to its ability of wrapping about things.
Heracross - A reference to Heracles, the Greek name of Hercules, and it's cross-shaped horn.
Sneasel - Derived from "sneaky" and "weasel", references to its temperament and appearance.
Teddiursa - A portmanteau of "teddy bear" and "ursa", the Latin word for "bear".
Ursaring - A portmanteau of "ursa" and "ring" (which it has on its tummy).
Slugma - A portmanteau of "slug" and "magma".
Magcargo - A portmanteau of "magma" and "escargot".
Swinub - A portmanteau of "swine" and "cub" or "nub".
Piloswine - A portmanteau of "pilose" (hairy) and "swine".
Corsola - A play on "coral" and perhaps "Solar".
Remoraid - A portmanteau of "remora" and "raid".
Octillery - A portmanteau of "octopus" and "artillery".
Delibird - A portmanteau of "delivery" and "bird".
Mantine - A play on "manta" and marine.
Skarmory - A portmanteau of "sky" and "armoury".
Houndour - A portmanteau of "hound" and "dour".
Houndoom - A portmanteau of "hound" and "doom".
Kingdra - A portmanteau of "king" and "dragon".
Phanpy - From "elephant".
Donphan - A portmanteau of "mastodon" and "elephant". Also may mean "don" and "elephant". Literally, king elephant.
Porygon2 - The second Porygon. A reference to Porygon's role as the first digitally synthesized Pokémon.
Stantler - A portmanteau of "stag" and "antler".
Smeargle - A play on "smear" (it paints with its tail), and its resemblance to a beagle.
Tyrogue - A portmanteau of "tyro", meaning novice, and "rogue".
Hitmontop - "hitmon" from the rest of its evolutionary line, Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, and "top" because it spins like a spinning top.
Smoochum - A play on "smooch".
Elekid - A portmanteau of "electric" and "kid".
Magby - A portmanteau of "magma" and "baby".
Miltank - A portmanteau of "milk" and "tank".
Blissey - A play on "bliss".
Raikou - A combionation of Japanese "rai" (thunder) and "kou" (light).
Entei - A portmanteau of the Japanese "enten" (blazing heat) and "teii" (imperial majesty).
Suicune - A portmanteau of the Japanese "sui" (meaning "water") and "kun/cune" (meaning "monarch")
Larvitar - A play on "larva" and "tar"
Pupitar - A play on "pupa" and "tar"
Tyranitar - A portmanteau of "tyrant" and "tyrannosaurus" and "tar". This references a method by which prehistoric creatures perish (trapped in tar) and it's classification as a dark Pokémon. It also describes the latter stage of decomposition of organic matter (into tar and fossil fule), as if to say that death is inevitable again underscoring the final stage of the Larvitar family is a dark/rock type.
Lugia - Most likely to be a variant of that of the Shinto kami Ryujin, which is also referred to as the "umi no kami" in Japanese religious/mythological writings. This same term is used in the original Japanese script of the second Pokémon movie to refer to Lugia; the term itself translates roughly to "guardian of the sea" or "god of the sea", somewhat interchangeably. There are also myths regarding Ryujin which have similar elements to Lugia, such as control of storms, the seas, as well as a story regarding the "jewels of the sea", which bear some similarities to the orblike "treasures" obtained by Satoshi/Ash in the course of the film. The English name of Lugia may also be formed around the Spanish words "Luz" (light) and "Rugía" (roared). It is also possible that Lugia's name is inspired after Greg Louganis, an Olympic diver (hence, the Diving Pokémon).
Ho-Oh - A romanization of its Japanese name Houou, the Japanese word for phoenix, specifically, the legendary Chinese phoenix, the Fenghuang.
Celebi - Most likely from the words "celestial" and "being" or "celestial" and "bee," since it appears to be a sprite with bee wings and antennae. It may also come from "celerity" which means quickly.
Treecko - A portmanteau of "tree" and "gecko".
Grovyle - A portmanteau of "grove" and "reptile".
Sceptile - A portmanteau of "sceptic" and "reptile".
Torchic - A portmanteau of "torch and "chick".
Combusken - A portmanteau of "combustion" and "chicken".
Blaziken - A portmanteau of "blaze" and "chicken".
Mudkip - A play on the "mudskipper" fish.
Marshtomp - A portmanteau of "marsh" and "stomp".
Swampert - A portmanteau of "swamp" and "rampart".
Poochyena A portmanteau of "pooch" and "hyena".
Mightyena - A portmanteau of "might" and "hyena".
Zigzagoon - A portmanteau of "zigzag" and "raccoon".
Linoone - A portmanteau of "line" and "raccoon".
Wurmple - An play on "worm".
Silcoon - A portmanteau of "silk" and "cocoon".
Beautifly - A portmanteau of "beauty" and "butterfly".
Cascoon - A portmanteau of "casket" and "cocoon".
Dustox - A portmanteau of "dust" and "toxic".
Lotad - There are two possibilities regarding the origin of Lotad's name. One is that it is derived from the lotus, a beautiful plant that is found on water, as in the Water Lily Nymphaea Lotus, and a tadpole, referring to Lotad being the small and unevolved form of its series. The other possibility is that Lotad's name originates from the names of two different plant species, lotus and lily pad; a lily pad is, obviously, found on water, and hence this Pokémon's Water-type.
Lombre - A portmanteau of Lotus, an aquatic plant, and a shortening of the word sombrero, a Mexican hat, referring to the hat-like leaf on Lombre's head. The "-ombre" part could also be derived from the word "sombre", referring to Lombre's sad face expression, or the Spanish word for man, "hombre".
Ludicolo - Probably derives from the word "ludicrous", meaning "laughable or hilarious", and the colocynth, a tendril-bearing Old World vine bearing yellowish, green-mottled fruits the size of small lemons. The "Colo" part may also be referring to the Mexican word for "crazy"; "loco". Ludicolo is crazy by nature, so this actually makes sense.
Seedot - A combimation of "seed" and "dot".
Nuzleaf - A portmanteau of "Nux Vomica", a poisonous seed from an Asian tree, and "leaf".
Shiftry - A play on "shifty" (suspicious) and "tree".
Taillow - A portmanteau of "tail" and "swallow".
Swellow - A portmanteau of "swell" and "swallow".
Wingull - A portmanteau of "wing" and "gull".
Pelipper - A portmanteau of "pelican" and "flipper".
Ralts - A play on "waltz".
Kirlia - Named for Semyon Davidovich Kirlian, a Russian scientist who conducted research into human psychic ability and other supernatural phenomena. It can also be a play on "Curly," describing its hair.
Gardevoir - Thought to originate from the words "guard" and "voir" (French, "to watch"). It may also be a portmanteau from the word "guard" and "devoir", which is French for duty or "to have", so it could mean "duty to guard" or "it has to guard".
Surskit - A portmanteau of "surface" and "skate" (referring to how it moves on the water).
Masquerain - A portmanteau of "masquerade" and "rain".
Shroomish - A play on "mushroom".
Breloom - A play on "umbrella" and "mushroom".
Slakoth - A portmanteau of "slack" and "sloth". Said quickly, it sounds similar to "slack off", which means to laze about and is also the name of one of its unique moves in the game.
Vigoroth - A portmanteau of "vigor" and "sloth". Said quickly, it sounds similar to "vigorous" which is an adjective meaning full of vigor.
Slaking - A play on "slack" and "king". Also similar to the word "slacking".
Nincada - A portmanteau of "ninja" and "cicada".
Ninjask - A portmanteau of "ninja" and "mask".
Shedinja - A portmanteau of "shed" and "ninja".
Whismur - A portmanteau of "whisper" and "murmur".
Loudred - A portmanteau of "loud" and "dread".
Exploud - A portmanteau of "explode" and "loud".
Makuhita - A reference to a rank of sumo wrestling, Makushita. It is possible to speculate that the "s" in Makushita was dropped in order to avoid pronunciation mishaps when the Pokémon was brought to America.
Hariyama - A rank that can be achieved in sumo wrestling.
Azurill - A portmanteau of "azure" and "rill" (to form a "blue river").
Nosepass - A portmanteau of "nose" and "compass".
Skitty - A portmanteau of "skittish" and "kitty".
Delcatty - A portmanteau of "delicate" and "cat".
Sableye - A portmanteau of "sable" (dark) and "eye".
Mawile - A portmanteau of "maw" and "smile".
Aron - A portmanteau of "armour" and "iron".
Lairon - A portmanteau of "lair" and "iron".
Aggron - A portmanteau of "aggressive" and "iron".
Meditite - A portmanteau of "meditate" and "mite".
Medicham - A portmanteau of "meditate" and "champion".
Electrike - A portmanteau of "electric" and "strike".
Manectric - A portmanteau of "mane" and "electric".
Plusle - A play on "plus".
Minun - A play on "minus".
Volbeat - From "volatile" meaning flying, and "beat" relating to its wings
Illumise - A play on "illuminate".
Roselia - A portmanteau of "rose" and "azalea".
Gulpin - A play on "gulping" or "gulp in".
Swalot - A portmanteau of "swallow" and "lot".
Carvanha - A portmanteau of "carving", an ability of its ferocious teeth, and "piranha".
Sharpedo - A portmanteau of "shark" and "torpedo".
Wailmer - A portmanteau of "whale" and "mer" (French for "ocean").
Wailord - A portmanteau of "whale" and "lord".
Numel - A portmanteau of "numb" and "camel".
Camerupt - A portmanteau of "camel" and "eruption".
Torkoal - A portmanteau of "tortoise" and "coal".
Spoink - A portmanteau of "spring" and "oink" (the sound a pig makes).
Grumpig - A portmanteau of "grumpy" and "pig".
Spinda - A portmanteau of "spin" and "panda".
Trapinch - A portmanteau of "trap" and "pinch".
Vibrava - A play on "vibration".
Flygon - A portmanteau of "flying" and "dragon", and also a reversal of the last 2 syllables of "dragonfly," referring to its insectoid appearance.
Cacnea - "Cac-" derived from "cactus", and "-nea" dervived from its Japanese name Sabonea.
Cacturne - A play on "cactus" and "nocturne".
Swablu - A portmanteau of "cotton swab" and "blue".
Altaria - May have been derived from "altitude" or "alto", and "aria," which means "a beautiful melody."
Zangoose - A play on "zigzag" and "mongoose".
Seviper - A portmanteau of "sever" and "viper".
Lunatone - A portmanteau of the Latin "luna" and "stone".
Solrock - A portmanteau of the Latin "sol" and "rock".
Barboach - A portmanteau of the words "barb" and "loach", which is a type of whiskered fish.
Whiscash - A portmanteau of "whiskers" and "catfish".
Corphish - A play on "crawfish".
Crawdaunt - A portmanteau of "crawfish" and "daunting" (threatening).
Baltoy - A portmanteau of "Balance" and "toy".
Claydol - A portmanteau of "clay doll" and "idol".
Lileep - Originates from "lily," suggesting is flower-like appearance, and "peep", since Lileep appears as though it is peeping through its fossilized stem.
Cradily - A portmanteau of "cradle" and "lily".
Anorith - A portmanteau of the word "Anomalocaris" and the suffix "lith", meaning "rock" or "stone".
Armaldo - A portmanteau of "armour" and "armadillo".
Feebas - A portmanteau of "feeble" (weak) and "bass".
Milotic - Originated from Venus de Milo, a statue that, like Milotic, represents beauty, and the word "melodic".
Castform - A play on "forecast" and "transform".
Kecleon- A play on "keckle" and "chameleon".
Shuppet - A play on "shadow" and "puppet".
Banette - A play on "bane" and "marionette".
Duskull - A portmanteau of "dusk" and "skull".
Dusclops - A portmanteau of "dusk" and "cyclops", referring to its one eye.
Tropius - Derived from the words "tropic" and "Brachiosaurus".
Chimecho - A portmanteau of "chime" and "echo".
Absol - Might mean "absence" of "sol," or sunlight, which might refer to the fact that there is no sunlight (literally) or happiness (figuratively) in a natural disaster, that it is a Dark-type and coloured black, that it is a nocturnal Pokémon and that it can foretell natural disasters. It may also come from the word "absolute".
Wynaut - Comes from the phrase, "Why not?" A typical 'counter attack', which refers to the way Wynauts behave in battles. Just like it's evolution, it only counters and mirrors attacks, it will rarely attack on its own.
Snorunt - A portmanteau of "snow" and "runt".
Glalie - A portmanteau of "glacier" and "goalie", a reference to its appearance as a hockey mask.
Spheal - A portmanteau of "sphere" and "seal".
Sealeo - A portmanteau of "sea lion" and "leo" (Latin for "lion").
Walrein - A portmanteau of "walrus" and "reign" (a sign of royalty) or "rain".
Clamperl - A portmanteau of "clamp" and "pearl".
Huntail - A portmanteau of "hunt" and "tail".
Gorebyss - A portmanteau of "gorgeous" and "abyss".
Relicanth - A portmanteau of "relic" and "coelacanth".
Luvdisc - A portmanteau of "love" and "discus".
Bagon - A portmanteau of "baby" and "dragon".
Shelgon - A portmanteau of "shell" and "dragon".
Salamence - A portmanteau of "salamander" and "menace".
Beldum - Beldum's English and Japanese names are both derived from "dumbbell", a small weight used in weight training.
Metang - A portmanteau of "metal" and "tang", a sharp point or prong, referring to its sharp metal claws. Also an anagram of "Magnet," alluding to its ability to manipulate magnetic forces.
Metagross - A portmanteau of "metal" and "gross" (German for "big").
Regirock - A portmanteau of "regi-" (from the Latin word for "king") and "rock".
Regice - A portmanteau of "regi-" (see above) and "ice".
Registeel - A portmanteau of "regi-" (see above) and "steel".
Latias - Might have been derived from the Latin word "'latere'" (as in latent), which means 'to lie hidden', 'to be invisible'. The first person singular form of this word is lateo, which, when mispronounced in English, sounds exactly like this Pokémon's name, thus making it translatable as 'I lay hidden'. It could also translate as 'The Aunt' in Spanish, although if it were grammitically correct in Spanish it would be called Lastias. Also, the 'a' in Latias' name could be a feminine point, hence Latias being a female Pokémon.
Latios - Might have been derived from the Latin word "'latere'" (as in latent), which means 'to lie hidden', 'to be invisible'. The first person singular form of this word is lateo, which, when mispronounced in English, sounds exactly like this Pokémon's name, thus making it translatable as 'I lay hidden'. It could also translate 'The Uncle' in Spanish, although if it were grammitically correct in Spanish it would be called Lostios. Also the 'o' in Latios' name could be a masculine point, hence Latios being a male Pokémon.
Kyogre - A Romanization of the original Japanese name Kaiōga, "kai" from the Japanese word for ocean, and "ōga" a play on Orca or ogre.
Groudon - Originates from the words "ground" and "don", meaning 'lord'.
Rayquaza - A derivation of the words "ray" and "quasar", or a transliteration of its Japanese name, Rekku'uza.
Jirachi - A Japanized form of the pronunciation of желать (zhehlati) meaning "to wish" in Russian.
Deoxys - A play on "deoxyribonucleic acid" (DNA).
Sorry if I took up space.

Kraka-chan May 18th, 2006 2:53 AM

Sigh, I just hope they find the meaning for Gyarados. Maybe a legendary Chinese/Japanese monster. Ah, did you find it?

~*!*~Tatsujin Gosuto~*!*~ May 18th, 2006 3:12 AM

Wow long list and thanks. I finally found out what my favorite Pokemon are.

:t094:~*!*~Queen Boo~*!*~

sam47 June 3rd, 2006 5:10 PM

wow thats alot of pkmn meanings!

Keruri June 3rd, 2006 7:02 PM

im pretty sure the gyrados is gyra- gyro, sometimes used in description in the underwater force of the ocean and some other water related things, if Im not mistakened, and the dos, maybe, because its the 2nd form of magicarp? (dos-2) Not so sure on the last part, more on the gyro thing though. Nice list! ;)

peterchen July 2nd, 2006 4:19 PM

Didn`t know, never!, of all these meanings... wow oo

aragornbird July 3rd, 2006 7:13 PM

~*^*~~*^*~ ~*^*~ ~*^*~ ~*^*~~*^*~

johnlai copied all of those from wikipedia. It’s not like a 12 year old knows what “portmanteau” means.

~*^*~~*^*~ ~*^*~ ~*^*~ ~*^*~~*^*~

Fresh July 4th, 2006 11:51 PM

**** cool thats awesome Lol props on that

SephirothX July 5th, 2006 12:41 AM

Here's a thought on the topic of Gyarados: (copied from pokemondungeon.com)
Comes from GYRE (to turn in a thrashing manner) and ADO (to cause trouble).

Might be right, maybe not. I don't know much about this sort of thing, and I have no clue what Gyarados might mean........ :\

Rune July 8th, 2006 11:47 AM

rattata:rat at a=Right at ya
Donphan:Masthodon+Elephant
Gligar:Glide+Hangar/Hanger
diglett:dig+mullet
dugtrio:dig+trio
Latios and Latias:Late + Eon + os/as
caterpie:probably a caterpillar with the llar change with e it coudn't be pie
Spoink:Boink
Quillfish:quill+blowfish
Schyther:Schyte
Chinchou:Cincau (some kind of drink)
Rayquaza:Ray+Quake+extravaganza

Auron August 21st, 2006 2:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Amethyst_Callista_Moon~ (Post 1197436)
Wailmer-"Mer" means "sea" in French+Wail (It sounds like it's wailing or something)

Wailord-(Biggest Pokemon out of all, so I think that's why they called it Lord)

Nope...I think that Wailmer/Wailord....Wail means "Whale"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Smoothin (Post 1193808)
Gyarados - Gyara- "It's probably a Chinese dragon." Dos - "Spanish for 2?" :17:

Err....I don't think so.

This Thread is awesome ^_^

EDIT:

Now I'm going to tell you my theories...I'm not looking at the list.

Squirtle:Squirt+Turtle
Wartortle: War+Turtle
Blastoise: Blast+Tortoise
Charmander: Charm+Salamander
Charmeleon: Chameleon
Charizard: Charm+Lizard
Bulbasaur: Bulb+Dinosaur
Ivysaur: Ivy+Dinosaur
Ekans: Snake backwards
Arbok: Cobra with K backwards
Koffing: Cough (Kof is the sound)
Abra: Part of the magic shows word, "Abracadabra"
Kadabra: Part of the magic shows word, "Abracadabra"
Ditto: Dot
Mew: Cat sound, like meow
Mewtwo: Mew+Two
Articuno: Artic+Uno (1, Spanish)
Zapdos: Zap+Dos (2, Spanish)
Moltres: Melt+Tres (3, Spanish)
Porygon: Polygon
Horsea: Horse+Sea
Seadra: Sea+Dragon
Dragonite: Dragon+Intelligent
Machop: Macho+Chop
Machoke: Macho+Choke
Machamp: Macho+Champion
Eevee: Evolution
Vaporeon: Vapor+Evolution
Jolteon: Jolt+Evolution
Flareon: Flare+Evolution
Mankey: Monkey
Primeape: Primitive+Ape. Also, "Primate" is one of the many Spanish words that mean "Ape"
Lickitung: Lick+Tongue



Chikorita: Achicoria (It's a plant, Spanish name)
Cyndaquil: Quill
Quilava: Quill+Lava
Feraligatr: Feral+Aligator
Sentret: Sentry
Houndoom: Hound+Doom
Hoppip: Hop
Skiploom: Skip+Loom
Jumpluff: Jump
Hoothoot: Owl sound
Noctowl: Nocturnal+Owl
Kingdra: King+Dragon
Umbreon: Penumbra (A Spanish word for Darkness)+Evolution
Politoed: Tadpole
Bellosom: Bello (A Spanish word for Beautiful)+Blossom



Treecko: Tree+Gecko
Mudkip: Mud+Skip
Marshtomp: Marsh+Stomp
Torchic: Torch
Combushken: Combustion+Ken (Fist, Japanese)
Blaziken: Blaze+Ken (Fist, Japanese)
Slakoth: Sloth
Vigoroth: Vigor+Sloth
Slaking: Sloth+King
Cacturne: Cactus+Nocturnal
Spheal: Sphere+Seal
Shiftry: Shift+Tree
Whismur: Whisper
Loudred: Loud
Exploud: Explosion+Loud
Delcatty: Delicate+Cat
Spinda: Spin+Panda
Salamence: Salamander+Fence
Solrock: Sol (Sun, Spanish)+Rock
Lunatone: Luna (Moon, Spanish)+Stone
Sharpedo: Shark+Torpedo
Claydol: Clay+Doll
Mightyena: Mighty+Hyena
Camerupt: Camel+Erupt
Torkoal: Torch+Coal
Silcoon: Silk
Mantine: Manta



Cherimu: Cherry (Yeah, it looks like a Cherry Blossom, aka Sakura)
Dorapion: Scorpion ?? I don't think so xDDD

BTW...You guys know that Kyogre is based on the Leviathan and Kyogre is based on the Behemoth ?? (This is from Bulbapedia xD)

Eddyweb August 23rd, 2006 8:39 AM

I didnt know pikachu means electric mouse :S u surprised me.


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