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Old February 2nd, 2010 (1:18 PM). Edited February 2nd, 2010 by Guy.
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Here's a basic breakdown of the English given names for those who are interested in why. Keep in mind this was done through a brief research, but it relatively keeps the connection and meaning.

Protagonists/Pseudo-Rivals



Ethan = Hibiki (ヒビキ) (AKA Gold, the male Protagonist)
Even though some of us knew Hibiki meant "echo," he was given the name Ethan. Ethan's meaning is a male given name meaning strong, firm, steadfast and safe. If you think about it, none of this has any relation to "echo." However, if you think of Gold as an element, it is a strong, firm and steadfast substance. It's basically the only connection I see between why he was given the name Ethan in the first place.

Personally, I think it suits him well, but of course others may think differently. I can say though that I was never expecting him to be given the name Jimmy, just like how Red was never given the name Ash.

Lyra = Kotone (コトネ) (The female protagonist)
This has basically been over a couple days now and is pretty much self explanatory as I repeat it. Lyra is a fitting name for Kotone as it kept the same meaning, the sound of a harp.

I've given my opinion on the Kotone's English Name Thread, but really I think it's a well given name. It's better than some names given before and now and I can't say it was a bad choice as it still keeps the meaning of Kotone, just in English. XD;

Rocket Executives



Rocket Executive Proton = Rocket Executive Lance (ランス)

Now, like most when I first saw Executive Lance was altered to Executive Proton, I had a big question mark across my face. However, Proton does have a relation to a realistic rocket. The Proton given here derives from an expendable launch system used for both commercial and Russian government space launches. For more information on the Proton Rockets, you can read it here.

I understand them having to change the name from Lance considering we already have the Elite Four Lance, but I'm sure something better could have come to mind. Regardless at least it has meaning and relation to Team Rocket.

Rocket Executive Petrel = Rocket Executive Lambda (ラムダ)

For those who are curious on why the name Petrel was given to Lambda it is most likely because the Petrel was a British sounding rocket launched with three Chick booster rockets. Hope this explanation sums the relativity of it up.

I think the name is pretty unique, coming from a rocket, it's quite obvious where Nintendo got the given name in English. Though, I can say I have mixed feeling on this one, simply because I really don't think it's a name I might actually give to a video game character, much less a person.

Rocket Executive Arianna = Rocket Executive Athena (アテナ)
Besides Arianna and Athena being two Greek related names (also, if you were wondering, Lyra is also a Greek originated name), I have found no other relation on Athena's given English name.

I can say Arianna is still a sexy name, and I don't think it was a bad alteration from Athena.

Rocket Executive Archer = Rocket Executive Apollo (アポロ)
Credit to Wings Don't Cry: "Apollo was a Greek Deity who was commonly recognized with a Bow and Arrow, so obviously archers use bow and arrows. So that's how I think the name Archer came about." Briefly this explains part of the connection between Archer's given name. However, Archer is also connected to the fact that there is indeed an Archer Rocket. Here you will find the model kit to the SA-14 Archer Rocket if interested.

Archer isn't a terrible name like most people might think, but I wouldn't disagree it couldn't have been better. Really, he's a Rocket Executive so you'll pretty much only be hearing about him when you come across him or possibly any other Rocket member.

Pokéathlon Founder Mangus - Kobushi



Pokéathlon Founder Magnus = Pokéathlon Founder Kobushi (コブシ)
Can't say I found much on the Pokéathlon Founder, but Magnus is a cool name overall. Kobushi however does mean a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the universe and its sequels. Basically giving the purpose of the Pokéathlon in the first place.

Wow, that was a lot of typing XD; Anyway, those who were curious, there's your explanation on why the characters were given there names. I don't have much of a big problem with any of them to say, some could have been better yes, but overall this wasn't so bad. I can say more on the items, but I'll leave that for a later time. o3o

Credit to Google Definitions, Wikipedia, and Dictionary for meaning connections.
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (2:27 PM).
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiiro;5517965
[B
Rocket Executive Archer = Rocket Executive Apollo (アポロ)[/B]
As mentioned by Masterge77, Archer is indeed a direct reference to Star Trek and therefore gives connection to space and rockets relatively.

Archer isn't a terrible name like most people might think, but I wouldn't disagree it couldn't have been better. Really, he's a Rocket Executive so you'll pretty much only be hearing about him when you come across him or possibly any other Rocket member.
I don't know if I'm right but I'm pretty sure you're wrong on Apollo. But Apollo was a Greek Deity who was commonly recognized with a Bow and Arrow, so obviously archers use bow and arrows. So that's how I think the name Archer came about. To me it makes more sense than your explanation(no offense intended).
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (3:15 PM).
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Ethan: I'm probably the only person that prefers this name over Jimmy. Jimmy was from the anime, and we don't call Red Ash, now do we? Besides, Gold really seems like an Ethan, so I'm calling him Ethan from now on. Probably because I have a friend named Ethan that looks a lot like the HG/SS Ethan.
Lyra: It's a cool name, and all, and I guess it fits, seeing how the "new Kris" is much girlier than the "old Kris", who had a rather masculine name.
Proton: PROOOTOOON. Seriously, though, that name is just ridiculous. Petrel and Proton should have switched names, since the name Proton is more fitting to the purple-haired one than it is to the turquoise-haired one. Oh, well... I guess this makes him more memorable, since he was originally the "who now?" Executive.
Petrel: This isn't a very bad name, it's just that this guy should have been Proton.
Arianna: It isn't BAD, I just preferred Athena. I'm really just indifferent with this one.
Archer: Really great name, really bad placement. Why do I say that? Well, it's fitting and all (but not as fitting as Apollo was), but we already have a main antagonist named Archie. That seems way to similar... I guess we can make a sitcom called "Archer & Archie" now. Think of all of the wacky misadventures. Ha... Ha?
Magnus: This name is perfect. He's an over-the-top character, so why not?

EDIT: I didn't mean to copy Hiiro when I said that thing about Ethan/Red and Jimmy/Ash. I typed this before I read their comment.
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (3:16 PM).
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Archer is a name of a Rocket in real life...it has nothing to do with Star Trek
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (3:25 PM).
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Originally Posted by Wings Don't Cry View Post
I don't know if I'm right but I'm pretty sure you're wrong on Apollo. But Apollo was a Greek Deity who was commonly recognized with a Bow and Arrow, so obviously archers use bow and arrows. So that's how I think the name Archer came about. To me it makes more sense than your explanation(no offense intended).
I could have possibly looked over the fact, but you're right there is a Greek connection as you've mentioned. No offense taken in anyway. :) Something I've been leaning towards however is that some of these names are deriving from Greek mythology.

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Archer is a name of a Rocket in real life...it has nothing to do with Star Trek
Along with Serebii here, Archer is the name of a real life rocket and after another quick research here is a model kit of the SA-14 Archer Rocket.
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (4:47 PM).
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I recognize that all of the Rocket Executive names are now based off of real rockets, but really... Lance's was the only one who required a change.

Two years of Chemistry have instilled in me the knowledge that a proton is the positive particle in an atom. IT IS NOT A NAME. Not a bit....

And Petrel reminds me of petrol far too much... :\
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (5:13 PM).
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lyra, I was expecting something moreee, well something like Kristen o.o
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (5:26 PM).
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I just also wanted to comment on 'Dowsing MCHN' and 'Aprijuice'...

Haven't we advanced beyond contracting words, Nintendo...?
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (5:27 PM).
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Yes, Nintendo, Gamefreak, and The Pokemon Company, we need to have a little chat on Dowsing MCHN and Aprijuice, okay? *cracks knuckles*
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (5:42 PM).
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I'm disappointed with "Ethan" and that "MCHN" thing will be annoying me every time I use a key item. I hope they don't mess with Red's name. :(

I wonder what silver's English name will be...
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (7:30 PM).
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Originally Posted by Kirbychu View Post
I'm disappointed with "Ethan" and that "MCHN" thing will be annoying me every time I use a key item. I hope they don't mess with Red's name. :(

I wonder what silver's English name will be...
Silver. The only reason Gold got a new name was as an NPC. His default name as a player character will likely be Gold / Silver depending on the version, or possibly Heart / Soul. Then, there will also be normal names, just like what happens in every game, except RSE.
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (8:09 PM).
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Aprjuice is a portmanteau, not a contraction. Dowsing MCHN is somewhat disappointing. I don't know why everyone loves the Japanese names so much just because they're the Japanese ones. As long as they don't change them to something irritating, there isn't really a problem with them changing them.

Personally, I don't much think Ethan fits Gold. But at least we don't have to call him an unofficial name after a colour anymore.

Although, Serebii hasn't given any sources for this...
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (8:12 PM).
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Originally Posted by Myles View Post
Aprjuice is a portmanteau, not a contraction. Dowsing MCHN is somewhat disappointing. I don't know why everyone loves the Japanese names so much just because they're the Japanese ones. As long as they don't change them to something irritating, there isn't really a problem with them changing them.

Personally, I don't much think Ethan fits Gold. But at least we don't have to call him an unofficial name after a colour anymore.

Although, Serebii hasn't given any sources for this...

Dude, Serebii has sources. I'm not lying, they have sources. I don't know how they get them, even though I've been a member for a long time...Does anyone know how they get their sources???
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (8:36 PM).
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Lyra isn't too bad. It's starting to grow on me, actually. It fits, and I'm chill with that.

Ethan on the other hand is kind of random in my opinion. I didn't expect him to be named Jimmy, but... Ethan? I don't seem him as an Ethan. It doesn't sound fitting for a 10 year old boy on an adventure. Maybe it'll grow on me as time goes on.

Rocket Executive Proton on the other hand... I see where it's coming from. I think it's cool that their names have something to do with rockets. It's nice that their names have that kind of meaning to them. I love names with some sort of a reference/meaning that fits. But "Proton?" Maybe it's just my inner Chemistry nerd calling out to me, but the name just doesn't fit. It's like calling your son "Neutron." Hey, Neutron! Come on in, it's time for dinner! Bring your sister Valence in as well!

But I'm sure that I'll like it more/at least get used to it sooner or later.
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (8:53 PM).
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I believe serebii in this case wants to keep his source secret or the such, probably. He said there was a vague possibility something might change but it is very unlikely on the site, and I suppose he'd have good reason to go ahead and put info on his site in the first place - he doesn't put rumours up usually and when he does it's only ones with strong backing and he says it's a rumour as well.
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (9:20 PM).
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Rocket Executive Proton on the other hand... I see where it's coming from. I think it's cool that their names have something to do with rockets. It's nice that their names have that kind of meaning to them. I love names with some sort of a reference/meaning that fits. But "Proton?" Maybe it's just my inner Chemistry nerd calling out to me, but the name just doesn't fit. It's like calling your son "Neutron." Hey, Neutron! Come on in, it's time for dinner! Bring your sister Valence in as well!
You do know there's a rocket called Proton, well actually it's called Proton HK something something, but it starts with proton and has a bunch of letters and numbers after it. Stop using your inner Chemistry nerd and use your inner Astronomy nerd.
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Old February 2nd, 2010 (9:33 PM).
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Although I would have really liked it better if they simply kept with the names Apollo, Athena, and such, and just switched Lance's name, I'm fine with the Rocket Names. I'm good with Lyra as well, as they at least kept what the meaning of Kotone is.

Only problem I find is well...Ethan. Yeeeeah... I don't really find that name to be too great. XD; Maybe it'll grow on me, but I think I'm juuust going to name him 'Gold' /o/;
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (4:37 AM).
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Originally Posted by Myles View Post
Aprjuice is a portmanteau, not a contraction. Dowsing MCHN is somewhat disappointing. I don't know why everyone loves the Japanese names so much just because they're the Japanese ones. As long as they don't change them to something irritating, there isn't really a problem with them changing them.

Personally, I don't much think Ethan fits Gold. But at least we don't have to call him an unofficial name after a colour anymore.

Although, Serebii hasn't given any sources for this...
It's not that I love the Japanese names, it's just that some of the names are ridiculously bad. Would anyone in their right mind call the juice you got from shaking an Apricot, Aprijuice? And the Dowsing MCHN will always be the Itemfinder, in my mind at least. :\
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (1:31 PM).
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I don't mind the other names, but Ethan just doesn't fit with Gold. It's going to take some getting use to xD
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (1:54 PM).
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Pfft , I still think Melody and Jimmy is a better name?
ETHAN sounds like a gay name personally in my opinon! xD
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (2:01 PM).
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The Pokéthlon (ポケスロン) is now known as the Pokéathlon.
How in the name of GAWD do you pronounce Pokéathlon? In fact, how do you pronounce Pokéthlon? When I first saw it, for some reason, I pronounced it Poké-athelon. Not sure why, I guess it just rolls off the tounge better. xP
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (2:05 PM). Edited February 3rd, 2010 by "Shadow Lugia".
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ETHAN sounds like a gay name personally in my opinon! xD
Thanks for insulting my name. You could just say you don't think the name fits the character instead of being demeaning towards it.
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (5:48 PM).
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I believe serebii in this case wants to keep his source secret or the such, probably. He said there was a vague possibility something might change but it is very unlikely on the site, and I suppose he'd have good reason to go ahead and put info on his site in the first place - he doesn't put rumours up usually and when he does it's only ones with strong backing and he says it's a rumour as well.
Haha!

Serebii is a horrible place for information, to not cite information in this day and age is beyond ridiculous, and can't be excused. And he writes news in such a vague way that when things are clarified he can claim that he was 'right'...
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (6:06 PM).
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NICE! They went with Greek god names!

Epic win for Game Freak and Nintendo!
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Old February 3rd, 2010 (6:12 PM).
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Ethan; It's a good name, and I like it.

Lyra; Kotone meant "Sounds of a harp", and a Lyre is a relatively close instrument to the harp. Even though I was expecting a name like Harper, I still like Lyra because at least they surprised us. It's still a good name overall.

Archer and Arianna; Suck. Suck BAAAAD. Athena and Apollo were already good names because they actually made more sense. In Greek Myth, Athena was the goddess of hunting, craft, and THE MOON. Apollo was god of medicine, music, and THE SUN. They fit because they were not just names of rockets, but because they were DOUBLE ENTENDRE.

Petrel; Lambda was good, but Petrel is better for the English-speaking audience.

Proton; I understand why he had to be renamed, but it's a pretty good name overall.
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