4th Gen Roark, as in Howard Roark?

[Linus]

Okay, so got my DS and version of Platnium yesterday, and i started playing through the game, when i noticed the first gym leaders name. Is this a reference to the character from the Fountainhead by ayn rand? I love her work (Atlas Shrugged being my favorite book of all time, The Fountainhead a close second), but this is the first time i realized the reference. Or is it just a coincidense?

 

[RYOUKI]

No, It's really just a word play from the word 'Rock'. Like Roxanne and Brock.

 

[SaiiKo]

hmm...
I always thought it came from roar or rage or wharever,
it probably doesn't really has a reason though...

 

[HappyEmoKid]

I always thought Roark was a girl, i mean seriously her/his hair looks soo girly IMO

 

[Zelda]

No, It's really just a word play from the word 'Rock'. Like Roxanne and Brock.

As you mention, the "Rock" similar type in their names, it does make sense for it to be like that. I mean Roark is not a very popular name to come across to, but there are many different reasons for a person in a pokémon game in this case, to be named that.

I always thought Roark was a girl, i mean seriously her/his hair looks soo girly IMO

That is kind of true, but the way the hair is zigzagged and colored with the boy-ish clothes gives it a way that Roark is a boy.