English names for the starting trio
Tsutarja, Pokabu, and Mijumaru... the three starting pokemon for Pokemon Black and White. Well, at least, that is what their Japanese names are. They will likely have different names when they come out in English-speaking countries. So I thought it'd be fun to put on the translator's hat and have a go at what some good English names will be.
Note to the mods: I didn't know whether this would be better in the Black/White forums or the Trivia forums. I chose Black/White because it is game-specific, but I understand if you move it.
First, take a look at what's been done historically. Fushigidane (strange seed) became Bulbasaur (lizard with a bulb), which is a completely different name. Hitokage (fire lizard) on the other hand became Charmander (fire "lizard"), so the name was essentially translated. Others like Hinaorashi (Cyndaquil) keep the same basic idea, but change it to make it sound good.
So, here is our new starting trio (
all images and information taken from Bulbapedia):
===================================================
*bulbagarden.net image removed*
Tsutarja -
The Grass Snake Pokémon
Origin: Tsutarja may be based off of a lizard or a snake. Its shared traits with both make it similar to
skinks.
Name Origin: Tsutarja's name is possibly derived from 蔦
tsuta,
ivy, and 蛇
ja,
snake.
*bulbagarden.net image removed*
Pokabu - The Fire Pig Pokemon
Origin: It appears to be based on a
saddleback pig.
Name Origin: Pokabu is derived from ぽかぽか
pokapoka, warmth circulating through one's body, combined with 豚
buta, pig.
*bulbagarden.net image removed*
Mijumaru - The Sea Otter Pokémon
Origin: It appears to be based on a
sea otter.
Name Origin: May be derived from 水
mizu, water and 丸
maru, round.
===================================================
So let's hear some ideas! I look forward to hearing creativity.
Please no sarcastic joke posts like
Tsutarja - Mudkip
Pokabu - Mudkip
Mijumaru - Mudkip LOLZ