Name Origins
On this page you'll find the origins of the names of each Pokémon. I spent a lot of time researching all this, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't use any content from this page without crediting me (moltres93) or Sora. Feel free to contact me if you have a better theory for any of the names origins!
Newly updated 5th generation name origins are bold to make them easier to find.
A
Abomasnow: From 'abominable snowman'.
Abra: 'Abra' is a familiar magic word, most popular in the phrase 'Abra Kadabra'.
Absol: Absence of sol (the sun) i.e., darkness.
Accelgor: From ‘accelerate’. The ‘gor’ ending is of obscure origin.
Aerodactyl: Sounds like 'pterodactyl'. From 'aero' meaning 'flying' and 'dactyl' meaning 'finger', referring to the fingers on Aerodactyl's wings.
Aggron: A combination of 'aggressive' and 'iron'.
Aipom: A combination of 'ape' and 'palm', meaning the part of the hand.
Alakazam: 'Alakazam' is another familiar magic word.
Alomomola: From ‘mola mola’, the scientific name for the ocean sunfish, the fish upon which Alomomola was based. May also be related to ‘aloha’, Hawaiian for ‘love’ or ‘affection’.
Altaria: From 'altitude' and 'aria' (as in music, Altaria has a beautiful singing voice).
Ambipom: From 'ambi' (meaning both) and a variation of 'palm'.
Amoongus: Foongus and Amoongus’s names are a corruption of the phrase ‘fungus among us’. See Foongus.
Ampharos: From 'amphere', a measure of electric current, and 'pharos', as in the Pharos of Alexandria (a lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).
Anorith: A combination of 'armor' and 'monolith' (rock).
Arbok: From 'cobra'. It’s 'kobra' spelled backwards.
Arcanine: A combination of 'arcane', meaning 'mysterious', and 'canine' meaning 'doglike'.
Arceus: May have come from 'arch', meaning 'highest', and 'deus', Latin and Greek for 'God'. May also be related to 'Zeus', the most powerful of the Greek gods.
Archen: From ‘Archaeopteryx’, the primitive bird upon which archen was based, and ‘Archean’, a prehistoric period in time.
Archeops: From Archaeopteryx and Archean. The ‘ops’ suffix may come from ‘tops’, referring to the fact that Archeops is the final and ‘top’ evolution of Archen.
Ariados: Named after Ariadne of Greek mythology, who spun a ball of thread for Theseus to leave behind him so he wouldn't get lost in a maze, much like how Ariados leaves a trail of thread behind it. 'Dos', Spanish for two, indicates that Ariados is the second, an evolved form of Spinarak.
Armaldo: From 'armor' and 'armadillo'.
Aron: From 'armor' and 'iron'.
Articuno: From 'arctic' and 'uno', Spanish for 'one'.
Audino: From ‘audio’, as in sound, and ‘ino’, a feminine ending.
Axew: Possibly a combination of ‘axe’ and ‘chew’.
Azelf: A variation of ‘us’ and ‘elf’. May also be related to 'azure', a blue colour. See Mesprit and Uxie.
Azumarill: From 'azure', a blue color, 'marine', meaning underwater, and 'rill', a small stream.
Azurill: From 'azure' and 'rill'.
B
Bagon: From 'baby’ and 'dragon'.
Baltoy: A combination of 'balance' and 'toy'.
Banette: From 'Banshee', a female spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as an omen of death, and 'marionette', a type of puppet moved by strings. May also come from 'banne' which means to cause ruin or woe.
Barboach: A combination of 'barb', referring to the barbs around its mouth, and 'loach', a species of fish that is similar to Barboach.
Basculin: From ‘bass’, a body of water, and ‘masculine’.
Bastiodon: From 'bastion' (a part of a fort that provides the defenders with protection from attacking troops. This refers to Bastiodon’s habit of forming a wall with others of its species to protect its young from predators), and 'don', a suffix commonly found in dinosaur names.
Bayleef: A respelling of 'bay leaf', an herb with sharp leaves.
Beartic: From ‘bear’ and ‘arctic’.
Beautifly: From 'beautiful' and 'butterfly'.
Beedrill: A combination of 'bee' and 'drill'.
Beheeyem: Derived from the abbreviation ‘BEM’, which stands for ‘bug-eyed monster’ and was an old-fashioned term for alien. See Elgyem.
Beldum: A variation of 'dumbbell' (an item lifted in weight training).
Bellossom: From 'blossom' and 'bell', the shape of Bellossom's body.
Bellsprout: From 'sprout' and 'bell', the shape of Bellsprout's head.
Bibarel: From 'beaver' and 'barrel'.
Bidoof: From 'beaver' and 'doofus' (a stupid person).
Bisharp: From ‘bishop’, a chess piece, and ‘sharp’. See Pawniard.
Blastoise: A combination of 'blast' and 'tortoise'.
Blaziken: From 'blaze' and 'chicken'.
Blissey: From 'bliss', meaning joy or happiness.
Blitzle: From ‘blitz’, which means to vigorously attack. Blitz is also the word for lightning in German. The ‘le’ suffix may come from ‘little’, referring to the fact that Blitzle is an unevolved Pokémon.
Boldore: Sounds like ‘boulder’, a large rock. The suffix may refer to ‘Dore’, a group of mountains located in France.
Bonsly: From 'bonsai' (small plants) and either 'lie' or 'sly' (referring to Bonsly’s habit of using Fake Tears).
Bouffalant: A combination of ‘buffalo’, the animal upon which Bouffalant was based, and ‘bouffant’, a high hairstyle.
Braviary: From ‘brave’ and ‘aviary’, relating to birds.
Brellom: From 'umbrella' and 'mushroom'.
Bronzong: A combination of 'bronze' and 'dong,' as in the sound of a bell.
Bronzor: From 'bronze' and 'mirror'.
Budew: From 'bud' and 'dew'.
Buizel: A variation of 'buoy', and 'weasel'.
Bulbasaur: A combination of 'bulb' and 'saur', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Buneary: From 'bunny' and 'ear'.
Burmy: From bag (from Burmy’s tendency to carry items on itself) and worm. May also be related to burr, a seed that attaches itself onto animals and clothing and are very hard to brush off, the way Burmy carries around items that are stuck to it.
Butterfree: A combination of 'butterfly' and 'free'.
C
Cacnea: From 'cactus' and 'needle'.
Cacturine: From 'cactus' and 'nocturnal'.
Camerupt: A combination of 'camel' and 'erupt'.
Carnivine: From 'carnivore' (as in carnivorous fly trap, the plant on which Carnivine was based), and 'vine'.
Carracosta: From ‘carapace’, a hard covering (like a shell) and ‘coast’, referring to this Pokémon’s habitat.
Carvanha: From 'carnivorous' and 'piranha'.
Cascoon: A combination of 'case' and 'cocoon'.
Castform: From 'forecast' and 'transform'.
Caterpie: Shortening of 'caterpillar', which Caterpie resembles.
Celebi: May have come from 'celestial' and 'being'.
Chandelure: From ‘chandelier’ and ‘lure’, or ‘allure’.
Chansey: 'Chancy' means 'risky', and this may be the source of the name, because Chancey is hard to find, and the odds are not in your favor when you go to catch one.
Charizard: A combination of 'char' and 'lizard'.
Charmander: A combination of 'char' and 'salamander'.
Charmeleon: A combination of 'char' and 'chameleon'.
Cherrim: From 'cherry' and 'blossom'.
Cherubi: A combination of 'cherry' and 'ruby' (as in the shade of red).
Chatot: Fom 'chat' (referring to a parrot’s ability to talk) and 'parrot'.
Chikorita: From 'chicory', a type of spice.
Chimchar: From 'chimp' and 'char'.
Chimecho: A combination of 'chime' and 'echo'.
Chinchou: May have come from 'chochin', a lantern.
Chingling: From 'ching' (the sound metal makes when chimed) and 'ling', the Chinese word for bell.
Cinccino: from ‘chinchilla’, the animal upon which cinccino is based, The ‘cino’ ending may refer to ‘chino cloth’, a cottony fabric.
Clamperl: From 'clam' and 'pearl'. May also be related to 'clamp', referring to Clampearl’s ability to clamp shut tightly.
Claydol: Combination of 'clay' and 'doll'.
Clefable: A combination of 'clef' a musical symbol, and 'fable'.
Cleffa: From 'clef', 'fa', from fairy.
Clefairy: A combination of 'clef' and 'fairy'.
Cloyster: A combination of 'clam' (or 'clamp') and 'oyster'.
Cobalion: Combination of ‘cobalt’, which is both a metal and a blue colour, and ‘stallion’ a male horse.
Cofagrigus: Cofagrigus is likely a mix of ‘sarcophagus’, the type of coffin upon which cofagrigus is based, and egregious, something that is extraordinary and bad.
Combee: From 'honeycomb' and 'bee'.
Combusken: Combination of 'combustion' and 'chicken'.
Conkeldurr: From ‘concrete’ and ‘elder’, referring to the fact that Conkledurr is the most evolved form of Timburr. May also be related ‘conk’, a colloquial term for ‘nose’, referring to Conkeldurr’s large nose,
Corphish: A variation of 'crayfish'.
Corsola: From 'coral', which Cosola resembles. The origin of the 'sola' ending may be from 'sole' meaning 'sun' from which coral gets its energy.
Cottonee: A respelling of the word ‘cottony’, as in ‘cotton-like’.
Cradily: From 'crag' (a mass of rocks like a cliff or mountain, referring to Cradily’s Rock duel type), and 'lily'.
Cranidos: From 'cranium' (a part of the skull, referring to Cranidos’s thick skull). The 'dos' ending indicated that Cranidos is the second (evolves from a Skull Fossil).
Crawdaunt: A variation of 'crawdad' (a crayfish) and 'daunt', referring to Crawdaunt’s intimidating appearance.
Cresselia: From 'crescent', as in crescent moon. Cresselia’s name may also be related to 'Selene', the Greek goddess of the moon.
Croagunk: From 'croak' (as in the sound a frog makes) and 'gunk' (yucky stuff).
Crobat: A combination of 'cross', the shape Crobat's body makes, and 'bat'.
Croconaw: 'Crocodile' plus 'gnaw'.
Crustle: From ‘crust’ and ‘castle’.
Cryogonal: From the Greek krýos meaning "cold" and polygonal, a many-sided shape.
Cubchoo: From ‘cub’, a baby bear, and the suffix from ‘achoo’, the sound of a sneeze.
Cubone: A variation on 'bone'. The 'cu'- prefix may refer to 'cueball', since Cubone wearing a skull on his head is as bald as a cueball. It may also refer to 'cute'.
Cyndaquil: From 'cinder' and 'quill', perhaps referring to the quills of a porcupine, the animal which Cindaquill resembles.
D
Darkrai: From 'dark' and 'kurai', the Japanese word for dark.
Darmanitan: From ‘daruma’ , a Japanese doll said to bring good luck, and "orangutan", and possibly "titan".
Darumaka: From ‘daruma’, a Japanese doll said to bring good luck. ‘Maka’ comes from the Japanese ‘makka’, meaning ‘crimson’, referring to Darumaka’s colour.
Deerling: From ‘deer’ and ‘yearling’, referring to both its young age and its tendency to change its appearance with the seasons.
Deino: From ‘dino’, the prefix of ‘dinosaur’, and ‘ein’, German for ‘one’. See Zweilous and Hydreigon.
Delcatty: From 'delicate', referring to Delcatty’s slender and small frame, and 'cat'.
Delibird: From 'delivery' and 'bird'.
Deoxys: A shortening of 'deoxyribonucleic acid' (DNA).
Dewgong: A variation of 'dugong', an animal similar to Dewgong.
Dewott: From 'dew' and 'otter'.
Dialga: From 'diamond'. The 'lga' ending is obscure.
Diglett: From 'dig' and 'let' (a small thing).
Ditto: 'Ditto' means 'repeat' or to 'duplicate'.
Dodrio: A combination of 'dodo', an extinct, flightless bird, and 'trio' meaning 'a group of three'.
Doduo: Combination of 'dodo' and 'duo' meaning 'a group of two'.
Donphan: A combination of 'mastodon' (a prehistoric elephant) and 'elephant'. 'Don' also means 'king'.
Dragonair: From 'dragon'. 'Aire' can mean 'closely associated' (Dragonair is closely associated with being a dragon). 'Air' may also refer to Dragonair’s ability to fly.
Dragonite: From 'dragon' and 'ite' meaning 'closely associated' (Dragonite is closely associated with being a dragon). May also be related to 'draconite', a mythical stone of dragons.
Drapion: May come from a corruption of 'dark', and 'scorpion'.
Dratini: A combination of 'dragon' and 'teeny' (small).
Drifblim: From 'drift' and 'blimp'.
Drifloon: From 'drift' and 'balloon'.
Drilbur: A combination of ‘drill’ and ‘burrow’.
Drowzee: A variation of 'drowsy', meaning 'sleepy'.
Druddigon: From ‘dragon’ and ‘ruddy’, meaning red in colour, especially of the face.
Ducklett: From ‘duck’, and ‘lett’, a suffix to describe something that is small or young.
Dugtrio: A combination of 'dug' and 'trio' (three).
Dunsparce: 'Dun', a beige color, and 'sparse', rare.
Duosion: From ‘duo’, meaning ‘two’, and ‘division’ or ‘fission’, a type of cell division.
Durant: Combination of ‘durable’ or ‘enduring’, referring to its Steel typing, and ‘ant’.
Dusclops: From 'dusk' and 'cyclops' (referring to Dusklops’s one eye).
Dusknoir: Combination of 'dusk' and 'noir', the French word for 'black'.
Duskull: From 'dusk' and 'skull'.
Dustox: From 'dust' and 'toxic'.
Dwebble: From ‘dwelling’ and ‘pebble’.
E
Eelektrik: A combination of ‘eel’, and a corruption of the word ‘electric’.
Eelektross: From ‘eel’, ‘electric’ and ‘boss’.
Eevee: From the pronunciation of 'E.V.', an abbreviation for 'evolution'.
Ekans: 'Snake' spelled backwards.
Electabuzz: A combination of 'electric' and 'buzz' (the humming sound of electricity).
Electivire: From 'electric' and 'wire' (referring to its cord-like tails).
Electrike: A combination of 'electric' and 'strike', as in a lightning bolt striking something.
Electrode: A combination of 'electric' and 'explode'.
Elekid: From 'electric' and 'kid'.
Elgyem: Derived from the abbreviation ‘LGM’, standing for ‘little green men’ and refers to aliens. See Beheeyem.
Emboar: From 'ember' and 'boar'.
Emolga: A corruption of its Japanese name, Emonga, which was derived from ‘emon’, meaning drapery, and ‘mononga’, from the scientific name for the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel.
Empoleon: From 'emperor' (as in emperor penguins) and 'Napoleon', an emperor of France.
Entei: From the Japanese words, 'enten' meaning blazing heat, and 'kotei' meaning emperor.
Escavalier: A combination of ‘escargot’ and ‘chevalier’, meaning ‘snail’ and ‘knight’ in French respectively. Also sounds like ‘excalibur’, the name given to King Arthur’s sword.
Espeon: From the pronunciation of ESP (a paranormal or 'psychic' ability). 'Eon' is a suffix common to all Eeveelutions, and is a shortening of the word 'evolution'.
Excadrill: From ‘excavate’, meaning to dig in the ground, and ‘drill’.
Exeggcute: A play on the words, 'eggs are cute'. May also be related to 'execute', meaning to carry out a task.
Exeggutor: A combination of 'egg' and 'executor'.
Exploud: From 'explosion' and 'loud'.
F
Farfetch’d: A variant of 'far-fetched', meaning 'hard to believe'.
Fearow: A combination of 'fear', referring to Fearow's intimidating appearance, and sparrow.
Feebas: From 'feeble', meaning small and weak, and 'bass', a type of fish. A 'bass' can also be a river.
Feraligatr: From 'feral', to be wild and uncontrollable, and 'alligator'.
Ferroseed: From the Latin ‘ferrum’ meaning ‘iron’, and ‘seed’.
Ferrothorn: From the Latin ‘ferrum’ meaning ‘iron’, and ‘thorn’.
Finneon: From 'fin' and 'neon' (referring to the way that Finneon’s fins glow at night).
Flaaffy: From 'fluffy', plus 'baa', the sound a sheep makes.
Flareon: Combination of 'flare' and 'eon'.
Floatzel: From 'float' and 'weasel'.
Flygon: From 'fly' and 'dragon'. May be related to 'dragonfly'.
Foongus: Foongus and Amoongus’s names are a corruption of the phrase ‘fungus among us’. See Amoonguss.
Forretress: From 'fortress' and 'turret', meaning a turning gun barrel similar to those on Forretress. May also be related to 'forest'.
Fraxure: A corruption of ‘fracture’, meaning to break something. Also related to ‘axe’.
Frillish: A combination of ‘frill’ and ‘jellyfish’.
Froslass: Combination of 'frost' and 'lass' (referring to the fact that Froslass can only be a female).
Furret: A combination of 'furry' and 'ferret'.
G
Gabite: From bite. The ‘gab’ in Gabite’s name may have come from various Japanese words all beginning with ‘gab’ that all mean to chew or bite.
Gallade: From 'gallant', meaning brave and noble, and 'blade', referring to the blades on Gallade’s arms.
Galvantula: From ‘galvanisation’ meaning a shock from electricity, and ‘tarantula’, the spider upon which Galvantula was based.
Garchomp: May have come from 'gar' (a type of fish) and 'chomp' (to bite).
Gardevoir: From the French words 'garde' and 'devoir', meaning 'guard' and 'be required to', referring to the fact that Gardevoir is known for protecting its trainer, even if it costs it its own life.
Garbodor: A combination of ‘garbage’ and ‘odour’.
Gastly: A combination of 'gas' and 'ghastly', meaning 'horrifying'.
Gastrodon: From 'gastropod' (a slug or snail) and 'don', meaning 'leader' or 'king'.
Genesect: A combination of ‘genes’ or ‘genetics’ and ‘insect’.
Gengar: May be related to 'genghoolie', meaning 'scary'. May have also come from 'doppelgänger' - a ghostly double of a person, which would be a fitting name for a Pokemon that likes to pretend to be people's shadows.
Geodude: A combination of 'geode' and 'dude'. A 'geode' is a round rock with crystals inside. Geodude’s external body looks like a geode.
Gible: A combination of 'ground' (Gible’s duel type) and 'nibble', a small bite.
Gigalith: From ‘giga’, meaning huge, and ‘monolith’, a large rock.
Girafarig: 'Giraffe', made into a palindrome (a word or phrase spelled the same backward as it is forward, like “deed” or 'race car').
Giratina: A combination of 'girare' (meaning to wander, referring to the fact that Giratina changes forms when it “wonders" to other games in the D/P/P series), and 'platinum'.
Glaceon: From 'glacier', a large mass of ice, and 'eon'.
Glalie: A combination of 'glacier' and 'goalie' (as Glalie’s face looks like that of an ice hockey goalie's mask).
Glameow: From 'glamorous' and 'meow'.
Gligar: From 'glide' and 'gargoyle'.
Gliscor: From 'glide' and 'scorpion'.
Gloom: 'Gloom' means “spookiness.” It can also mean “sadness.” The Pokemon Gloom may embody a little of both.
Golbat: From 'bat'. 'Gol' may come from 'ghoul'.
Goldeen: From 'goldfish' and 'queen'.
Golduck: From 'gold', meaning that Golduck is valuable, and 'duck'.
Golem: A ‘golem’ is a monster made of rock.
Golett: A combination of ‘golem’, a monster made of rock, and ‘lett’, a suffix meaning ‘small’ or ‘young’.
Golurk: From ‘golem’ and ‘lurk’.
Gorebyss: From 'gore', to stab, and 'byss', the fine, sticky strings that mollusks use to attach themselves to rocks with. May be related to 'gorgeous'.
Gothita: From ‘gothic’ and ‘ lolita’, a fashion style which has a cute appearance. ‘Gothic lolita’ is also a sub- category of the lolita style.
Gothitelle: From ‘goth’ and ‘mademoiselle’, a French address for a woman. Gothorita: From ‘goth’ and ‘señorita’, Spanish for a young girl. Granbull: From 'grand', meaning big, and 'bulldog'.
Graveler: From 'gravel'.
Grimer: From 'grime'.
Grotle: A combination of 'grove' and 'turtle'
Groudon: From 'ground' and 'don', meaning 'king'.
Grovyle: From 'grove' and 'reptile'.
Growlithe: Combination of 'growl' and 'lithe', meaning 'lean' or 'flexible'.
Grumpig: From 'grumpy' and 'pig'.
Gulpin: A variation of ‘gulping’.
Gurdurr: A respelling of ‘girder’, a support beam used in construction.
Gyarados: Of obscure origin. May be related to the verb “gyre,” meaning to turn in a thrashing manner, as a sea serpent. 'Dos', Spanish for two, indicates that Gyarados is the second, an evolved form of Magikarp.
H
Happini: A combination of 'happiness' and 'tiny'.
Hariyama: A combination of the Japanese words, 'haritaosu', meaning ‘knock down’ and 'yama' meaning 'mountain'. This refers to Hariyama’s incredible strength.
Haunter: Simply, a Pokemon who haunts.
Haxorus: From ‘hacksaw’, or a combination of ‘hack’ and ‘axe’, and also ‘saurus’, a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Heatmor: From ‘heat’ and ‘armour’ (armor in America).
Heatran: From 'heat'. The ran ending is obscure.
Heracross: 'Hera' from Heracles, a Greek mythic hero.' Cross' for Heracross's cross-shaped horn.
Herdier: May be a combination of 'herd', as some dogs are trained to heard animals, and 'terrier', the type of dog on which Herdier was based.
Hippopotas: Shortening of 'hippopotamus'.
Hippowdon: From 'hippopotamus' and 'don', meaning 'king'.
Hitmonchan: A combination of 'hit' suggesting Hitmonchan is a fighting type, 'mon', short for 'monster' (referring to 'Pocket Monsters'), and 'chan', referring to Jackie Chan, who was famous for ‘piston punching’.
Hitmonlee: A combination of 'hit', 'mon' and 'lee', referring to Bruce Lee, considered by many to be the greatest martial arts master of all time.
Hitmontop: A combination of 'hit', 'mon' and 'top'. Hitmontop spins like a top.
Ho-oh: From 'houoh', Japanese for phoenix. The phoenix was a bird that would live for a certain number of years, then die engulfed in flames only to be reborn from the ashes.
Honchkrow: From 'honcho', a leader or boss, particularly those in the mafia, referring to Honchkrow's mafia-like appearance, and 'crow'.
Hoothoot: Named for the hooting of an owl.
Hoppip: 'Hop' and 'pip' meaning 'seed'. Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff have names that have double meanings. The first syllables 'hop', 'skip', 'jump' suggest a popular phrase meaning 'a short distance'. The second syllables of the Pokemon names, 'pip', 'bloom' and 'fluff', describe the life cycle of a plant; Seed, blooming of a flower, and the fluffy seed head after the flower has wilted.
Horsea: From 'seahorse', the animal Hosea is based on.
Houndoom: From 'hound' and 'doom'.
Houndour: From 'hound', and 'dour', meaning angry looking.
Huntail: From 'hunt' and 'tail'.
Hydreigon: Combination of ‘hydra’, a dragon with three or more heads, ‘drei’, German for three and ‘dragon’. See Deino and Zweilous.
Hypno: The word 'Hypno' is related to 'sleep', or is short for 'hypnotize'.
I
Ivysaur: A combination of 'ivy', and 'saur', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Igglybuff: From 'Jigglypuff'. Loss of the letter J indicating it is a pre-evolution. 'Buff' meaning 'strong'.
Illumise: A variation of 'illuminate'.
Infernape: From 'inferno' and 'ape'.
J
Jigglypuff: A puff that is jiggly. A good description of Jigglypuff.
Jirachi: Russian for 'wish' or 'desire'. May also be related to the Japanese 'sachi' meaning 'wish' or 'happiness'.
Jellicent: A combination of ‘jellyfish’ and ‘magnificent’.
Jolteon: A combination of 'jolt' and 'eon'.
Joltik: From ‘jolt’, as in a jolt of electricity, and ‘tick’, a small parasite.
Jumpluff: From 'jump' and 'fluff'. See Hoppip.
Jynx: A 'jynx' is a bad luck charm.
K
Kabuto: Japanese for “helmet.” The Japanese 'Kabutoomooshie', literally 'helmet-insect', means 'beetle'.
Kabutops: From 'Kabuto' and 'tops' meaning 'best'. Kabutops is the highest, or 'top' evolved form of Kabuto.
Kadabra: Kadabra is a familiar magic word, most popular in the phrase 'Abra Kadabra'.
Kakuna: A variation of 'cocoon', which Kakuna resembles.
Kangaskhan: A combination of 'kangaroo' and Genghis Khan, a historical warrior.
Karrablast: Corruption of ‘carabidea’, a family of beetles and ‘plastron’, the underside of a shelled creature. May also be related to the Greek ‘kérato’, meaning ‘horn’.
Kecleon: A combination of the Japanese 'kakureru' meaning 'to hide', and 'chameleon'.
Keldeo: May be derived from ‘kelpie’, a mythical water horse.
Kingdra: A king dragon. The 'dra' ending may be related to 'hydra'.
Kingler: From 'king crab', a large species of crab, and 'fiddler', another species of crab.
Kirlia: From 'kirlian photography', a style of photography in which the subject is shown surrounded by a psychic aura.
Klang: From ‘clang’, the sound of metal hitting together.
Klink: From ‘clink’, the sound of metal hitting together. May also be related to ‘link’.
Klinklang: A combination of ‘Klink’ and ‘Klang’, the names of its two previous evolutions.
Koffing: A variation of 'coughing'.
Krabby: From 'crab'. May have also come from 'crabby', meaning 'short tempered'.
Kricketot: From 'cricket' and 'tot' (a toddler or small child, referring to the fact that Cricketot is un-evolved).
Kricketune: From 'cricket' and 'tune'.
Krokorok: Corruption of the word ‘croc’, a shortening of the word ‘crocodile’.
Krookodile: A corruption of ‘crook’, as in a thief or cheater, and ‘crocodile’.
Kyogre: From 'kai', meaning 'ocean', and a corruption of 'orca' (commonly known as a killer whale) which Kyogre is based on. 'Kaio' is also the Japanese word meaning 'king of the sea'.
Kyurem: From the Japanese kyuurei, meaning ‘cold’. May also be related to ‘rei’ and ‘mu’, Japanese for ‘zero’ and ‘nothing’ respectively.
L
Lairon: Fom 'lair' and 'iron'.
Lampent: A combination of ‘lamp’ and ‘pent’ to be trapped, referring to the flame encased inside Lampent’s body. May also refer to ‘repent’ or ‘lament’, both meaning to feel sorrow or regret, or possibly ‘entity’, referring to its Ghost typing.
Landorus: A corruption of the word ‘land’.
Lanturn: Respelling of 'lantern', for the light on its head.
Lapras: A corruption of its Japanese name, Laplace. This may have some from Pierre-Simon Laplace who wrote about the sea and tides.
Larvesta: A combination of ‘larva’ and ‘Vesta’, the Roman goddess of fire.
Larvitar: From 'larva'.
Latias: From the Latin, 'lateo', meaning hidden, referring to Latias’s ability to reflect light off of its feathers in such a way that it becomes invisible. The as suffix indicates that Latias is a female.
Latios: From the Latin, 'lateo' and 'os', indicating that Latios is a male.
Leafeon: From 'leaf', and 'eon'.
Leavanny: From ‘leaves’ and ‘nanny’.
Ledian: From 'ladybug', and 'alien', since Ledian's head looks similar to an aliens.
Ledyba: From 'ladybug', an insect resembling this Pokemon.
Lickylicky: From lick (no, really!?).
Liepard: May come from 'lie', as in to deceive, and 'leopard', the animal on which Liepard is based.
Likitung: A combination of 'lick' and 'tongue'.
Lileep: From ‘lilly’ and possibly ‘deep’, as Lileep lives deep in the sea, or ‘sleep’, referring to the fact that the fossils Lileep comes from have been ‘sleeping’ for millions of years.
Lilligant: The ‘lilli’ may come from ‘lil’, a shortening of the word ‘little’, or ‘lilly’. The suffix comes from the word ‘elegant’.
Lillipup: May come from 'lil', a shortening of the word 'little', and 'puppy'.
Linoone: From 'line' and 'raccoon'.
Litwick: From ‘lit’ as in a lit candle, or ‘little’, and ‘wick,’ the part of a candle that burns.
Lombre: From 'lotus', a flower that grows floating on water in ponds with lillypad leaves that look similar to that on Lombre’s head, and 'sombrero', a Mexican hat that looks similar to the lillypad on Lombre’s head.
Lopunny: From 'lop' (a breed of rabbit) and 'bunny'.
Lotad: From 'lotus' and 'tadpole'.
Loudred: From 'loud' and 'dread'.
Lucario: Lucario’s name is a corruption of its Japanese name, from 'orichalcum' (a type of metal, referring to Lucario’s Steel duel type) but spelled backwards. Its name may also be related to 'Cairo', the capital of Egypt, as Lucario closely resembles 'Anubis', an ancient Egyptian god.
Ludicolo: A combination of 'ludicrous' (meaning crazy or out of order) and a variation of 'loco', the Spanish word meaning 'crazy'.
Lileep: From lilly. The 'eep' ending may have come from 'sleep', as Lileep comes from a fossil that was 'asleep' for millions of years.
Lugia: May have come from 'lutetium', a silvery element. May also have come from 'lugeo', meaning to lie dormant, referring to the way Lugia lies dormant at the bottom of the ocean.
Lumineon: From 'illuminate' and 'neon'.
Lunatone: From 'luna' (to do with the moon) and 'stone'.
Luvdisc: From 'luv', a variation of 'love', referring to Luvdisc’s love-heart shape, and 'discus', as Luvdisc is flat like one.
Luxio: From 'lux', Latin for 'light', and 'leo', meaning 'lion'.
Luxray: From 'lux', and 'x-ray', referring to Luxray’s ability to see prey, even that hiding behind things.
M
Machamp: A combination of 'macho' (Spanish for masculine) and 'champ'.
Machoke: A combination of 'macho' and 'choke'.
Machop: A combination of 'macho' and 'chop', as in 'karate chop'.
Magby: From 'magma' and 'baby'.
Magcargo: Derived from 'magma' and 'escargot'. Escargot (pronounced ess-CAR-go) is French for “snail”.
Magikarp: A combination of 'magic' and 'carp', a fish.
Magmar: From 'magma', the molten rock under the earth’s crust.
Magmortar: From 'magma', and 'mortar', a type of cannon, referring to Magmortar’s cannon-like arms.
Magnemite: A combination of 'magnet' and 'mite' (small thing).
Magneton: From 'magnet'. May also be related to 'magneton' which is a unit of magnetic movement.
Magnezone: From 'magnet' and 'zone', referring to the field or ‘zone’ that Magneton is exposed to when it evolves.
Makuhita: A variation of 'makushita', the third highest sumo division.
Mamoswine: From 'mammoth' and 'swine' (another name for pig).
Manaphy: Possibly a variation of 'manatee', a water-dwelling mammal.
Mandibuzz: From ‘mandible’ the lower jaw bone, and ‘buzzard’, referring to a vulture.
Manetric: From 'mane' and 'electric'.
Mankey: A combination of 'mad' and 'monkey'. May also be a variation of 'manky', meaning 'dirty'.
Mantine: From 'manta', a ray this Pokemon resembles.
Mantyke: From 'manta ray' and 'tyke', meaning 'small child'.
Maractus: From ‘maracas’ and ‘cactus’.
Mareep: From 'sheep' and 'Mary' who “had a little lamb".
Marill: From 'marine', meaning underwater, and 'rill', a small stream.
Marowak: From 'marrow', the filling inside a bone, and 'whack'.
Marshtomp: From 'marsh' and 'stomp'.
Masquerain: From 'masquerade', a disguise, referring to the way Masquerain uses it’s eye-patterned wings to confuse foes), and 'rain'.
Mawile: From 'maw' (the mouth of an animal) and 'wile' (to trick).
Medicham: A combination of 'meditate' and 'champ'.
Meditite: A variation of 'meditate'.
Meganium: From 'mega' and 'geranium', a type of flower.
Meloetta: A combination of ‘melody’ and ‘etta’, a common suffix in females.
Meowth: A variation of 'meow'. Also related to 'mouth', as Meowth is known to talk.
Mesprit: From 'me' and 'spirit'. See Azelf and Uxie.
Metagross: From 'metal' and 'cross', referring to the cross on Metagross’s face.
Metang: From 'metal'. It is also an anagram of 'magnet'.
Metapod: From 'metamorphosis' and 'pod'.
Mew: The sound a kitten makes.
Mewtwo: 'Mew' and 'two', indicating that Mewtwo is a second (genetically modified) version of Mew. May also be related to 'mutant'.
Mienfoo: Combination of ‘ermine’, an animal similar in appearance to Mienfoo, and ‘Kung fu’, referring to its Fighting typing.
Mienshao: From ‘ermine’ and ‘Shaolin’, a type of Kung fu.
Mightyena: From 'mighty' and 'hyena'.
Milotic: May be a combination of 'milo', as in Venus De Milo, a sculpture with no arms that is known for its beauty, and 'melodic'.
Miltank: From 'milk' and 'tank'.
Mime Jr.: Litterally, 'Mime Junior'. See Mr. Mime.
Minccino: From ‘mini’ meaning small. The ‘cino’ ending may refer to ‘chino cloth’, a cottony fabric.
Minun: A variation of 'minus', referring to something negatively charged.
Misdreavus: A variation of 'mischievous', meaning full of mischief.
Mismagius: From 'mischief' and 'magus', a magic user.
Moltres: From 'molten' meaning 'melted', like the molten rock beneath the earth’s crust, and 'tres', Spanish for 'three'. Moltres is the number-three legendary bird.
Monferno: From 'monkey' and 'inferno'.
Mothim: From 'moth' and 'him', referring to the fact that Mothim can only be male. See Wormadam.
Mr. Mime: From 'Mr.', a man's title and 'Mime', an actor who performs without speaking.
Mudkip: A variation of 'mudskipper', the animal from which Mudkip was based.
Muk: A variation of 'muck', yucky stuff.
Munchlax: From 'munch' and 'lax', meaning 'lazy'.
Munna: From 'moon' and 'lunar'. The 'mu' prefix may come from the Japanese word meaning 'dream'.
Murkrow: From 'murk', a state of darkness, and 'crow'.
Musharna: From the Japanese 'mushamusha', meaning 'to munch', refering to the fact that Musharna eats dreams. May also come from 'mu', Japanese for 'dream'.
N
Natu: May be related to 'natus', Latin for 'born', since it is the pre-evolved 'new-born' version of Xatu. May also be related to 'native'.
Nidoking: A combination of 'nido', meaning 'two', referring to the two "nido" evolution lines with similar names and traits, and 'king'. May also be related to 'cnidocyte', a type of venom found in some animals, referring to Nidoking's Poison duel type.
Nidoqueen: A combination of 'nido' and 'queen'. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nidoran: A combination or 'nido' and 'ran'. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nidorina: From 'Nidorino', The 'a' is feminine ending, indicating that Nidorina is a girl. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nidorino: From 'nido' and 'rhyno'. 'O' is also a masculine ending. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nincada: From 'ninja' and 'cicada'.
Ninetales: Combination of 'nine' and 'tails'.
Ninjask: From 'ninja' and 'mask', as Ninjask appears to be wearing one.
Noctowl: From 'nocturnal' (active at night) and 'owl'.
Nosepass: A combination of 'nose' and 'compass'.
Numel: From 'numb' (referring to Numel’s dopey look), and 'camel'.
Nuzleaf: A variation of 'nose' and 'leaf'.
O
Octillery: From 'octopus' and 'artillery' as in the weapons used in battle.
Oddish: A combination of 'odd' and 'radish'.
Omanite: A variation of 'ammonite', a fossil animal similar to Omanite.
Omastar: A combination of 'ammonite', and 'star', referring to the shape of its body.
Onix: A variation of 'onyx', a semi-precious stone.
Oshawott: May be a combination of 'ocean', 'shell', 'water' and 'otter'.
P
Pachirisu: From the Japanese words, 'pachipachi', the sound of electricity crackling, and 'risu', meaning 'squirrel'.
Palkia: From the Japanese 'paru' meaning 'pearl'.
Palpitoad: From ‘palpitate’, an awareness of a heartbeat, and ‘toad’.
Panpour: From 'pan' and 'pour', as in to pour water.
Pansage: From 'pan', a genus of chimps, and 'sage', a green herb.
Pansear: From 'pan' and 'sear', meaning 'to burn'.
Paras: From 'parasite'.
Parasect: A combination of 'parasite' and 'insect'.
Patrat: From 'patrol' and 'rat'. It also sounds like 'pack rat', a person who hoards things, referring to a chipmunk's habit of storing nuts in their mouth.
Pawniard: From ‘pawn’, a basic chess piece, and ‘poignard’, a lightweight dagger. See Bisharp.
Pelipper: From 'pelican' and 'flipper', referring to its wings.
Persian: 'Persian' is a breed of cat.
Petilil: Combination of ‘petal’ and ‘lil’, a shortening of the word ‘little’.
Phanpy: From 'elephant'.
Phione: Possibly a corruption of Fiore, which is where Manaphy’s egg is found, and 'clione', the scientific name for sea angels (which Phione looks somewhat like). May also be related to 'pleione', a water nymph in Greek myths.
Pichu: From 'Pikachu', into which it evolves. Loss of the 'ka' syllable denotes pre-evolved state.
Pidgeot: From 'pigeon' and ''Otto Lilienthal', an aviation pioneer who experimented with heavier than air flight.
Pidgey: A variation of 'pigeon'.
Pidgeotto: From 'pigeon' and 'Otto Lilienthal'.
Pidove: Combination of ‘pigeon’ and ‘dove’.
Pignite: A combination of 'pig' and 'ignite'.
Pikachu: From the Japanese words, 'pikapika', the sound of electricity, and 'chuchu', the sound a mouse makes. May also be related to 'pika', a mouse-like animal.
Pineco: From 'pinecone', which Pineco looks like.
Piloswine: May also be related to 'pillow' (since Piloswine is round and plump) or to 'pilo', Latin for 'hairy', and swine, another name for pig.
Pinsir: Variation of 'pincer'.
Piplup: From 'pip', a stage in baby birds before they hatch from their eggs, and 'plup', the sound of something hitting water. May also be related to plump, as it has a round appearance.
Plusle: A variation of 'plus', referring to something positively charged.
Politoed: From 'poliwog' (meaning 'tadpole') and 'toad'. It also gains toes, therefore it is 'toed'. 'Poly' means 'many', so Politoed is poly-toed.
Poliwag: A combination of 'poliwog' and 'wag', for Poliwag's long tail.
Poliwhirl: A combination of 'polliwog', and 'whirl', referring to the spiral marking on Poliwhirl’s chest.
Poliwrath: A combination of 'Poliwog', and 'wrath' meaning 'anger'.
Ponyta: From 'pony', the animal which Ponyta resembles. May also be related to 'bonita', Spanish for 'beautiful', or a shortening of 'ponytail'.
Poocheyena: From 'pooch' (a dog) and 'hyena'.
Porygon: Most likely comes from the Japanese mispronunciation of 'polygon' (a many sided shape), as in the Japanese language, Ls are usually pronounced as Rs.
Porygon2: Simply the second Porygon.
Porygon Z: From 'Porygon'. The Z ending may be a reference to the Z axis in 3D coordination systems.
Primeape: A combination of 'primate' and 'ape'.
Prinplup: From 'prince' and 'plup' or 'plump'.
Probopass: From 'proboscis' (nose) and 'compass'.
Psyduck: Combination of 'psychic' and 'duck'.
Pupitar: From 'pupa', a stage in an insects life.
Purrloin: From 'purr' and ‘purloin’, meaning to steal.
Purugly: From purr, a sound cat makes, and 'ugly'.
Q
Quagsire: From 'quagmire', a marsh, and 'sire', the term of address for a king.
Qwilfish: A 'fish' with 'quills'.
R
Raichu: A combination of 'rai', Japanese for 'thunder', and 'chu'.
Raikou: Japanese for 'lightning'.
Ralts: A variation of 'waltz', a type of dance.
Rampardos: From 'ram' (to slam into), 'hard' and 'dos', a common suffix in various dinosaur names. 'Dos' also indicates that Rampardos is the second, evolved form or Cranidos. May also be related to 'rampage'.
Rapidash: From 'rapid' and 'dash'.
Raticate: A combination of 'rat' and 'eradicate' meaning 'thoroughly destroy'. Rattata: A variation of 'rat'.
Rayquaza: From 'ray', as in a ray of light, and 'quasar', the center of a galaxy.
Regice: From 'regi', a prefix common in all of the four regis' names meaning 'king', and 'ice'.
Regigigas: From 'regi' and 'gigas', meaning giant. May be related to grass, as Regigigas has grass like greenery growing on it.
Regirock: From 'regi' and 'rock'.
Registeel: From 'regi' and 'steel'.
Relicanth: From 'relic', something ancient, and 'coelacanth', a name for a group of fish, including some of those that are the oldest living species known.
Remoraid: From 'remora', a type of fish, and 'raid', meaning a rapid attack, referring to the way Remoraid can shoot water at quickly moving prey above the water.
Reshiram: The ‘re’ prefix of Reshiram’s name was chosen to give the Pokémon a soft sounding name. ‘Shira’ is the Japanese word for ‘white’. See Zekrom.
Reuniclus: A combination of ‘reunite’ and ‘nucleus’, the center of a cell.
Rhydon: A combination of 'rhinoceros', and 'don' meaning 'king'.
Rhyhorn: From 'rhinoceros' and 'horn'.
Rhyperior: From 'rhinoceros' and 'superior'.
Riolu: A rearranging and shortening of 'Lucario'.
Roggenrola: A play on the phrase ‘rock ‘n’ roll’, referring to Roggenrola’s rock type. It is also in the shape of a ball, suggesting that it may roll to get around.
Roselia: From 'rose' and 'buddleia', a genus of flowering plants.
Roserade: From 'rose' and 'masquerade', a disguise, since as Roserade looks as if it is wearing a mask.
Rotom: 'Motor' backwards, from Rotom’s ability to possess appliances with motors.
Rufflet: From ‘ruffle’, referring to the look of Rufflet’s puffed up feathers, and ‘eaglet’, the term for a young eagle.
S
Sableye: From 'sable' (meaning black) and 'eye', referring to the way its gemstone eyes allow it to see easily in the dark.
Salamence: A combination of 'salamander', and either 'menace' or 'vengeance'.
Samurott: From 'samurai' and 'otter'.
Sandile: ‘Sand’ and ‘crocodile’.
Sandshrew: A combination of 'sand' and 'shrew', a small rodent.
Sandslash: A combination of 'sand' and 'slash'.
Sawk: A respelling of the word ‘sock’, as in to punch something.
Sawsbuck: The 'saws' prefix is derived from the first letter of each season: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. ‘Buck' is a term for a male deer. May also be related to ‘sawbuck’, a tool used for cutting wood (referencing to the fact that Sawsbuck’s antlers change with the seasons, as a tree would).
Sceptile: From 'sceptridium', a group of plants including ferns, some that look similar to Sceptile’s tail, and 'reptile'.
Scizor: Variation if 'scissor'.
Scrafty: From ‘scraggy’ and ‘crafty’.
Scraggy: Scraggy simply means ‘scrawny’.
Scyther: From 'scythe', a long blade.
Seadra: From 'sea'. The 'dra' ending may be from 'dragon', or from 'hydra', a sea monster of Greek mythology.
Seaking: The 'king' of the 'sea'.
Sealeo: From 'sea' or 'seal', and 'leo', meaning 'lion' (as in sea lion).
Seedot: From 'seed' and 'dot', referring to its small size.
Seel: A variation of 'seal', the animal which Seel was based on.
Seismitoad: From ‘seismic’, relating to earthquakes, and ‘toad’.
Sentret: From 'sentry', a guard or scout.
Serperior: A combination of 'serpent' and 'superior'.
Servine: From 'serpent' and 'vine'.
Seviper: From 'sever' (to cut) and 'viper' (a large snake).
Sewaddle: Comes from the word ‘swaddle’, meaning to wrap a baby in a cloth.
Sharpedo: From 'sharp' and 'torpedo'.
Shedinja: From 'shed', referring to the way Nincada sheds its skin when it evolves, and 'ninja'.
Shelgon: From 'shell', referring to Shelgon’s cased appearance, and 'dragon'.
Shellder: A combination of 'shell' and 'shelter'.
Shellos: A variation of 'shell-less'.
Shelmet: A combination of ‘shell’ and ‘helmet’.
Shieldon: From 'shield' and 'don', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Shiftry: From 'shifty', meaning someone who looks dishonest and suspicious, and 'tree'.
Shinx: From 'shining' or 'shock', and 'lynx', a type of wild cat. May also be a variation of 'sphinx', a mythical creature of Egyptian mythology with the face of a human and the body of a lion.
Shroomish: From 'mushroom' and the suffix 'ish' meaning 'like'. A mushroom-like Pokemon.
Shuckle: From 'shuck', meaning 'oyster shell'.
Shuppet: From 'shadow' and 'puppet'.
Sigilyph: From ‘sigil’, and hieroglyph both meaning an image or symbol.
Yamask: Yamask is possibly from ‘yami’, meaning darkness in Japanese, and ‘mask’.
Silcoon: from ‘silk’ and ‘cocoon’.
Simipour: From ‘simian’, a group of higher primates, and 'pour'.
Simisage: From ‘simian’ and 'sage'.
Simisear: From ‘simian’ and 'sear'.
Skarmory: From 'sky' and 'armory'.
Skiploom: From 'skip' and 'bloom'. See Hoppip.
Skitty: From 'skittish', meaning timid or easily startled, and 'kitty'.
Skorupi: A variation and shortening of 'scorpion'.
Skuntank: From 'skunk' and 'stank' (a bad smell).
Slaking: A variation of 'slacking' (lazy). May be related to 'king', as Slaking is the top of its evolutionary chain.
Slakoth: From 'slack' and 'sloth', the animal on which Slakoth was based.
Snivy: A combination of 'snake' and 'ivy'.
Slowbro: A combination of 'Slowpoke', from whom Slowbro evolves, and 'bro', a short term for 'brother' (a relative, or 'brother' of slowpoke).
Snorunt: From 'snow' and 'runt', a small animal.
Snover: A shortening of the phrase, ‘snowed over’.
Slowking: The 'king' of the 'slow' evolutionary chain.
Slowpoke: A 'slowpoke' is someone who is always slow to do things.
Slugma: From 'slug', and 'magma', molten rock.
Sneasel: From 'sneaky' and 'weasel'.
Smeargle: From 'smear', to spread (as in paint), and 'beagle'.
Smoochum: From 'smooch', a kiss, and ''em', short for 'them'.
Snorlax: A combination of 'snore' and 'lax' meaning 'lazy'.
Snubbull: A combination of 'bulldog' and 'snub', a description of Snubbull’s bulldog-like nose.
Solosis: From ‘solo’, meaning ‘one’, and meiosis or mitosis, types of cell division. Solrock: From 'sol', to do with the sun, and 'rock'.
Spearow: A combination of 'sparrow', a bird, and 'spear', a sharp-tipped weapon similar to Spearow’s beak.
Spheal: From 'sphere', referring to Spheal’s round shape, and 'seal'.
Spinarak: From 'spin' (as in to spin thread) and 'arachnid' meaning 'spider' or 'spider-like'.
Spinda: From 'spin' and 'panda'.
Spiritomb: From 'spirit' and 'tomb', a place where the dead are buried.
Spoink: From 'spring' and 'oink', the sound a pig makes.
Squirtle: A combination of 'squirt' and 'turtle'.
Stantler: From 'stag', a male deer, and 'antler', as in the antlers on a deer's head.
Staraptor: From 'starling', a bird with dark feathers, and 'raptor', a bird of prey.
Staravia: From 'starling' and 'avian', meaning bird.
Starly: A shortening of 'starling'.
Starmie: A combination of 'star' and 'me'. See Staryu.
Staryu: A combination of 'star' and 'you'. See Starmie.
Steelix: 'Steel', Steelix’s type. 'Ix' comes from 'Onix', from whom Steelix evolves (Steelix is a 'steel Onix).
Stoutland: From 'stout', meaning 'bulky' but also means 'brave' and 'bold'. The ‘land’ suffix may come from the ‘terra’ part of terrier, which is Latin for ‘earth’. May also be related to 'Shetland sheepdog', a dog similar in appearance to Stoutland.
Stunfisk: From ‘stun’, referring to its Electric dual type, and ‘fisk’, the word for ‘fish’ in some European languages.
Stunky: From 'stinky' and 'skunk'.
Sudowoodo: A respelling of 'pseudo', meaning 'false', and 'wood', literally 'False Wood'. Sudowoodo looks like it's a tree but it is actually a rock.
Suicune: From the Japanese 'sui' (water) and 'kun' (monarch).
Sunkern: From 'sun' and 'kernal', a seed that needs sun.
Surskit: From 'surface', referring to the way that Surskit skates across the surface of the water. The 'skit' ending is obscure.
Swablu: From 'swab', referring to Swablu’s cotton-like wings, or 'swallow', a small bird, and a shortening of 'blue'.
Swadloon: From ‘swaddle’ and ‘cocoon’.
Swalot: From 'swallow' and ‘a lot’.
Swampert: From 'swamp' and 'expert', referring to the swimming skills of Swampert.
Swanna: From ‘swan’. The ‘na’ ending is of obscure origin.
Swellow: Srom 'swell', as in something that is good or fine, and 'swallow'.
Sunflora: From 'sunflower' and 'flora', meaning flowers or plants.
Swinub: From 'swine', meaning pig, and 'nub', a small nose much like Swinub's snout.
Swoobat: From ‘swoop’ and ‘bat’.
T
Tailow: From 'tail' and 'swallow'.
Tangela: A variation of 'tangle'.
Tangrowth: From 'tangle', referring to the tangled appearance of Tangrowth, and 'growth'.
Tauros: A variation of the Latin 'taurus' meaning 'bull'.
Teddiursa: From 'teddy bear' and 'ursa', the Latin for bear.
Tentacool: A combination of 'tentacle' and 'cool', as in low temperature.
Tentacruel: A combination of 'tentacle' and 'cruel'.
Tepig: From ‘tepid’, meaning ‘lukewarm’, and ‘pig’.
Terrakion: From ‘terra’, Latin for ‘earth’. The ‘kion’ ending is obscure.
Throh: A respelling of the word ‘throw’.
Thundurus: A corruption of the word ‘thunder’.
Timburr: A respelling of the word ‘timber’, meaning wood.
Tirtouga: A corruption of ‘tortuga’, the Spanish word for turtle.
Togekiss: From 'toge', meaning 'spike', and 'kiss'.
Togepi: From 'toge'. The 'pi' suffix is obscure.
Togetic: A variation of 'Togepi', from which it evolves.
Torchic: From 'torch', to set something aflame, and 'chick'.
Torkoal: From 'tortoise' and 'coal'.
Tornadus: A corruption of the word ‘tornado’.
Torterra: From 'tortoise' and 'terrain'.
Totodile: Combination 'tot' meaning small child, and 'odile' from 'crocodile'.
Toxicroak: From 'toxic' and 'croak'.
Tranquill: Combination of ‘tranquil’, meaning peaceful, and ‘quill’, a pen made out of a bird’s feather.
Trapinch: From 'trap', referring to the way that Trapinch builds traps in the sand to capture its prey, and 'pinch'.
Treecko: From 'tree' and 'gecko'.
Tropius: From 'tropical' and 'saurus', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Trubbish: From ‘trash’ and ‘rubbish’.
Turtwig: From 'turtle' and 'twig'. May also be related to 'turf', a piece of earth or soil.
Tympole: Combination of ‘tympany’, a low rumbling from a drum, and ‘tadpole’.
Tynamo: From ‘tyke’ referring to its small size, and ‘dynamo’, after its Electric typing.
Typhlosion: A combination of 'typhoon' and 'explosion'.
Tyranitar: From 'tyrant', an angry king or leader.
Tyrogue: A combination of 'tyro' meaning beginner, or 'tyke', a small child, and 'rogue' meaning masterless and destructive.
U
Umbreon: From 'umbra', the Latin word for 'shadow' or 'ghost'.
Unfezant: From ‘unfazed’ and ‘pheasant’, a type of bird.
Unown: Soundalike of 'unknown'.
Ursaring: A combination of 'ursa', Latin for 'bear', and 'ring', for the ring shaped mark on its body.
Uxie: From 'you' and 'pixie' (see Azelf and Mesprit).
V
Vanillish: From ‘vanilla’, a common ice-cream flavour. The ‘ish’ suffix is devired from ‘delish’, a shortened version of the word ‘delicious’.
Vanillite: From ‘vanilla’. The ‘ite’ ending may come from ‘petite’ meaning ‘little’, or ‘lite’.
Vanilluxe: A combination of ‘vanilla’, and ‘deluxe’.
Vaporeon: From 'vapor', as in water vapor, and 'eon'.
Venipede: From ‘venom’ and ‘centipede’.
Venomoth: A combination of 'venom', meaning 'poison', and 'moth'.
Venonat: A combination of 'venom' and 'gnat', a tiny insect.
Venusaur: A combination of 'venus', as in 'venus fly trap', and 'saur', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Vespiquen: From 'vespa', Latin for 'wasp', and 'queen'.
Vibrava: From 'vibration' and 'larva' (a stage some insects go through).
Victini: A combination of 'Victory' and 'destiny', or possibly 'teeny'.
Victreebel: A combination of 'victory' and 'bell'.
Vigoroth: From vigor, meaning energy and force, and sloth.
Vileplume: A combination of 'vile' and 'plume' meaning 'cloud'.
Virizion: From ‘viridian’, after the colour of Virizion’s body. May also be related to ‘viridarium’, the Latin word for ‘garden’.
Volbeat: From 'volt', referring to the electricity that Volbeat uses to light up its tail, and a variation of 'beetle'.
Volcarona: From ‘volcano’ and ‘carona’, the atmosphere of the sun visible during a solar eclipse.
Voltorb: A combination of 'volt' (measure of electricity) and 'orb' (round object).
Vullaby: From ‘vulture’ and ‘baby’. May also be related to ‘lullaby’.
Vulpix: A variation of the Latin 'vulpes' meaning 'fox'. The 'ix' ending comes from 'six', since Vulpix has six tails.
W
Wailmer: A variation of 'whale' and 'mer', French for ‘sea’.
Wailord: From 'whale' and 'lord'.
Walrein: From 'walrus' and a misspelling of 'reign', meaning superior, as Walrein is superior than its pre-evolutions. May also be related to 'rain'.
Wartortle: A combination of 'water' and 'turtle'.
Watchog: A combination of 'watch' and 'groundhog'.
Weavile: A variation of 'weasel', and 'vile', meaning bad or nasty.
Weedle: May come from 'wee', meaning small, or 'needle', from the pointy horn on his head. May also have come from 'worm'.
Weepinbell: A combination of 'weeping' and 'bell'.
Weezing: A variation of 'wheezing'.
Whimsicott: From ‘whimsical’, meaning playful, and ‘cotton’.
Whirlipede: From ‘whirl’ and ‘centipede’.
Whiscash: From 'whiskers', like the ones Whiscash has on it’s face, and a shortening of 'catfish'.
Whismur: From 'whisper' and 'murmur', both words meaning to speak softly.
Wigglytuff: A combination of 'wiggly' and 'tough'. 'Tuff' may also come from 'tuft', meaning 'small patch of hair', like the tuft on Wigglytuff’s forehead.
Wingull: From 'wing' and 'seagull'.
Wobbuffet: 'Wobble' plus 'buffet', to strike.
Woobat: From ‘woo’, as in to gain someone’s affection (referring to the heart on its nose), and ‘bat’.
Wooper: From 'wooper looper', the Japanese name for 'axolotl', the animal upon which Wooper was based.
Wormadam: From 'worm' and 'madam', referring to the fact that Wormadam can only be female. See Mothim.
Wurmple: From 'worm' and 'rumple', referring to the wrinkled texture of Wurmple’s skin.
Wynaut: A variation of the phrase, ‘why not’, referring to the carefree attitude of Wynaut.
X
Xatu: Related to the Japanese word for 'native'.
Y
Yanma: Related to the Japanese word for 'large dragonfly'.
Yanmega: A combination of 'Yanma' and 'Meganeura', a type of giant prehistoric dragonfly.
Z
Zangoose: 'Zang' may relate to a group of Chinese characters meaning various things, and 'mongoose'.
Zapdos: A combination of 'zap' and 'dos', Spanish for 'two'. Zapdos is the number-two legendary bird.
Zebstrika: From ‘zebra’ and ‘strike’, as in a striking lightning bolt.
Zekrom: The ‘ze’ prefix of Zekrom’s name was chosen to give the Pokémon a hard and powerful sounding name. The ‘kro’ comes from the Japanese ‘kuro’ meaning ‘black’. See Reshiram.
Zigzagoon: From 'zigzag', referring to the patterns on Zigzagoon’s body, and 'raccoon'.
Zoroark: From ‘zorro’, Spanish for ‘fox’, and ‘dark’.
Zorua: Comes from ‘zorro’, Spanish for "fox". ‘Rua’ is Irish for red (hair), possibly referring to its red fur.
Zubat: From 'bat'. The 'zu' prefix is of obscure origin.
Zweilous: From ‘zwei’, meaning ‘two’ in German, and ‘zealous’, referring to Zweilous’s competitive nature. See Deino and Hydreigon.
Newly updated 5th generation name origins are bold to make them easier to find.
A
Abomasnow: From 'abominable snowman'.
Abra: 'Abra' is a familiar magic word, most popular in the phrase 'Abra Kadabra'.
Absol: Absence of sol (the sun) i.e., darkness.
Accelgor: From ‘accelerate’. The ‘gor’ ending is of obscure origin.
Aerodactyl: Sounds like 'pterodactyl'. From 'aero' meaning 'flying' and 'dactyl' meaning 'finger', referring to the fingers on Aerodactyl's wings.
Aggron: A combination of 'aggressive' and 'iron'.
Aipom: A combination of 'ape' and 'palm', meaning the part of the hand.
Alakazam: 'Alakazam' is another familiar magic word.
Alomomola: From ‘mola mola’, the scientific name for the ocean sunfish, the fish upon which Alomomola was based. May also be related to ‘aloha’, Hawaiian for ‘love’ or ‘affection’.
Altaria: From 'altitude' and 'aria' (as in music, Altaria has a beautiful singing voice).
Ambipom: From 'ambi' (meaning both) and a variation of 'palm'.
Amoongus: Foongus and Amoongus’s names are a corruption of the phrase ‘fungus among us’. See Foongus.
Ampharos: From 'amphere', a measure of electric current, and 'pharos', as in the Pharos of Alexandria (a lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).
Anorith: A combination of 'armor' and 'monolith' (rock).
Arbok: From 'cobra'. It’s 'kobra' spelled backwards.
Arcanine: A combination of 'arcane', meaning 'mysterious', and 'canine' meaning 'doglike'.
Arceus: May have come from 'arch', meaning 'highest', and 'deus', Latin and Greek for 'God'. May also be related to 'Zeus', the most powerful of the Greek gods.
Archen: From ‘Archaeopteryx’, the primitive bird upon which archen was based, and ‘Archean’, a prehistoric period in time.
Archeops: From Archaeopteryx and Archean. The ‘ops’ suffix may come from ‘tops’, referring to the fact that Archeops is the final and ‘top’ evolution of Archen.
Ariados: Named after Ariadne of Greek mythology, who spun a ball of thread for Theseus to leave behind him so he wouldn't get lost in a maze, much like how Ariados leaves a trail of thread behind it. 'Dos', Spanish for two, indicates that Ariados is the second, an evolved form of Spinarak.
Armaldo: From 'armor' and 'armadillo'.
Aron: From 'armor' and 'iron'.
Articuno: From 'arctic' and 'uno', Spanish for 'one'.
Audino: From ‘audio’, as in sound, and ‘ino’, a feminine ending.
Axew: Possibly a combination of ‘axe’ and ‘chew’.
Azelf: A variation of ‘us’ and ‘elf’. May also be related to 'azure', a blue colour. See Mesprit and Uxie.
Azumarill: From 'azure', a blue color, 'marine', meaning underwater, and 'rill', a small stream.
Azurill: From 'azure' and 'rill'.
B
Bagon: From 'baby’ and 'dragon'.
Baltoy: A combination of 'balance' and 'toy'.
Banette: From 'Banshee', a female spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as an omen of death, and 'marionette', a type of puppet moved by strings. May also come from 'banne' which means to cause ruin or woe.
Barboach: A combination of 'barb', referring to the barbs around its mouth, and 'loach', a species of fish that is similar to Barboach.
Basculin: From ‘bass’, a body of water, and ‘masculine’.
Bastiodon: From 'bastion' (a part of a fort that provides the defenders with protection from attacking troops. This refers to Bastiodon’s habit of forming a wall with others of its species to protect its young from predators), and 'don', a suffix commonly found in dinosaur names.
Bayleef: A respelling of 'bay leaf', an herb with sharp leaves.
Beartic: From ‘bear’ and ‘arctic’.
Beautifly: From 'beautiful' and 'butterfly'.
Beedrill: A combination of 'bee' and 'drill'.
Beheeyem: Derived from the abbreviation ‘BEM’, which stands for ‘bug-eyed monster’ and was an old-fashioned term for alien. See Elgyem.
Beldum: A variation of 'dumbbell' (an item lifted in weight training).
Bellossom: From 'blossom' and 'bell', the shape of Bellossom's body.
Bellsprout: From 'sprout' and 'bell', the shape of Bellsprout's head.
Bibarel: From 'beaver' and 'barrel'.
Bidoof: From 'beaver' and 'doofus' (a stupid person).
Bisharp: From ‘bishop’, a chess piece, and ‘sharp’. See Pawniard.
Blastoise: A combination of 'blast' and 'tortoise'.
Blaziken: From 'blaze' and 'chicken'.
Blissey: From 'bliss', meaning joy or happiness.
Blitzle: From ‘blitz’, which means to vigorously attack. Blitz is also the word for lightning in German. The ‘le’ suffix may come from ‘little’, referring to the fact that Blitzle is an unevolved Pokémon.
Boldore: Sounds like ‘boulder’, a large rock. The suffix may refer to ‘Dore’, a group of mountains located in France.
Bonsly: From 'bonsai' (small plants) and either 'lie' or 'sly' (referring to Bonsly’s habit of using Fake Tears).
Bouffalant: A combination of ‘buffalo’, the animal upon which Bouffalant was based, and ‘bouffant’, a high hairstyle.
Braviary: From ‘brave’ and ‘aviary’, relating to birds.
Brellom: From 'umbrella' and 'mushroom'.
Bronzong: A combination of 'bronze' and 'dong,' as in the sound of a bell.
Bronzor: From 'bronze' and 'mirror'.
Budew: From 'bud' and 'dew'.
Buizel: A variation of 'buoy', and 'weasel'.
Bulbasaur: A combination of 'bulb' and 'saur', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Buneary: From 'bunny' and 'ear'.
Burmy: From bag (from Burmy’s tendency to carry items on itself) and worm. May also be related to burr, a seed that attaches itself onto animals and clothing and are very hard to brush off, the way Burmy carries around items that are stuck to it.
Butterfree: A combination of 'butterfly' and 'free'.
C
Cacnea: From 'cactus' and 'needle'.
Cacturine: From 'cactus' and 'nocturnal'.
Camerupt: A combination of 'camel' and 'erupt'.
Carnivine: From 'carnivore' (as in carnivorous fly trap, the plant on which Carnivine was based), and 'vine'.
Carracosta: From ‘carapace’, a hard covering (like a shell) and ‘coast’, referring to this Pokémon’s habitat.
Carvanha: From 'carnivorous' and 'piranha'.
Cascoon: A combination of 'case' and 'cocoon'.
Castform: From 'forecast' and 'transform'.
Caterpie: Shortening of 'caterpillar', which Caterpie resembles.
Celebi: May have come from 'celestial' and 'being'.
Chandelure: From ‘chandelier’ and ‘lure’, or ‘allure’.
Chansey: 'Chancy' means 'risky', and this may be the source of the name, because Chancey is hard to find, and the odds are not in your favor when you go to catch one.
Charizard: A combination of 'char' and 'lizard'.
Charmander: A combination of 'char' and 'salamander'.
Charmeleon: A combination of 'char' and 'chameleon'.
Cherrim: From 'cherry' and 'blossom'.
Cherubi: A combination of 'cherry' and 'ruby' (as in the shade of red).
Chatot: Fom 'chat' (referring to a parrot’s ability to talk) and 'parrot'.
Chikorita: From 'chicory', a type of spice.
Chimchar: From 'chimp' and 'char'.
Chimecho: A combination of 'chime' and 'echo'.
Chinchou: May have come from 'chochin', a lantern.
Chingling: From 'ching' (the sound metal makes when chimed) and 'ling', the Chinese word for bell.
Cinccino: from ‘chinchilla’, the animal upon which cinccino is based, The ‘cino’ ending may refer to ‘chino cloth’, a cottony fabric.
Clamperl: From 'clam' and 'pearl'. May also be related to 'clamp', referring to Clampearl’s ability to clamp shut tightly.
Claydol: Combination of 'clay' and 'doll'.
Clefable: A combination of 'clef' a musical symbol, and 'fable'.
Cleffa: From 'clef', 'fa', from fairy.
Clefairy: A combination of 'clef' and 'fairy'.
Cloyster: A combination of 'clam' (or 'clamp') and 'oyster'.
Cobalion: Combination of ‘cobalt’, which is both a metal and a blue colour, and ‘stallion’ a male horse.
Cofagrigus: Cofagrigus is likely a mix of ‘sarcophagus’, the type of coffin upon which cofagrigus is based, and egregious, something that is extraordinary and bad.
Combee: From 'honeycomb' and 'bee'.
Combusken: Combination of 'combustion' and 'chicken'.
Conkeldurr: From ‘concrete’ and ‘elder’, referring to the fact that Conkledurr is the most evolved form of Timburr. May also be related ‘conk’, a colloquial term for ‘nose’, referring to Conkeldurr’s large nose,
Corphish: A variation of 'crayfish'.
Corsola: From 'coral', which Cosola resembles. The origin of the 'sola' ending may be from 'sole' meaning 'sun' from which coral gets its energy.
Cottonee: A respelling of the word ‘cottony’, as in ‘cotton-like’.
Cradily: From 'crag' (a mass of rocks like a cliff or mountain, referring to Cradily’s Rock duel type), and 'lily'.
Cranidos: From 'cranium' (a part of the skull, referring to Cranidos’s thick skull). The 'dos' ending indicated that Cranidos is the second (evolves from a Skull Fossil).
Crawdaunt: A variation of 'crawdad' (a crayfish) and 'daunt', referring to Crawdaunt’s intimidating appearance.
Cresselia: From 'crescent', as in crescent moon. Cresselia’s name may also be related to 'Selene', the Greek goddess of the moon.
Croagunk: From 'croak' (as in the sound a frog makes) and 'gunk' (yucky stuff).
Crobat: A combination of 'cross', the shape Crobat's body makes, and 'bat'.
Croconaw: 'Crocodile' plus 'gnaw'.
Crustle: From ‘crust’ and ‘castle’.
Cryogonal: From the Greek krýos meaning "cold" and polygonal, a many-sided shape.
Cubchoo: From ‘cub’, a baby bear, and the suffix from ‘achoo’, the sound of a sneeze.
Cubone: A variation on 'bone'. The 'cu'- prefix may refer to 'cueball', since Cubone wearing a skull on his head is as bald as a cueball. It may also refer to 'cute'.
Cyndaquil: From 'cinder' and 'quill', perhaps referring to the quills of a porcupine, the animal which Cindaquill resembles.
D
Darkrai: From 'dark' and 'kurai', the Japanese word for dark.
Darmanitan: From ‘daruma’ , a Japanese doll said to bring good luck, and "orangutan", and possibly "titan".
Darumaka: From ‘daruma’, a Japanese doll said to bring good luck. ‘Maka’ comes from the Japanese ‘makka’, meaning ‘crimson’, referring to Darumaka’s colour.
Deerling: From ‘deer’ and ‘yearling’, referring to both its young age and its tendency to change its appearance with the seasons.
Deino: From ‘dino’, the prefix of ‘dinosaur’, and ‘ein’, German for ‘one’. See Zweilous and Hydreigon.
Delcatty: From 'delicate', referring to Delcatty’s slender and small frame, and 'cat'.
Delibird: From 'delivery' and 'bird'.
Deoxys: A shortening of 'deoxyribonucleic acid' (DNA).
Dewgong: A variation of 'dugong', an animal similar to Dewgong.
Dewott: From 'dew' and 'otter'.
Dialga: From 'diamond'. The 'lga' ending is obscure.
Diglett: From 'dig' and 'let' (a small thing).
Ditto: 'Ditto' means 'repeat' or to 'duplicate'.
Dodrio: A combination of 'dodo', an extinct, flightless bird, and 'trio' meaning 'a group of three'.
Doduo: Combination of 'dodo' and 'duo' meaning 'a group of two'.
Donphan: A combination of 'mastodon' (a prehistoric elephant) and 'elephant'. 'Don' also means 'king'.
Dragonair: From 'dragon'. 'Aire' can mean 'closely associated' (Dragonair is closely associated with being a dragon). 'Air' may also refer to Dragonair’s ability to fly.
Dragonite: From 'dragon' and 'ite' meaning 'closely associated' (Dragonite is closely associated with being a dragon). May also be related to 'draconite', a mythical stone of dragons.
Drapion: May come from a corruption of 'dark', and 'scorpion'.
Dratini: A combination of 'dragon' and 'teeny' (small).
Drifblim: From 'drift' and 'blimp'.
Drifloon: From 'drift' and 'balloon'.
Drilbur: A combination of ‘drill’ and ‘burrow’.
Drowzee: A variation of 'drowsy', meaning 'sleepy'.
Druddigon: From ‘dragon’ and ‘ruddy’, meaning red in colour, especially of the face.
Ducklett: From ‘duck’, and ‘lett’, a suffix to describe something that is small or young.
Dugtrio: A combination of 'dug' and 'trio' (three).
Dunsparce: 'Dun', a beige color, and 'sparse', rare.
Duosion: From ‘duo’, meaning ‘two’, and ‘division’ or ‘fission’, a type of cell division.
Durant: Combination of ‘durable’ or ‘enduring’, referring to its Steel typing, and ‘ant’.
Dusclops: From 'dusk' and 'cyclops' (referring to Dusklops’s one eye).
Dusknoir: Combination of 'dusk' and 'noir', the French word for 'black'.
Duskull: From 'dusk' and 'skull'.
Dustox: From 'dust' and 'toxic'.
Dwebble: From ‘dwelling’ and ‘pebble’.
E
Eelektrik: A combination of ‘eel’, and a corruption of the word ‘electric’.
Eelektross: From ‘eel’, ‘electric’ and ‘boss’.
Eevee: From the pronunciation of 'E.V.', an abbreviation for 'evolution'.
Ekans: 'Snake' spelled backwards.
Electabuzz: A combination of 'electric' and 'buzz' (the humming sound of electricity).
Electivire: From 'electric' and 'wire' (referring to its cord-like tails).
Electrike: A combination of 'electric' and 'strike', as in a lightning bolt striking something.
Electrode: A combination of 'electric' and 'explode'.
Elekid: From 'electric' and 'kid'.
Elgyem: Derived from the abbreviation ‘LGM’, standing for ‘little green men’ and refers to aliens. See Beheeyem.
Emboar: From 'ember' and 'boar'.
Emolga: A corruption of its Japanese name, Emonga, which was derived from ‘emon’, meaning drapery, and ‘mononga’, from the scientific name for the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel.
Empoleon: From 'emperor' (as in emperor penguins) and 'Napoleon', an emperor of France.
Entei: From the Japanese words, 'enten' meaning blazing heat, and 'kotei' meaning emperor.
Escavalier: A combination of ‘escargot’ and ‘chevalier’, meaning ‘snail’ and ‘knight’ in French respectively. Also sounds like ‘excalibur’, the name given to King Arthur’s sword.
Espeon: From the pronunciation of ESP (a paranormal or 'psychic' ability). 'Eon' is a suffix common to all Eeveelutions, and is a shortening of the word 'evolution'.
Excadrill: From ‘excavate’, meaning to dig in the ground, and ‘drill’.
Exeggcute: A play on the words, 'eggs are cute'. May also be related to 'execute', meaning to carry out a task.
Exeggutor: A combination of 'egg' and 'executor'.
Exploud: From 'explosion' and 'loud'.
F
Farfetch’d: A variant of 'far-fetched', meaning 'hard to believe'.
Fearow: A combination of 'fear', referring to Fearow's intimidating appearance, and sparrow.
Feebas: From 'feeble', meaning small and weak, and 'bass', a type of fish. A 'bass' can also be a river.
Feraligatr: From 'feral', to be wild and uncontrollable, and 'alligator'.
Ferroseed: From the Latin ‘ferrum’ meaning ‘iron’, and ‘seed’.
Ferrothorn: From the Latin ‘ferrum’ meaning ‘iron’, and ‘thorn’.
Finneon: From 'fin' and 'neon' (referring to the way that Finneon’s fins glow at night).
Flaaffy: From 'fluffy', plus 'baa', the sound a sheep makes.
Flareon: Combination of 'flare' and 'eon'.
Floatzel: From 'float' and 'weasel'.
Flygon: From 'fly' and 'dragon'. May be related to 'dragonfly'.
Foongus: Foongus and Amoongus’s names are a corruption of the phrase ‘fungus among us’. See Amoonguss.
Forretress: From 'fortress' and 'turret', meaning a turning gun barrel similar to those on Forretress. May also be related to 'forest'.
Fraxure: A corruption of ‘fracture’, meaning to break something. Also related to ‘axe’.
Frillish: A combination of ‘frill’ and ‘jellyfish’.
Froslass: Combination of 'frost' and 'lass' (referring to the fact that Froslass can only be a female).
Furret: A combination of 'furry' and 'ferret'.
G
Gabite: From bite. The ‘gab’ in Gabite’s name may have come from various Japanese words all beginning with ‘gab’ that all mean to chew or bite.
Gallade: From 'gallant', meaning brave and noble, and 'blade', referring to the blades on Gallade’s arms.
Galvantula: From ‘galvanisation’ meaning a shock from electricity, and ‘tarantula’, the spider upon which Galvantula was based.
Garchomp: May have come from 'gar' (a type of fish) and 'chomp' (to bite).
Gardevoir: From the French words 'garde' and 'devoir', meaning 'guard' and 'be required to', referring to the fact that Gardevoir is known for protecting its trainer, even if it costs it its own life.
Garbodor: A combination of ‘garbage’ and ‘odour’.
Gastly: A combination of 'gas' and 'ghastly', meaning 'horrifying'.
Gastrodon: From 'gastropod' (a slug or snail) and 'don', meaning 'leader' or 'king'.
Genesect: A combination of ‘genes’ or ‘genetics’ and ‘insect’.
Gengar: May be related to 'genghoolie', meaning 'scary'. May have also come from 'doppelgänger' - a ghostly double of a person, which would be a fitting name for a Pokemon that likes to pretend to be people's shadows.
Geodude: A combination of 'geode' and 'dude'. A 'geode' is a round rock with crystals inside. Geodude’s external body looks like a geode.
Gible: A combination of 'ground' (Gible’s duel type) and 'nibble', a small bite.
Gigalith: From ‘giga’, meaning huge, and ‘monolith’, a large rock.
Girafarig: 'Giraffe', made into a palindrome (a word or phrase spelled the same backward as it is forward, like “deed” or 'race car').
Giratina: A combination of 'girare' (meaning to wander, referring to the fact that Giratina changes forms when it “wonders" to other games in the D/P/P series), and 'platinum'.
Glaceon: From 'glacier', a large mass of ice, and 'eon'.
Glalie: A combination of 'glacier' and 'goalie' (as Glalie’s face looks like that of an ice hockey goalie's mask).
Glameow: From 'glamorous' and 'meow'.
Gligar: From 'glide' and 'gargoyle'.
Gliscor: From 'glide' and 'scorpion'.
Gloom: 'Gloom' means “spookiness.” It can also mean “sadness.” The Pokemon Gloom may embody a little of both.
Golbat: From 'bat'. 'Gol' may come from 'ghoul'.
Goldeen: From 'goldfish' and 'queen'.
Golduck: From 'gold', meaning that Golduck is valuable, and 'duck'.
Golem: A ‘golem’ is a monster made of rock.
Golett: A combination of ‘golem’, a monster made of rock, and ‘lett’, a suffix meaning ‘small’ or ‘young’.
Golurk: From ‘golem’ and ‘lurk’.
Gorebyss: From 'gore', to stab, and 'byss', the fine, sticky strings that mollusks use to attach themselves to rocks with. May be related to 'gorgeous'.
Gothita: From ‘gothic’ and ‘ lolita’, a fashion style which has a cute appearance. ‘Gothic lolita’ is also a sub- category of the lolita style.
Gothitelle: From ‘goth’ and ‘mademoiselle’, a French address for a woman. Gothorita: From ‘goth’ and ‘señorita’, Spanish for a young girl. Granbull: From 'grand', meaning big, and 'bulldog'.
Graveler: From 'gravel'.
Grimer: From 'grime'.
Grotle: A combination of 'grove' and 'turtle'
Groudon: From 'ground' and 'don', meaning 'king'.
Grovyle: From 'grove' and 'reptile'.
Growlithe: Combination of 'growl' and 'lithe', meaning 'lean' or 'flexible'.
Grumpig: From 'grumpy' and 'pig'.
Gulpin: A variation of ‘gulping’.
Gurdurr: A respelling of ‘girder’, a support beam used in construction.
Gyarados: Of obscure origin. May be related to the verb “gyre,” meaning to turn in a thrashing manner, as a sea serpent. 'Dos', Spanish for two, indicates that Gyarados is the second, an evolved form of Magikarp.
H
Happini: A combination of 'happiness' and 'tiny'.
Hariyama: A combination of the Japanese words, 'haritaosu', meaning ‘knock down’ and 'yama' meaning 'mountain'. This refers to Hariyama’s incredible strength.
Haunter: Simply, a Pokemon who haunts.
Haxorus: From ‘hacksaw’, or a combination of ‘hack’ and ‘axe’, and also ‘saurus’, a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Heatmor: From ‘heat’ and ‘armour’ (armor in America).
Heatran: From 'heat'. The ran ending is obscure.
Heracross: 'Hera' from Heracles, a Greek mythic hero.' Cross' for Heracross's cross-shaped horn.
Herdier: May be a combination of 'herd', as some dogs are trained to heard animals, and 'terrier', the type of dog on which Herdier was based.
Hippopotas: Shortening of 'hippopotamus'.
Hippowdon: From 'hippopotamus' and 'don', meaning 'king'.
Hitmonchan: A combination of 'hit' suggesting Hitmonchan is a fighting type, 'mon', short for 'monster' (referring to 'Pocket Monsters'), and 'chan', referring to Jackie Chan, who was famous for ‘piston punching’.
Hitmonlee: A combination of 'hit', 'mon' and 'lee', referring to Bruce Lee, considered by many to be the greatest martial arts master of all time.
Hitmontop: A combination of 'hit', 'mon' and 'top'. Hitmontop spins like a top.
Ho-oh: From 'houoh', Japanese for phoenix. The phoenix was a bird that would live for a certain number of years, then die engulfed in flames only to be reborn from the ashes.
Honchkrow: From 'honcho', a leader or boss, particularly those in the mafia, referring to Honchkrow's mafia-like appearance, and 'crow'.
Hoothoot: Named for the hooting of an owl.
Hoppip: 'Hop' and 'pip' meaning 'seed'. Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff have names that have double meanings. The first syllables 'hop', 'skip', 'jump' suggest a popular phrase meaning 'a short distance'. The second syllables of the Pokemon names, 'pip', 'bloom' and 'fluff', describe the life cycle of a plant; Seed, blooming of a flower, and the fluffy seed head after the flower has wilted.
Horsea: From 'seahorse', the animal Hosea is based on.
Houndoom: From 'hound' and 'doom'.
Houndour: From 'hound', and 'dour', meaning angry looking.
Huntail: From 'hunt' and 'tail'.
Hydreigon: Combination of ‘hydra’, a dragon with three or more heads, ‘drei’, German for three and ‘dragon’. See Deino and Zweilous.
Hypno: The word 'Hypno' is related to 'sleep', or is short for 'hypnotize'.
I
Ivysaur: A combination of 'ivy', and 'saur', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Igglybuff: From 'Jigglypuff'. Loss of the letter J indicating it is a pre-evolution. 'Buff' meaning 'strong'.
Illumise: A variation of 'illuminate'.
Infernape: From 'inferno' and 'ape'.
J
Jigglypuff: A puff that is jiggly. A good description of Jigglypuff.
Jirachi: Russian for 'wish' or 'desire'. May also be related to the Japanese 'sachi' meaning 'wish' or 'happiness'.
Jellicent: A combination of ‘jellyfish’ and ‘magnificent’.
Jolteon: A combination of 'jolt' and 'eon'.
Joltik: From ‘jolt’, as in a jolt of electricity, and ‘tick’, a small parasite.
Jumpluff: From 'jump' and 'fluff'. See Hoppip.
Jynx: A 'jynx' is a bad luck charm.
K
Kabuto: Japanese for “helmet.” The Japanese 'Kabutoomooshie', literally 'helmet-insect', means 'beetle'.
Kabutops: From 'Kabuto' and 'tops' meaning 'best'. Kabutops is the highest, or 'top' evolved form of Kabuto.
Kadabra: Kadabra is a familiar magic word, most popular in the phrase 'Abra Kadabra'.
Kakuna: A variation of 'cocoon', which Kakuna resembles.
Kangaskhan: A combination of 'kangaroo' and Genghis Khan, a historical warrior.
Karrablast: Corruption of ‘carabidea’, a family of beetles and ‘plastron’, the underside of a shelled creature. May also be related to the Greek ‘kérato’, meaning ‘horn’.
Kecleon: A combination of the Japanese 'kakureru' meaning 'to hide', and 'chameleon'.
Keldeo: May be derived from ‘kelpie’, a mythical water horse.
Kingdra: A king dragon. The 'dra' ending may be related to 'hydra'.
Kingler: From 'king crab', a large species of crab, and 'fiddler', another species of crab.
Kirlia: From 'kirlian photography', a style of photography in which the subject is shown surrounded by a psychic aura.
Klang: From ‘clang’, the sound of metal hitting together.
Klink: From ‘clink’, the sound of metal hitting together. May also be related to ‘link’.
Klinklang: A combination of ‘Klink’ and ‘Klang’, the names of its two previous evolutions.
Koffing: A variation of 'coughing'.
Krabby: From 'crab'. May have also come from 'crabby', meaning 'short tempered'.
Kricketot: From 'cricket' and 'tot' (a toddler or small child, referring to the fact that Cricketot is un-evolved).
Kricketune: From 'cricket' and 'tune'.
Krokorok: Corruption of the word ‘croc’, a shortening of the word ‘crocodile’.
Krookodile: A corruption of ‘crook’, as in a thief or cheater, and ‘crocodile’.
Kyogre: From 'kai', meaning 'ocean', and a corruption of 'orca' (commonly known as a killer whale) which Kyogre is based on. 'Kaio' is also the Japanese word meaning 'king of the sea'.
Kyurem: From the Japanese kyuurei, meaning ‘cold’. May also be related to ‘rei’ and ‘mu’, Japanese for ‘zero’ and ‘nothing’ respectively.
L
Lairon: Fom 'lair' and 'iron'.
Lampent: A combination of ‘lamp’ and ‘pent’ to be trapped, referring to the flame encased inside Lampent’s body. May also refer to ‘repent’ or ‘lament’, both meaning to feel sorrow or regret, or possibly ‘entity’, referring to its Ghost typing.
Landorus: A corruption of the word ‘land’.
Lanturn: Respelling of 'lantern', for the light on its head.
Lapras: A corruption of its Japanese name, Laplace. This may have some from Pierre-Simon Laplace who wrote about the sea and tides.
Larvesta: A combination of ‘larva’ and ‘Vesta’, the Roman goddess of fire.
Larvitar: From 'larva'.
Latias: From the Latin, 'lateo', meaning hidden, referring to Latias’s ability to reflect light off of its feathers in such a way that it becomes invisible. The as suffix indicates that Latias is a female.
Latios: From the Latin, 'lateo' and 'os', indicating that Latios is a male.
Leafeon: From 'leaf', and 'eon'.
Leavanny: From ‘leaves’ and ‘nanny’.
Ledian: From 'ladybug', and 'alien', since Ledian's head looks similar to an aliens.
Ledyba: From 'ladybug', an insect resembling this Pokemon.
Lickylicky: From lick (no, really!?).
Liepard: May come from 'lie', as in to deceive, and 'leopard', the animal on which Liepard is based.
Likitung: A combination of 'lick' and 'tongue'.
Lileep: From ‘lilly’ and possibly ‘deep’, as Lileep lives deep in the sea, or ‘sleep’, referring to the fact that the fossils Lileep comes from have been ‘sleeping’ for millions of years.
Lilligant: The ‘lilli’ may come from ‘lil’, a shortening of the word ‘little’, or ‘lilly’. The suffix comes from the word ‘elegant’.
Lillipup: May come from 'lil', a shortening of the word 'little', and 'puppy'.
Linoone: From 'line' and 'raccoon'.
Litwick: From ‘lit’ as in a lit candle, or ‘little’, and ‘wick,’ the part of a candle that burns.
Lombre: From 'lotus', a flower that grows floating on water in ponds with lillypad leaves that look similar to that on Lombre’s head, and 'sombrero', a Mexican hat that looks similar to the lillypad on Lombre’s head.
Lopunny: From 'lop' (a breed of rabbit) and 'bunny'.
Lotad: From 'lotus' and 'tadpole'.
Loudred: From 'loud' and 'dread'.
Lucario: Lucario’s name is a corruption of its Japanese name, from 'orichalcum' (a type of metal, referring to Lucario’s Steel duel type) but spelled backwards. Its name may also be related to 'Cairo', the capital of Egypt, as Lucario closely resembles 'Anubis', an ancient Egyptian god.
Ludicolo: A combination of 'ludicrous' (meaning crazy or out of order) and a variation of 'loco', the Spanish word meaning 'crazy'.
Lileep: From lilly. The 'eep' ending may have come from 'sleep', as Lileep comes from a fossil that was 'asleep' for millions of years.
Lugia: May have come from 'lutetium', a silvery element. May also have come from 'lugeo', meaning to lie dormant, referring to the way Lugia lies dormant at the bottom of the ocean.
Lumineon: From 'illuminate' and 'neon'.
Lunatone: From 'luna' (to do with the moon) and 'stone'.
Luvdisc: From 'luv', a variation of 'love', referring to Luvdisc’s love-heart shape, and 'discus', as Luvdisc is flat like one.
Luxio: From 'lux', Latin for 'light', and 'leo', meaning 'lion'.
Luxray: From 'lux', and 'x-ray', referring to Luxray’s ability to see prey, even that hiding behind things.
M
Machamp: A combination of 'macho' (Spanish for masculine) and 'champ'.
Machoke: A combination of 'macho' and 'choke'.
Machop: A combination of 'macho' and 'chop', as in 'karate chop'.
Magby: From 'magma' and 'baby'.
Magcargo: Derived from 'magma' and 'escargot'. Escargot (pronounced ess-CAR-go) is French for “snail”.
Magikarp: A combination of 'magic' and 'carp', a fish.
Magmar: From 'magma', the molten rock under the earth’s crust.
Magmortar: From 'magma', and 'mortar', a type of cannon, referring to Magmortar’s cannon-like arms.
Magnemite: A combination of 'magnet' and 'mite' (small thing).
Magneton: From 'magnet'. May also be related to 'magneton' which is a unit of magnetic movement.
Magnezone: From 'magnet' and 'zone', referring to the field or ‘zone’ that Magneton is exposed to when it evolves.
Makuhita: A variation of 'makushita', the third highest sumo division.
Mamoswine: From 'mammoth' and 'swine' (another name for pig).
Manaphy: Possibly a variation of 'manatee', a water-dwelling mammal.
Mandibuzz: From ‘mandible’ the lower jaw bone, and ‘buzzard’, referring to a vulture.
Manetric: From 'mane' and 'electric'.
Mankey: A combination of 'mad' and 'monkey'. May also be a variation of 'manky', meaning 'dirty'.
Mantine: From 'manta', a ray this Pokemon resembles.
Mantyke: From 'manta ray' and 'tyke', meaning 'small child'.
Maractus: From ‘maracas’ and ‘cactus’.
Mareep: From 'sheep' and 'Mary' who “had a little lamb".
Marill: From 'marine', meaning underwater, and 'rill', a small stream.
Marowak: From 'marrow', the filling inside a bone, and 'whack'.
Marshtomp: From 'marsh' and 'stomp'.
Masquerain: From 'masquerade', a disguise, referring to the way Masquerain uses it’s eye-patterned wings to confuse foes), and 'rain'.
Mawile: From 'maw' (the mouth of an animal) and 'wile' (to trick).
Medicham: A combination of 'meditate' and 'champ'.
Meditite: A variation of 'meditate'.
Meganium: From 'mega' and 'geranium', a type of flower.
Meloetta: A combination of ‘melody’ and ‘etta’, a common suffix in females.
Meowth: A variation of 'meow'. Also related to 'mouth', as Meowth is known to talk.
Mesprit: From 'me' and 'spirit'. See Azelf and Uxie.
Metagross: From 'metal' and 'cross', referring to the cross on Metagross’s face.
Metang: From 'metal'. It is also an anagram of 'magnet'.
Metapod: From 'metamorphosis' and 'pod'.
Mew: The sound a kitten makes.
Mewtwo: 'Mew' and 'two', indicating that Mewtwo is a second (genetically modified) version of Mew. May also be related to 'mutant'.
Mienfoo: Combination of ‘ermine’, an animal similar in appearance to Mienfoo, and ‘Kung fu’, referring to its Fighting typing.
Mienshao: From ‘ermine’ and ‘Shaolin’, a type of Kung fu.
Mightyena: From 'mighty' and 'hyena'.
Milotic: May be a combination of 'milo', as in Venus De Milo, a sculpture with no arms that is known for its beauty, and 'melodic'.
Miltank: From 'milk' and 'tank'.
Mime Jr.: Litterally, 'Mime Junior'. See Mr. Mime.
Minccino: From ‘mini’ meaning small. The ‘cino’ ending may refer to ‘chino cloth’, a cottony fabric.
Minun: A variation of 'minus', referring to something negatively charged.
Misdreavus: A variation of 'mischievous', meaning full of mischief.
Mismagius: From 'mischief' and 'magus', a magic user.
Moltres: From 'molten' meaning 'melted', like the molten rock beneath the earth’s crust, and 'tres', Spanish for 'three'. Moltres is the number-three legendary bird.
Monferno: From 'monkey' and 'inferno'.
Mothim: From 'moth' and 'him', referring to the fact that Mothim can only be male. See Wormadam.
Mr. Mime: From 'Mr.', a man's title and 'Mime', an actor who performs without speaking.
Mudkip: A variation of 'mudskipper', the animal from which Mudkip was based.
Muk: A variation of 'muck', yucky stuff.
Munchlax: From 'munch' and 'lax', meaning 'lazy'.
Munna: From 'moon' and 'lunar'. The 'mu' prefix may come from the Japanese word meaning 'dream'.
Murkrow: From 'murk', a state of darkness, and 'crow'.
Musharna: From the Japanese 'mushamusha', meaning 'to munch', refering to the fact that Musharna eats dreams. May also come from 'mu', Japanese for 'dream'.
N
Natu: May be related to 'natus', Latin for 'born', since it is the pre-evolved 'new-born' version of Xatu. May also be related to 'native'.
Nidoking: A combination of 'nido', meaning 'two', referring to the two "nido" evolution lines with similar names and traits, and 'king'. May also be related to 'cnidocyte', a type of venom found in some animals, referring to Nidoking's Poison duel type.
Nidoqueen: A combination of 'nido' and 'queen'. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nidoran: A combination or 'nido' and 'ran'. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nidorina: From 'Nidorino', The 'a' is feminine ending, indicating that Nidorina is a girl. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nidorino: From 'nido' and 'rhyno'. 'O' is also a masculine ending. May be related to 'cnidocyte'.
Nincada: From 'ninja' and 'cicada'.
Ninetales: Combination of 'nine' and 'tails'.
Ninjask: From 'ninja' and 'mask', as Ninjask appears to be wearing one.
Noctowl: From 'nocturnal' (active at night) and 'owl'.
Nosepass: A combination of 'nose' and 'compass'.
Numel: From 'numb' (referring to Numel’s dopey look), and 'camel'.
Nuzleaf: A variation of 'nose' and 'leaf'.
O
Octillery: From 'octopus' and 'artillery' as in the weapons used in battle.
Oddish: A combination of 'odd' and 'radish'.
Omanite: A variation of 'ammonite', a fossil animal similar to Omanite.
Omastar: A combination of 'ammonite', and 'star', referring to the shape of its body.
Onix: A variation of 'onyx', a semi-precious stone.
Oshawott: May be a combination of 'ocean', 'shell', 'water' and 'otter'.
P
Pachirisu: From the Japanese words, 'pachipachi', the sound of electricity crackling, and 'risu', meaning 'squirrel'.
Palkia: From the Japanese 'paru' meaning 'pearl'.
Palpitoad: From ‘palpitate’, an awareness of a heartbeat, and ‘toad’.
Panpour: From 'pan' and 'pour', as in to pour water.
Pansage: From 'pan', a genus of chimps, and 'sage', a green herb.
Pansear: From 'pan' and 'sear', meaning 'to burn'.
Paras: From 'parasite'.
Parasect: A combination of 'parasite' and 'insect'.
Patrat: From 'patrol' and 'rat'. It also sounds like 'pack rat', a person who hoards things, referring to a chipmunk's habit of storing nuts in their mouth.
Pawniard: From ‘pawn’, a basic chess piece, and ‘poignard’, a lightweight dagger. See Bisharp.
Pelipper: From 'pelican' and 'flipper', referring to its wings.
Persian: 'Persian' is a breed of cat.
Petilil: Combination of ‘petal’ and ‘lil’, a shortening of the word ‘little’.
Phanpy: From 'elephant'.
Phione: Possibly a corruption of Fiore, which is where Manaphy’s egg is found, and 'clione', the scientific name for sea angels (which Phione looks somewhat like). May also be related to 'pleione', a water nymph in Greek myths.
Pichu: From 'Pikachu', into which it evolves. Loss of the 'ka' syllable denotes pre-evolved state.
Pidgeot: From 'pigeon' and ''Otto Lilienthal', an aviation pioneer who experimented with heavier than air flight.
Pidgey: A variation of 'pigeon'.
Pidgeotto: From 'pigeon' and 'Otto Lilienthal'.
Pidove: Combination of ‘pigeon’ and ‘dove’.
Pignite: A combination of 'pig' and 'ignite'.
Pikachu: From the Japanese words, 'pikapika', the sound of electricity, and 'chuchu', the sound a mouse makes. May also be related to 'pika', a mouse-like animal.
Pineco: From 'pinecone', which Pineco looks like.
Piloswine: May also be related to 'pillow' (since Piloswine is round and plump) or to 'pilo', Latin for 'hairy', and swine, another name for pig.
Pinsir: Variation of 'pincer'.
Piplup: From 'pip', a stage in baby birds before they hatch from their eggs, and 'plup', the sound of something hitting water. May also be related to plump, as it has a round appearance.
Plusle: A variation of 'plus', referring to something positively charged.
Politoed: From 'poliwog' (meaning 'tadpole') and 'toad'. It also gains toes, therefore it is 'toed'. 'Poly' means 'many', so Politoed is poly-toed.
Poliwag: A combination of 'poliwog' and 'wag', for Poliwag's long tail.
Poliwhirl: A combination of 'polliwog', and 'whirl', referring to the spiral marking on Poliwhirl’s chest.
Poliwrath: A combination of 'Poliwog', and 'wrath' meaning 'anger'.
Ponyta: From 'pony', the animal which Ponyta resembles. May also be related to 'bonita', Spanish for 'beautiful', or a shortening of 'ponytail'.
Poocheyena: From 'pooch' (a dog) and 'hyena'.
Porygon: Most likely comes from the Japanese mispronunciation of 'polygon' (a many sided shape), as in the Japanese language, Ls are usually pronounced as Rs.
Porygon2: Simply the second Porygon.
Porygon Z: From 'Porygon'. The Z ending may be a reference to the Z axis in 3D coordination systems.
Primeape: A combination of 'primate' and 'ape'.
Prinplup: From 'prince' and 'plup' or 'plump'.
Probopass: From 'proboscis' (nose) and 'compass'.
Psyduck: Combination of 'psychic' and 'duck'.
Pupitar: From 'pupa', a stage in an insects life.
Purrloin: From 'purr' and ‘purloin’, meaning to steal.
Purugly: From purr, a sound cat makes, and 'ugly'.
Q
Quagsire: From 'quagmire', a marsh, and 'sire', the term of address for a king.
Qwilfish: A 'fish' with 'quills'.
R
Raichu: A combination of 'rai', Japanese for 'thunder', and 'chu'.
Raikou: Japanese for 'lightning'.
Ralts: A variation of 'waltz', a type of dance.
Rampardos: From 'ram' (to slam into), 'hard' and 'dos', a common suffix in various dinosaur names. 'Dos' also indicates that Rampardos is the second, evolved form or Cranidos. May also be related to 'rampage'.
Rapidash: From 'rapid' and 'dash'.
Raticate: A combination of 'rat' and 'eradicate' meaning 'thoroughly destroy'. Rattata: A variation of 'rat'.
Rayquaza: From 'ray', as in a ray of light, and 'quasar', the center of a galaxy.
Regice: From 'regi', a prefix common in all of the four regis' names meaning 'king', and 'ice'.
Regigigas: From 'regi' and 'gigas', meaning giant. May be related to grass, as Regigigas has grass like greenery growing on it.
Regirock: From 'regi' and 'rock'.
Registeel: From 'regi' and 'steel'.
Relicanth: From 'relic', something ancient, and 'coelacanth', a name for a group of fish, including some of those that are the oldest living species known.
Remoraid: From 'remora', a type of fish, and 'raid', meaning a rapid attack, referring to the way Remoraid can shoot water at quickly moving prey above the water.
Reshiram: The ‘re’ prefix of Reshiram’s name was chosen to give the Pokémon a soft sounding name. ‘Shira’ is the Japanese word for ‘white’. See Zekrom.
Reuniclus: A combination of ‘reunite’ and ‘nucleus’, the center of a cell.
Rhydon: A combination of 'rhinoceros', and 'don' meaning 'king'.
Rhyhorn: From 'rhinoceros' and 'horn'.
Rhyperior: From 'rhinoceros' and 'superior'.
Riolu: A rearranging and shortening of 'Lucario'.
Roggenrola: A play on the phrase ‘rock ‘n’ roll’, referring to Roggenrola’s rock type. It is also in the shape of a ball, suggesting that it may roll to get around.
Roselia: From 'rose' and 'buddleia', a genus of flowering plants.
Roserade: From 'rose' and 'masquerade', a disguise, since as Roserade looks as if it is wearing a mask.
Rotom: 'Motor' backwards, from Rotom’s ability to possess appliances with motors.
Rufflet: From ‘ruffle’, referring to the look of Rufflet’s puffed up feathers, and ‘eaglet’, the term for a young eagle.
S
Sableye: From 'sable' (meaning black) and 'eye', referring to the way its gemstone eyes allow it to see easily in the dark.
Salamence: A combination of 'salamander', and either 'menace' or 'vengeance'.
Samurott: From 'samurai' and 'otter'.
Sandile: ‘Sand’ and ‘crocodile’.
Sandshrew: A combination of 'sand' and 'shrew', a small rodent.
Sandslash: A combination of 'sand' and 'slash'.
Sawk: A respelling of the word ‘sock’, as in to punch something.
Sawsbuck: The 'saws' prefix is derived from the first letter of each season: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. ‘Buck' is a term for a male deer. May also be related to ‘sawbuck’, a tool used for cutting wood (referencing to the fact that Sawsbuck’s antlers change with the seasons, as a tree would).
Sceptile: From 'sceptridium', a group of plants including ferns, some that look similar to Sceptile’s tail, and 'reptile'.
Scizor: Variation if 'scissor'.
Scrafty: From ‘scraggy’ and ‘crafty’.
Scraggy: Scraggy simply means ‘scrawny’.
Scyther: From 'scythe', a long blade.
Seadra: From 'sea'. The 'dra' ending may be from 'dragon', or from 'hydra', a sea monster of Greek mythology.
Seaking: The 'king' of the 'sea'.
Sealeo: From 'sea' or 'seal', and 'leo', meaning 'lion' (as in sea lion).
Seedot: From 'seed' and 'dot', referring to its small size.
Seel: A variation of 'seal', the animal which Seel was based on.
Seismitoad: From ‘seismic’, relating to earthquakes, and ‘toad’.
Sentret: From 'sentry', a guard or scout.
Serperior: A combination of 'serpent' and 'superior'.
Servine: From 'serpent' and 'vine'.
Seviper: From 'sever' (to cut) and 'viper' (a large snake).
Sewaddle: Comes from the word ‘swaddle’, meaning to wrap a baby in a cloth.
Sharpedo: From 'sharp' and 'torpedo'.
Shedinja: From 'shed', referring to the way Nincada sheds its skin when it evolves, and 'ninja'.
Shelgon: From 'shell', referring to Shelgon’s cased appearance, and 'dragon'.
Shellder: A combination of 'shell' and 'shelter'.
Shellos: A variation of 'shell-less'.
Shelmet: A combination of ‘shell’ and ‘helmet’.
Shieldon: From 'shield' and 'don', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Shiftry: From 'shifty', meaning someone who looks dishonest and suspicious, and 'tree'.
Shinx: From 'shining' or 'shock', and 'lynx', a type of wild cat. May also be a variation of 'sphinx', a mythical creature of Egyptian mythology with the face of a human and the body of a lion.
Shroomish: From 'mushroom' and the suffix 'ish' meaning 'like'. A mushroom-like Pokemon.
Shuckle: From 'shuck', meaning 'oyster shell'.
Shuppet: From 'shadow' and 'puppet'.
Sigilyph: From ‘sigil’, and hieroglyph both meaning an image or symbol.
Yamask: Yamask is possibly from ‘yami’, meaning darkness in Japanese, and ‘mask’.
Silcoon: from ‘silk’ and ‘cocoon’.
Simipour: From ‘simian’, a group of higher primates, and 'pour'.
Simisage: From ‘simian’ and 'sage'.
Simisear: From ‘simian’ and 'sear'.
Skarmory: From 'sky' and 'armory'.
Skiploom: From 'skip' and 'bloom'. See Hoppip.
Skitty: From 'skittish', meaning timid or easily startled, and 'kitty'.
Skorupi: A variation and shortening of 'scorpion'.
Skuntank: From 'skunk' and 'stank' (a bad smell).
Slaking: A variation of 'slacking' (lazy). May be related to 'king', as Slaking is the top of its evolutionary chain.
Slakoth: From 'slack' and 'sloth', the animal on which Slakoth was based.
Snivy: A combination of 'snake' and 'ivy'.
Slowbro: A combination of 'Slowpoke', from whom Slowbro evolves, and 'bro', a short term for 'brother' (a relative, or 'brother' of slowpoke).
Snorunt: From 'snow' and 'runt', a small animal.
Snover: A shortening of the phrase, ‘snowed over’.
Slowking: The 'king' of the 'slow' evolutionary chain.
Slowpoke: A 'slowpoke' is someone who is always slow to do things.
Slugma: From 'slug', and 'magma', molten rock.
Sneasel: From 'sneaky' and 'weasel'.
Smeargle: From 'smear', to spread (as in paint), and 'beagle'.
Smoochum: From 'smooch', a kiss, and ''em', short for 'them'.
Snorlax: A combination of 'snore' and 'lax' meaning 'lazy'.
Snubbull: A combination of 'bulldog' and 'snub', a description of Snubbull’s bulldog-like nose.
Solosis: From ‘solo’, meaning ‘one’, and meiosis or mitosis, types of cell division. Solrock: From 'sol', to do with the sun, and 'rock'.
Spearow: A combination of 'sparrow', a bird, and 'spear', a sharp-tipped weapon similar to Spearow’s beak.
Spheal: From 'sphere', referring to Spheal’s round shape, and 'seal'.
Spinarak: From 'spin' (as in to spin thread) and 'arachnid' meaning 'spider' or 'spider-like'.
Spinda: From 'spin' and 'panda'.
Spiritomb: From 'spirit' and 'tomb', a place where the dead are buried.
Spoink: From 'spring' and 'oink', the sound a pig makes.
Squirtle: A combination of 'squirt' and 'turtle'.
Stantler: From 'stag', a male deer, and 'antler', as in the antlers on a deer's head.
Staraptor: From 'starling', a bird with dark feathers, and 'raptor', a bird of prey.
Staravia: From 'starling' and 'avian', meaning bird.
Starly: A shortening of 'starling'.
Starmie: A combination of 'star' and 'me'. See Staryu.
Staryu: A combination of 'star' and 'you'. See Starmie.
Steelix: 'Steel', Steelix’s type. 'Ix' comes from 'Onix', from whom Steelix evolves (Steelix is a 'steel Onix).
Stoutland: From 'stout', meaning 'bulky' but also means 'brave' and 'bold'. The ‘land’ suffix may come from the ‘terra’ part of terrier, which is Latin for ‘earth’. May also be related to 'Shetland sheepdog', a dog similar in appearance to Stoutland.
Stunfisk: From ‘stun’, referring to its Electric dual type, and ‘fisk’, the word for ‘fish’ in some European languages.
Stunky: From 'stinky' and 'skunk'.
Sudowoodo: A respelling of 'pseudo', meaning 'false', and 'wood', literally 'False Wood'. Sudowoodo looks like it's a tree but it is actually a rock.
Suicune: From the Japanese 'sui' (water) and 'kun' (monarch).
Sunkern: From 'sun' and 'kernal', a seed that needs sun.
Surskit: From 'surface', referring to the way that Surskit skates across the surface of the water. The 'skit' ending is obscure.
Swablu: From 'swab', referring to Swablu’s cotton-like wings, or 'swallow', a small bird, and a shortening of 'blue'.
Swadloon: From ‘swaddle’ and ‘cocoon’.
Swalot: From 'swallow' and ‘a lot’.
Swampert: From 'swamp' and 'expert', referring to the swimming skills of Swampert.
Swanna: From ‘swan’. The ‘na’ ending is of obscure origin.
Swellow: Srom 'swell', as in something that is good or fine, and 'swallow'.
Sunflora: From 'sunflower' and 'flora', meaning flowers or plants.
Swinub: From 'swine', meaning pig, and 'nub', a small nose much like Swinub's snout.
Swoobat: From ‘swoop’ and ‘bat’.
T
Tailow: From 'tail' and 'swallow'.
Tangela: A variation of 'tangle'.
Tangrowth: From 'tangle', referring to the tangled appearance of Tangrowth, and 'growth'.
Tauros: A variation of the Latin 'taurus' meaning 'bull'.
Teddiursa: From 'teddy bear' and 'ursa', the Latin for bear.
Tentacool: A combination of 'tentacle' and 'cool', as in low temperature.
Tentacruel: A combination of 'tentacle' and 'cruel'.
Tepig: From ‘tepid’, meaning ‘lukewarm’, and ‘pig’.
Terrakion: From ‘terra’, Latin for ‘earth’. The ‘kion’ ending is obscure.
Throh: A respelling of the word ‘throw’.
Thundurus: A corruption of the word ‘thunder’.
Timburr: A respelling of the word ‘timber’, meaning wood.
Tirtouga: A corruption of ‘tortuga’, the Spanish word for turtle.
Togekiss: From 'toge', meaning 'spike', and 'kiss'.
Togepi: From 'toge'. The 'pi' suffix is obscure.
Togetic: A variation of 'Togepi', from which it evolves.
Torchic: From 'torch', to set something aflame, and 'chick'.
Torkoal: From 'tortoise' and 'coal'.
Tornadus: A corruption of the word ‘tornado’.
Torterra: From 'tortoise' and 'terrain'.
Totodile: Combination 'tot' meaning small child, and 'odile' from 'crocodile'.
Toxicroak: From 'toxic' and 'croak'.
Tranquill: Combination of ‘tranquil’, meaning peaceful, and ‘quill’, a pen made out of a bird’s feather.
Trapinch: From 'trap', referring to the way that Trapinch builds traps in the sand to capture its prey, and 'pinch'.
Treecko: From 'tree' and 'gecko'.
Tropius: From 'tropical' and 'saurus', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Trubbish: From ‘trash’ and ‘rubbish’.
Turtwig: From 'turtle' and 'twig'. May also be related to 'turf', a piece of earth or soil.
Tympole: Combination of ‘tympany’, a low rumbling from a drum, and ‘tadpole’.
Tynamo: From ‘tyke’ referring to its small size, and ‘dynamo’, after its Electric typing.
Typhlosion: A combination of 'typhoon' and 'explosion'.
Tyranitar: From 'tyrant', an angry king or leader.
Tyrogue: A combination of 'tyro' meaning beginner, or 'tyke', a small child, and 'rogue' meaning masterless and destructive.
U
Umbreon: From 'umbra', the Latin word for 'shadow' or 'ghost'.
Unfezant: From ‘unfazed’ and ‘pheasant’, a type of bird.
Unown: Soundalike of 'unknown'.
Ursaring: A combination of 'ursa', Latin for 'bear', and 'ring', for the ring shaped mark on its body.
Uxie: From 'you' and 'pixie' (see Azelf and Mesprit).
V
Vanillish: From ‘vanilla’, a common ice-cream flavour. The ‘ish’ suffix is devired from ‘delish’, a shortened version of the word ‘delicious’.
Vanillite: From ‘vanilla’. The ‘ite’ ending may come from ‘petite’ meaning ‘little’, or ‘lite’.
Vanilluxe: A combination of ‘vanilla’, and ‘deluxe’.
Vaporeon: From 'vapor', as in water vapor, and 'eon'.
Venipede: From ‘venom’ and ‘centipede’.
Venomoth: A combination of 'venom', meaning 'poison', and 'moth'.
Venonat: A combination of 'venom' and 'gnat', a tiny insect.
Venusaur: A combination of 'venus', as in 'venus fly trap', and 'saur', a common suffix in dinosaur names.
Vespiquen: From 'vespa', Latin for 'wasp', and 'queen'.
Vibrava: From 'vibration' and 'larva' (a stage some insects go through).
Victini: A combination of 'Victory' and 'destiny', or possibly 'teeny'.
Victreebel: A combination of 'victory' and 'bell'.
Vigoroth: From vigor, meaning energy and force, and sloth.
Vileplume: A combination of 'vile' and 'plume' meaning 'cloud'.
Virizion: From ‘viridian’, after the colour of Virizion’s body. May also be related to ‘viridarium’, the Latin word for ‘garden’.
Volbeat: From 'volt', referring to the electricity that Volbeat uses to light up its tail, and a variation of 'beetle'.
Volcarona: From ‘volcano’ and ‘carona’, the atmosphere of the sun visible during a solar eclipse.
Voltorb: A combination of 'volt' (measure of electricity) and 'orb' (round object).
Vullaby: From ‘vulture’ and ‘baby’. May also be related to ‘lullaby’.
Vulpix: A variation of the Latin 'vulpes' meaning 'fox'. The 'ix' ending comes from 'six', since Vulpix has six tails.
W
Wailmer: A variation of 'whale' and 'mer', French for ‘sea’.
Wailord: From 'whale' and 'lord'.
Walrein: From 'walrus' and a misspelling of 'reign', meaning superior, as Walrein is superior than its pre-evolutions. May also be related to 'rain'.
Wartortle: A combination of 'water' and 'turtle'.
Watchog: A combination of 'watch' and 'groundhog'.
Weavile: A variation of 'weasel', and 'vile', meaning bad or nasty.
Weedle: May come from 'wee', meaning small, or 'needle', from the pointy horn on his head. May also have come from 'worm'.
Weepinbell: A combination of 'weeping' and 'bell'.
Weezing: A variation of 'wheezing'.
Whimsicott: From ‘whimsical’, meaning playful, and ‘cotton’.
Whirlipede: From ‘whirl’ and ‘centipede’.
Whiscash: From 'whiskers', like the ones Whiscash has on it’s face, and a shortening of 'catfish'.
Whismur: From 'whisper' and 'murmur', both words meaning to speak softly.
Wigglytuff: A combination of 'wiggly' and 'tough'. 'Tuff' may also come from 'tuft', meaning 'small patch of hair', like the tuft on Wigglytuff’s forehead.
Wingull: From 'wing' and 'seagull'.
Wobbuffet: 'Wobble' plus 'buffet', to strike.
Woobat: From ‘woo’, as in to gain someone’s affection (referring to the heart on its nose), and ‘bat’.
Wooper: From 'wooper looper', the Japanese name for 'axolotl', the animal upon which Wooper was based.
Wormadam: From 'worm' and 'madam', referring to the fact that Wormadam can only be female. See Mothim.
Wurmple: From 'worm' and 'rumple', referring to the wrinkled texture of Wurmple’s skin.
Wynaut: A variation of the phrase, ‘why not’, referring to the carefree attitude of Wynaut.
X
Xatu: Related to the Japanese word for 'native'.
Y
Yanma: Related to the Japanese word for 'large dragonfly'.
Yanmega: A combination of 'Yanma' and 'Meganeura', a type of giant prehistoric dragonfly.
Z
Zangoose: 'Zang' may relate to a group of Chinese characters meaning various things, and 'mongoose'.
Zapdos: A combination of 'zap' and 'dos', Spanish for 'two'. Zapdos is the number-two legendary bird.
Zebstrika: From ‘zebra’ and ‘strike’, as in a striking lightning bolt.
Zekrom: The ‘ze’ prefix of Zekrom’s name was chosen to give the Pokémon a hard and powerful sounding name. The ‘kro’ comes from the Japanese ‘kuro’ meaning ‘black’. See Reshiram.
Zigzagoon: From 'zigzag', referring to the patterns on Zigzagoon’s body, and 'raccoon'.
Zoroark: From ‘zorro’, Spanish for ‘fox’, and ‘dark’.
Zorua: Comes from ‘zorro’, Spanish for "fox". ‘Rua’ is Irish for red (hair), possibly referring to its red fur.
Zubat: From 'bat'. The 'zu' prefix is of obscure origin.
Zweilous: From ‘zwei’, meaning ‘two’ in German, and ‘zealous’, referring to Zweilous’s competitive nature. See Deino and Hydreigon.
