An Analysis of Pokemon Names
As many of you may have noticed, every Pokemon ever created has a name. However, what do these names mean? Have you ever looked at a Pokemon and just thought about what compelled the designers of the game to name them that? Well, if the answer is yes, then you have come to the right place! This thread is devoted to decoding the names of Pokemon, from obvious ones like Squirtle, to less obvious and dumbfounding names like Ralts.
Mandatory Introduction
As many of you may have noticed, every Pokemon ever created has a name. However, what do these names mean? Have you ever looked at a Pokemon and just thought about what compelled the designers of the game to name them that? Well, if the answer is yes, then you have come to the right place! This thread is devoted to decoding the names of Pokemon, from obvious ones like Squirtle, to less obvious and dumbfounding names like Ralts.
But first, some simple rules!
- Always check the first post to see if the Pokemon you are talking about is already up. There is no need for repeated analysis of a name, but feel free to post information about a Pokemon already up if you know the information has not been said before.
- Please post in the following, simple format:
Analysis of Name Here
- Bring in your ideas as to what the names mean, and always check this post for information regarding what we're looking for! Currently, we are looking for...
- Asterisks indicate a possible error
Approved by JesiahTEG
Bulbasaur (Bul-Bah-Sore) #001
A starter Pokemon with a bulb like structure on it's back, which eventually grows into a beautiful flower! 'Saur' is a referance to it's dinosaur like body, rawr.
Ivysaur (I-Vee-Sore) #002
Ivy is a kind of plant, showing that Bulbasaur's bulb has grown into this evolution. Once again, 'saur' is used to show it is a ferocious dinosaur.
Venasaur (Veen-Uh-Sore) #003
Possibly a Venus Fly Trap, combined with a dinosaur. Venus Fly Traps are known for being dangerous, and when you combine that with 'saur' you get a Pokemon who has a fly trap and a dinosaur-like body.
Charmander (Char-Man-Dur) #004
Charmander's name roughly means mean Burnt Salamander. Taken from Charcoal, or the word Char, the word to describe something burnt. Salamander is derived from the second 'part' of the name.
Charmeleon (Char-Me-Lee-On) #005
Charmeleon could mean Burnt Chameleon. Taken from Charcoal, or Char, the word to described something burnt. Chameleon is taken from the last part of the name.
Charizard (Char-Ee-Zard) #006
Charizard origin's could be from Lizard and the word Char, or a Charred Lizard.
Squirtle (Sqwert-Il) #007
Based of both a turtle and a squirrel, it also happens to "squirt" water.
Wartortle (Wohr-Tehr-Til) #008
The Pokemon's evolution comes with a fiercer nature, giving the 'war' in the name. However, the Pokemon has still not escaped it's appearance as a turtle, ans so keeps that part of the name.
Blastoise (Bals-Toyse) #009
Based of a tortoise, and coincidentally "blasts" water out of it's two cannon like structures protruding from it's shell.
Caterpie (CA-ter-pe) #010
Carterpie names originates from the word Caterpillar. It could *according to the anime* also come from the sound that it makes. (Peeeeeeeeeee!)
Metapod (Me-TA-pod) #011
Metapod name come's from the word metamorphosis (changing from one thing into another, and the middle phase in the cycle of caterpillars) and pod.
Butterfree (Bu-TER-free) #012
Butterfree name comes from Butterfly and Free, now that it is free from it's life on the ground, and have some powerful moves to boot.
Weedle (Wee-Dul) #013
The word 'wheedle' means to coax into doing something or into good humour, which can possibly explain the little worm's silly and strange appearance.
Kakuna (Kah-Kuu-Nah) #014
A cocoon is an intermediate stage between the the transformation of the caterpiller into the butterfly. Kakuna is the transformational stage between Weedle and Beedrill. Plus an A, it makes it look cool.
Beedrill (Bee-Drill) #015
A giant bee with not just a stinger, but drills that could probably kill stuff. The name therefore is quite easy, it's a bee with drills.
Pidgey (Pid-jee) #16
Simply put, this is a tiny pigeon.
Pidgeotto (Pid-jee-oh-toh) #17
However, this is NOT a tiny pigeon.
Pidgeot (Pid-jee-aht) #18
This is DEFINITELY not a tiny pigeon.
Rattata (Ra-tuh-ta) #19
Obviously a rat, but the rest of the name comes from the scratching sound one would here if a rat was within the walls of one's home.
Raticate (Ra-ti-kayt) #20
A much LARGER rat, but this one has teeth that can eradicate a two-story building in about five minutes. You do NOT want this thing in your house!
Spearow (Speer-oh) #21
Because of its swift, precise movements, this Pokemon's name's base word is "spear". It somewhat resembles a fierce breed of sparrow.
Fearow (Feer-oh) #22
Another sparrow, but with a much larger wingspan and beak. It's pretty intimidating, so it's no wonder why the first half of its name is "Fear".
Ekans (Ehk-Ens) #023
Ekans backwards spells out snake, which is what the Pokemon is based on.
Arbok (Arr-Bawk) #024
Arbok is 'kobra backwards, which resembles the name 'cobra', a type of snake. The 'K' probably replaces the 'C' for emphasis in pronunciation.
Pikachu (Pee-Kah-Chew) #025
Pikachu is a combination of the Japanese onomatopoeia of electricity and a mouse squeak, PikaPika (electricity) and ChuChu (Mouse Squeak) So, a proper translation should be Cracklesqueek.
Raichu (Rye-Chew) #026
Raichu comes from a combination of the Japanese words Rai (thunder) and Chuchu (mouse squeaking). Thundersqueek?
Sandshrew (Sand-shroo) #027
Its name uses "sand", a substance commonly associated with ground -- Sandshrew's type -- and "shrew", a type of small rodent, which Sandshrew resembles.
Sandslash (Sand-Slash) #028
The name combines "sand", like its pre-evolution, which is associated with its type, ground. It also combines the word "slash", a type of attack using claws like Sandslash's.
Nidoran/F (Nee-doh-ran) #29
A romanization of the Japanese katakana for "needle", ニードル (read as: niidoru).
Nidorina (Nee-doh-ree-noh) #30
A romanization of the Japanese katakana for "needle", ニードル (read as: niidoru). The "-ina" establishes femininity.
Nidoqueen (Nee-doh-kween) #31
A romanization of the Japanese katakana for "needle", ニードル (read as: niidoru). It's the final stage of the female line, so it is the queen.
Nidoran/M (Nee-doh-ran) #32
A romanization of the Japanese katakana for "needle", ニードル (read as: niidoru).
Nidorino (Nee-doh-ree-noh) #33
A romanization of the Japanese katakana for "needle", ニードル (read as: niidoru). The "-ino" establishes masculinity.
Nidoking (Nee-doh-keeng) #34
A romanization of the Japanese katakana for "needle", ニードル (read as: niidoru). It's the final stage of the male line, so it is the king.[/QUOTE]
Clefairy (Klef-ayr-ee) #35
As we all know, metronomes are used for measuring beats within a measure of music, and Metronome is Clefairy's favorite move. A clef names any of the eight keys in an octave. It's a pretty rare and mystical Pokemon, so it simply makes sense for it to be a fairy.
Clefable (Klef-ay-bul) #36
As we all know, metronomes are used for measuring beats within a measure of music, and Metronome is Clefable's favorite move. A clef names any of the eight keys in an octave. Clefable's existence seems like that of a fairy tale, also known as a fable.[/I]
Vulpix (Vol-Picks) #37
Vulpine- Like a fox/resembling one.
Ix- The last two letters in "Six", since vulpix has six tails.
Basically, a six-tailed fox.
Ninetails (Nine-tales) #38
Nine- The number nine.
Tails- You know what it is.
A fox with nine tails.
Jigglypuff (Jih-ga-lee-puff) #39
It's a puffball...and it's deliciously jiggly...
Wigglytuff (Wih-ga-lee-tuff) #40
It's wiggly rather than jiggly now, and it grew stronger, so it's "tuff" (tough).
Zubat (Zoo-bat) #41
It's blind as a bat...because it is a bat. Though it's a bit of a stretch, the "Zu-" may be a different spelling of "zoo". This is odd because one hardly ever sees a bat at the zoo.
Golbat (Gol-bat) #42
A much larger bat creature, capable of gulping (or "golping", I dunno) a whopping 10 ounces of BLOOD...
Oddish (Odd-Ish) #043
The name is a combination of 'odd' and 'radish,' a sort of root vegetable. Completely coincidentally, 'oddish' is also an actual word.
Gloom (Glue-mm) #044
Gloom's name comes from the word gloomy, which means sad, depressed, etc. This may be because it is always sad it smells like an old lady back from the gym, making other Pokemon be repelled by the stench. It also relates to Gloom's appearance of a rafflesia closed to blooming. (Bloom rhymes with Gloom =3)
Vileplume (Vyle-Ploo-mm) #045
The Pokemon, like it's pre-evolved form, is smelly and has a flower on it's head. The smell is very 'vile', and can be associated with the rafflesia arnoldii, a plant that smells like rotting flesh. It may secrete 'plumes' of the smelly air, giving it the name.
Paras (Pair-us/iss) #46
A small part from the word "parasite", which means an organism that benefits from the deterioration of another organism. This possibly describes the mushrooms on its back.
Parasect (Pair-uh-sect) #47
Just like paras, except the "sect" is part of insect, describing its bug-like qualities....
What is that thing?
Venonat (Vehn-oh-nat) #048
A combination of "veno", short for venom, and "nat", which is a reference to a gnat, a name for many small insects.
Venomoth (Ven-Oh-Moth) #049
A moth-like Pokemon that sprinkles venomous spores explains the origins of the name.
Diglett (Digg-Let) #050
The verb dig (to burrow) combined with "lett", a suffix that is applied to small creatures or the like.
Dugtrio (Dugg-Tree-Oh) #051
The past tense of dig (dug) combined with trio, due to the fact that the Pokemon is simply three Digletts.
Meowth (Mee-owth) #52
Meowth is a cat Pokemon, and "meow" is an onomotopia for the sound that cats make. The shiny gold object protruding from Meowth's skull is some form of currency, and the fact it can produce these at will must mean it has an incredible sense of wealth. Meow + wealth = Meowth
Persian (Per-zhun) #53
Persian is yet another cat-like creature. There are multiple explantions for its name, but the most likely is that Persian items are considered to be very valuable to the world, and this evolutionary line is based around wealth, ergo Persian.[/QUOTE]
Psyduck (Sai-duck) #54
A duck whose constant headaches give it psychic powers. Hence, a Psy(chic)duck.
Golduck (goal-duck) #55
According to its pokedex entry, it swims gracefully, like a gold medalist. Gold+Duck=Golduck! (I went to two different sites, no one had anything better)
Mankey (Man-kee) #56
A monkey that stands upright and can fight with its fists, like a man. Monkey+Man=Mankey
Primeape (Prime-ape) #57
It's an ape in its prime, and it is stronger than most others, making it the "Prime" ape.
Growlithe (Growl-ith) #58
It's a small dog, so it can only growl, and it's very agile, or "lithe."
Arcanine (Arr-cane-ine) #59
The fire it breathes is magical, or "arcane," and it's a large dog, or canine.
Poliwag (Paul-Ee-Wag) #060
The name derives from the obsolete term "polliwog", or basically "tadpole". "Wag" comes from the long tail Poliwag uses.
Poliwhirl (Paul-Ee-Whirl) #061
The name derives from the obsolete term "Polliwog", or basically "tadpole". "Whirl" refers to the newly accentuated spiral pattern on it's belly.
Poliwrath (Paul-Ee-Wrath) #062
The name derives from the obsolete term "Polliwog", or basically "tadpole". "Wrath" refers to the vigorous nature of Poliwrath's newly incurred Fighting-Type
Abra (Ab-Rah) #063
The name stems from the common phrase, "Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam!" The phrase is often used in magic routines, and as a result may explain this Pokemon's psychic abilities.
Kadabra (Kah-Da-Bra) #064
The name stems from the common phrase, "Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam!" The phrase is often used in magic routines, and as a result may explain this Pokemon's psychic abilities.
Alakazam (Ala-Kah-Zam) #065
The name stems from the common phrase, "Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam!" The phrase is often used in magic routines, and as a result may explain this Pokemon's psychic abilities.
Machop (Muh-chop) #66
Combination of the words "Macho" meaning manly or strong, and "chop" which is one of the first attacks this pokemon learns.
Machoke (Muh-choke) #67
Combination of the words "Macho" meaning manly or strong, and "choke," an action stronger than a karate chop.
Machamp (Muh-champ) #68
Combination of the words "Macho" meaning manly or strong, and "champ" showing that this is the strongest Pokemon and therefore the champion. Weeeeee are the champions.....
Bellsprout #69
It's a small sprout of a plant whose head is shaped like a bell.
Weepinbell (Wee-pin-bell) #70
"Weepin" because it oozes acid, which could look like tears, or it could be because of its teardrop shape, "bell" because it looks like a bell.
Victreebell (Vick-tree-bell) #71
Reaching its final evolutionary stage and becoming strong gives it "victory," and it still looks like a bell, but upside-down.
Tentacool (Ten-ta-cool) #72
A play on the word "Tentacle," showing this Pokemon is cool.
Tentacruel (Ten-ta-crool) #73
Another play on the word tentacle, this Pokemon poisons people to die a painful death, making it very cruel.
Geodude (Jee-O-Dude) #074
Geo means of the earth or ground, while dude is a word for a guy, or man. What you end up with is basically a man made of dirt.
Graveler (Grah-Vol-Er) #075
The name is meant to reflect gravel, a rocky kind of surface used to fill space on the ground outside. The Pokemon's body looks as though it could be made of it, so it fits.
Golem (Go-Lem) #076
Resembling a mythological creature with the same name, which was a man-made creature, usually constructed from materials from the earth.
Ponyta (Po-Nii-Tah) #077
A pony like Pokemon, which rhymes with the Spanish word "bonita" which means beautiful.
Rapidash (Rap-Id-Ash) #078
Rapid and dash are in the name, one is a verb describing it and the other is a adjective describing it. Needless to say, the Pokemon is very fast.
Slowpoke (Slow-Poke) #079
A play on the derogatory term "Slowpoke", meaning one who doesn't move hastily, hence Slowpoke's slowness. Maybe it's ********? Who knows? That's the fun. The name may also be a play on the franchise name, POKEmon.
Slowbro (Slow-Bro) #080
The name consists of the words slow and brother, brother being included could be because of the relationship between Slowpoke and Shellder.
Magnemite (Mag-ne-mite) #81
Combines the words "Magnet," which this pokemon has, and "Mite," showing this pokemon is small.
Magneton (Mag-ne-tahn) #82
Combines the words "Magnet," which this pokemon has, and "Ton," showing this pokemon has grown larger and heavier...
Farfetch'd (Far-Fetch'd) #083
The name comes from the word 'farfetched,' meaning unbelievable. This accurately describes Farfetch'd's concept- a duck wielding a stick as a weapon. It may also have to do with 'fetch,' a game played with an animal in which said animal retrieves a thrown stick. In some sprites, Farfetch'd is shown holding the stick in it's mouth.
Doduo (Doh-du-oh) #84
Do- the first syllable in the word "Dodo", which is a type of (extinct) flightless bird.
Duo- Meaning two.
In this case, a two-headed flightless bird.
Dodrio (Doh-Dree-oh) #85
Do- the first syllable in the word "Dodo", which is a type of (extinct) flightless bird.
Drio- Meaning three, with a "d" inserted where a "t" should be.
In this case, a three-headed flightless bird.
Seel (Seel) #086
Seel's name is a homonym of 'seal,' the animal it is based off of.
Dewgong (Doo-Gong) #087
Dewgong's name comes from the words 'dew,' condensated water, and 'dugong,' a type of seacow.
Grimer (Gry-Mer) #088
Grime is the ultimate enemy of maids, repair men, and germophobes everywhere. The Pokemon is said to have originated from the sludge in sewers, and as a result is very...grimy.
Muk (Muk) #089
Muck, a wet, sticky, and gross substance is associated with this Pokemon. Delicious.
Shellder (Shell-dur) #90
This pokemon takes shelter in its shell, so shelter-->shell-ter-->shell-der-->Shellder!
Cloyster (Clo-ees-ter) #91
A cloister is a place of seclusion, and this is an oyster that secludes itself. Cl-oyster.
Gastly (Gast-Lee) #092
A play on the word 'ghastly', which means horrifying, scary, and repulsive. The word is also usually used in connection with ghosts, which Gastly is.
Haunter (Hawn-Ter) #093
The name itself is the act of haunting people, which ghosts are said to do quite often.
Gengar (Gang-Gar) #094
Gengar comes from the German word Doppelgengar, which is a ghost or shadow that follows people. It can also refer to the mirror reflection of someone.
Onix (On-Icks) #095
The big rock snake is named after onix, an actual material. He is big.
Drowzee (Drow-Zee) #096
The name comes from the word 'drowsy', a word meaning sleepy. The Pokemon surprisingly makes his opponents fall to sleep, and afterwards he eats thier dreams. I'm sure they're very yummy.
Hypno (Hip-No) #097
This Pokemon, like its pre-evolution, makes its opponents go to sleep. However, this Pokemon hypnotizes the opponent and then eats thier dreams, which once again must be absolutely scrumptious.
Krabby (Krab-ee) #098
A crab who is...crabby? The 'ee' part of the name is usually added to signify that it is small and unsignificant.
Kingler (King-Lerr) #099
A big crab that would probably make a mean crabcake. The name is a combonation of king crab and angler, a term for someone who fishes.
Voltorb (Volt-Orb) #100
A mix of the words "volt" which pertains to electricity, and "orb" due to his orb-like appearance. An original name to go with the design.
Electrode (E-Lek-Trode) #101
Comes from the word electrode, which is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit.
Exeggcute (Ex-egg-cute) #102
This is a group of eggs, the one in the middle looks like it has a plan to execute.
Missingno (Miss-ing-no) #102
A pokemon whose code is missing a number (no.). Its code is also missing.[/QUOTE]
Cubone (Cue-bone) #104
The name is a cue ball and a bone!
Marowak (Mair-Oh-Wack) #105
A combination of bone marrow and the act of the Pokemon 'wacking' opponents with it's bone club results in this Pokemon's name.
Hitmonlee (Hit-Mon-Lee) #106
"Hit" like a blow or punch/kick; "mon", like a monster; and "Lee" after Bruce Lee, the awesome asian martial arts guy.
Hitmonchan (Hit-Mon-Chan) #107
"Hit" like a blow or punch/kick; "mon", like a monster; and "Chan" after Jackie Chan, the awesome asian martial arts/actor guy. If there were ever a combonation of the two, it'd be Hitmonorris. Or at least I hope it would.
Lickitung (Lick-eh-ttung) #108
It licks things with its huge tongue.
Koffing (Ko-ffing) #109
A play on the word *coughing*. It expels poisonous gas from its pores, and can make you cough.
Excuse me?
Weezing (Wee-zing) #110
A play on the word *Wheezing* It expels poisonous gas from its pores, and can make you wheeze.
Cut that out.
Rhyhorn (Rye-Horn) #111
The name shows that it is a rhino like creature, with a horn.
Rhydon (Rye-Don) #112
The Pokemon itself is rhino-like, giving it the first part of the name. "Don" is a suffix of various kinds of dinosaurs, which Rhydon may resemble.
Chansey (Chan-see) #113
It can learn Metronome, which requires some luck to be useful, as well as several moves that deal recoil damage, making the use of this pokemon very chancey.
Tangela (Tangg-Ela) #114
A big ball of tangled vines, this Pokemon makes you wonder what is under all the tangly tangles of the tang...err, vines. Also, the first Tangela was actually a homunculous made from a girl named Angela's hair.
Kangaskhan (Kang-Aas-Caan) #115
Ghengis Khan, a Mongolian leader, appears to be part of the name. The remaining part is referring to a kangaroo, an animal which has a pouch to keep its young in. The Pokemon is suspiciously similar to the animal.
Horsea (Hor-See) #116
"Seahorse" backwards. Horsea is a seahorse, after all.
Seadra (See- Dra) #117
Sea-Dra(gon)
Sea- as in a large body of salt water.
Dra- a part of the word "dragon". Seadra has dragon-like qualities.
Basically, a sea dragon.
Staryu (Star-yoo) #120
Star combined with a play on the word "you"
Starmie (Star- mee) #121
Star combined with a play on the word "me"
Mr. Mime (Miss-Ter-Myme) #122
Mr. Mime, a mime Pokemon that is a man. It's strange that female versions exist, considering something that ugly wouldn't strike me as being female.
Scyther (Sai-thur) #123
It has scythes for arms... then you add an 'r' on the end.
Jynx (Jinx) #124
The word itself means a spell or hex, which the Pokemon is capable of doing with it's...astounding and rapturous beauty.
Electabuzz (Uh-leck-tuh-buzz) #125
It's electric, and its static can emit a bit of buzz.
Magmar (Mag-marr) #126
It has the heat of magma... and add an 'r' on the end again.
Pinsir (Pin-ser) #127
Pinsir's name comes from the word 'pincer,' meaning jaw-like, describing his horns.
Tauros (Tohr-ohss) #128
Its name is Latin for "bull."
Magikarp (Maj-Ick-Arp) #129
A fish like Pokemon, which was intended to be like a carp. The 'magic' part of the name is rather ironic, as it is usually seen as the most pathetic Pokemon.
Gyrados (Gehr-Uh-Dose) #130
An evolved version of Magikarp, this Pokemon's name may be connected to gyre, which is usually a spinning something, in this case water. 'Dos' shows that this is the second form in the evolution line.
Lapras (Lap-russ) #131
Reference to lapis lazuli, a blue gem.
Ditto (Dit-Oh) #132
Ditto is a word that means "the aforesaid; the above; the same" and being that ditto copies its opponents it would make sense to call it "same". On a completely un-related note, it is squishy.
Eevee (E-V) #133
Also known as the Evolution Pokemon, Eevee's name is derived from the first two letters of the word; E-V. Eevee's original name was to be Eon, which is created by combining the beginning and ending of the word 'evolution'. The word eon is also used to describe a long period of time, which is how long it generally takes for evolution to naturally take place.
Vaporeon (Vay-Pore-E-On) #134
The gas form of water, "Vapor", mixed with Eevee's prototype name of Eon. The prototype was probably kept because Vaporvee isn't as catchy.
Jolteon (Jol-Tea-On) #135
"Jolt", a term used to describe an electric shock, mixed with Eevee's prototype name of Eon. The prototype was probably kept because Joltvee isn't as catchy.
Flareon (Flare-E-On) #136
"Flare", a term used to describe unsteady flames or burns, mixed with Eevee's prototype name of Eon. The prototype was probably kept because Flarevee isn't as catchy.
Porygon (Pore-Ee-Gon) #137
A slightly altered form of the word polygon which is a multiple sided shape and mixed with the word origami, Porygon's body is made of many polygons and is a 3-d version of a paper crane. I wonder if anyone can teach me to make one.
Omanyte (O/ Ah- mah/ meh/ mi- nite) #138
A play on the word "ammonite" which is an ancient species of cuttlefish. This explains why it is a fossil pokemon.
Omastar (O/ Ah- mah/ meh/ mi- star) #139
A play on the word "ammonite" which is an ancient species of cuttlefish, but shortened to "Oma" plus "star" because of its star-shaped front.
Kabuto (Kah-Boo-Toe) #140
A kabuto is a Japanese helmet, which explains the helmet like appearance of the Pokemon.
Kabutops (Kah-Boo-Tops) #141
Just like Kabuto, only this guy is so cool he gets a 'p' and an 's' at the end of the name. The 'tops' probably indicates he is better then that lowly helmet.
Aerodactyl (Ay-Row-Dak-Til) #142
The fossil Pokemon is of the air, and so the suffix 'aero' is part of the name. Once again, a common part of dinosaur names is on the ending of this Pokemon's name. It resembles a Pterodactyl, a prehistoric chicken.
Snorlax (Snore-Lax) #143
Snorlax's name comes from the words snore and lax, both of which describe his nature as he is lazy and seemingly always sleeping.
Articuno (Arr-Tick-Uno) #144
The artic is commonly used to describe and/or name cold, frigid regions of the world, so it is fitting that this Ice type Pokemon has it in it's name. Uno is Spanish for 'One', which indicates Articuno is the first Legendary Bird.
Zapdos (Zap-Dos) #145
Zap is a term meaning to electricute or shock with electricity, which this Pokemon wields. Dos is Spanish for 'Two', which indicates this is the second Legendary Bird.
Moltres (Molt-Tres) #146
Molt may be an abbreviation of the word 'molten', which is hand-in-hand with fire and other hot substances such as magma. This bird is a Fire type, so the word matches perfectly. tres is the Spanish word for 'Three', showing that Moltres is the third and final Legendary Bird.
Dratini (Drah-Teenee) #147
Dragon and teeny, because of it being smaller (much smaller) than the evolution lines. It's very cute, don't you think?
Dragonair (Drag-On-Er) #148
Dragon and air, referring to the fact that it can fly/change the weather or air around it. Not as cute.
Dragonite (Drag-On-Ite) #149
Dragonite's name appears to be a combination of dragon and knight, "ignite," or night. It could also refer to draconite, a mythical stone of dragons. Its Japanese name is a combination of 海 kai, ocean, or 破壊 hakai, destruction, and 竜 ryū, dragon. Kinda cute.
Mewtwo (Me-Oo-Too) #150
Mewtwo is an attempted clone of the ancient Pokemon Mew. The experiment resulted in a second version of Mew, hence the 'two' part of the name.
Mew (Myoo) #151
Mew's name represents the sound it makes. It's cat-like appearance explains the sound it creates.
Chikorita (Chik-oh-rita) #152
The second Grass-type starter Pokemon, the name being derived from two words from different languages: "Chick" and "señorita", from English and Spanish slang, respectively. Both words refer to a lovely/sexy young woman.
Bayleef (Bay-leef) #153
It has a leaf on its head. The "bay" may refer to the fact it basks in sunlight, like one would do at the beach.
Meganium (Me-gay-nee-um) #154
"Mega" refers to its relatively large size, and "-anium" comes from a plant called a geranium, which the petals around its neck resemble.
Cyndaquil (Sin-duh-kwil) #155
Cyndaquil's name can be broken into the words "cinder" and "quill", because it is a porcupine-like creature with stinging flames on its back.
Quilava (Kwil-ah-vah) #156
"Quill" comes into play yet again, being a porcupine-ish creature, but with an elongated body. It has lava stored within its body.
Typhlosion (Taee-flow-zhun) #157
Its name is based off of two disasters with enormously destructive effects: "typhoon" and "explosion". One could call this Pokemon a "Fiery Storm".
Totodile (Toh-toh-dael) #158
Totodile's name most likely is made up of "tot", referring to a small child, and "crocodile". This theory is further backed up by the Pokemon's Japanese name 鰐の子 (read as: Waninoko), which roughly translates to "crocodile's child".
Croconaw (Krah-koh-naw) #159
Based off of a crocodile, yet again, and also from the word "gnaw", meaning to lightly bite. However, this creature does NOT have a weak jaw.
Feraligatr (Fer-al-i-gay-ter) #160
Feraligatr was named for its aggresive and territorial nature (a.k.a. "feral"), and because it's...well...an alligator.
Sentret (Sen-treht) #161
Because of its behavioral scouting, this Pokemon was duely given "sentry" as part of its name. Being a rodent, the "-ret" half of Sentret's name may be part of "ferret"--oddly enough, Sentret more resembles a raccoon, than a ferret.
Furret (Fur-reht) #162
Simply put, it's a furry ferret.
Hoothoot (Hoot-hoot) #163
It's an owl. Owls hoot. This one does it twice.
Noctowl (Nahk-towl) #164
Being an OWL, which is a NOCTurnal creature...duh.
Ledyba (Leh-dee-bah) #165
A simple play on the word "ladybug".
Ledian (Leh-dee-en) #166
Ledian is a ladybug-like creature that possess some features of an old cartoon alien, like large black eyes. "Ladybug + Alien"
Spinarak (Spin-uh-rack) #167
A combination of "spinneret", the silk-spinning organ on the abdomen of spiders, and "Arachnida", the class of Animalia in which spiders reside.
Ariados (Ah-ree-uh-dohs) #168
Obviously an arachnid, but the "-dos" part of the name is most likey refers to the fact it is the second stage in this particular evolutionary line.
Crobat (Kroh-bat) #169
Crobat's name originated from its animalistic base (the bat), and the fact when all four of its wings are spread, it looks like a large purple cross or "X".
Chinchou (Cheen-choh) #170
Chinchou's name is formed simply by switching the two Kanji for "lantern" (which I'm unable to find at the moment).
Lanturn (Lan-tern) #171
Gamefreak got lazy. Lanturn's still awesome, though.
Pichu (Pee-chyu) #172
As in the case with Pikachu, Pichu's name comes from the Japanese onomatopia used for the squeaking of mice. The "Pi-" may mean cute in some other language, but details are scarce at the moment.
Cleffa (Klef-fah) #173
Jigglypuff isn't the only Pokemon known for singing. Its name is made by combining "clef", which gives name to a key in music, with "fa" being the fourth key in an octave.
Igglybuff (Ig-lee-buhf) #174
Sounds like Gamefreak was looking for a clever rhyme to Jigglypuff and Wigglytuff.
Togepi (Toh-geh-pee) #175
Comes from the Japanese word とげ (read as: toge), which means "spike", and also he the prefix/suffix of "pi", which may mean cute.
Togetic (Toh-geh-tick) #176
Uses とげ, yet again meaning "spike", but instead has "-tic" for its suffix. When saying "-tic" with an Engrish accent, it sounds like "chick", this time describing a baby bird. (After all, it has yet to transform into Togekiss.)
Natu (Nah-too) #177
Its name sounds somewhat South American, which makes sense due to the pattern on Natu's stomach. The word itself may be part of Aztec language.
Xatu (Zah-too) #178
Its name sounds somewhat South American, which makes sense due to the pattern on Xatu's stomach. The word itself may, again, be part of Aztec language.
Mareep (Meh-reep) #179
Most people are unsure of where the first half of Mareep's name is derived from, but it is undeniably a sheep.
Flaaffy (Flaa-fee) #180
List two words that come to mind when you hear the word "sheep": 1) fluffy, 2) BAA!
There you go...
Ampharos (Am-fehr-ohs) #181
A combination of "ampere", the SI unit of electrical current, and "Pharos", the legendary lighthouse of Alexandria. This may explain why it is used in the Olivine lighthouse.
Bellosom (Bel-lah-sum) #182
A play on the word "blossom", also contributing to the fact its petals make a sweet sound, like a small bell.
Marill (Meh-rill) #183
Derived from two aquatic terms: "rill", which is like a miniature river, and "marine", a general term used for anything relating to the ocean.
Azumarill (Ah-zoo-meh-rill) #184
Take Marill's name and slap "azure" (blue) at the beginning. It's that simple.
Sudowoodo (Soo-doh-woo-doh) #185
Sudowoodo's name literally means "false tree". Proper name, I'd say.
Politoed (Pah-lee-tohd) #186
Comes from the obsolete word "polliwog", known as "tadpole" these days. The other part of its name is based off of "toad", a counterpart to frogs.
Hoppip (Hah-pip) #187
Hoppip's name is formed by combining "hop", a childish method of foot-travel, and "pip", a type of small seed.
Skiploom (Skip-loom) #188
Keeping true to the childish travel theme, this Pokemon's name is made by putting "skip" and "bloom" together.
Jumpluff (Juhm-pluf) #189
Combines "jump" and "fluff", because it likes to jump around waving its cotton hands, similar to the movement of a cheerleader.
Humorous descriptions are best, they make otherwise boring descriptions into something actually interesting.