The Hidden Meanings Behind English Pokémon Names [Updated]

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Since its start in the 1990s, the Pokémon series has had a big influence on popular culture, including everything from video games to films and toys.

At the center of it all are the cute, powerful and weird creatures called Pokémon (short for "pocket monster"). Just like the original Japanese versions, the English names for these monsters are often clever combinations of words or names.

This article will take a close look at 10 Pokémon to understand the meaning behind their unique names. Let's go!

Jigglypuff

Jigglypuff is one of the very first generation of Pokémon. In its first form, it's a pink creature with a ball-shaped body and large eyes.

"Jiggle" is a verb that means "to shake lightly." Meanwhile, "puffs" can be things like pastries filled with sweet cream, or a small amount of something difficult to touch, such as smoke or steam.

The toy clown has a big head that jiggles when you move it.
Simona bought some cream puffs from the bakery around the corner.
The man with the cigar let out a big puff of smoke that filled the air.

When Jigglypuff evolves — or changes into a stronger form — it becomes Wigglytuff, which is also a fun play on words. "Wiggle" has a meaning very similar to "jiggle." "Tuff," however, is a different spelling of "tough," which means "strong."

I packed the items tightly so they won't wiggle in the box during shipment.
These jeans are pretty tough; I've been wearing them for years and they still look great.

Exeggcute

Exeggcute is a Pokémon that looks like a pack of eggs, so part of its name should be easy to understand.

However, this name has one more secret: "Exeggcute" sounds very similar to the verb "execute," which means "to do or to perform" an action.

I entered the command for the software to execute the program.

When it evolves, Exeggcute becomes Exeggutor, which is similar to the noun "executor." An executor is a person who performs an action as well as the name for a professional who makes sure a person's property is given to the correct people after they die.

Serperior

Serperior is a grass-type Pokémon with a long, green body, similar to a snake. The names of its attacks include words like "regal" and "noble," which are often used to describe members of a royal family.

Maybe that's why Serperior's name is quite close to "superior," which means "higher in quality or rank." In fact, Serperior often has a very proud expression on its face!

Koffing

Koffing is a Pokémon that attacks by releasing poison gas. So it's no mistake that its name sounds like "coughing"!

Manny's been coughing all day. He should probably see a doctor.

Koffing's evolved form is called Weezing. If you add an H to the name, you get "wheezing," which is breathing with difficulty, usually while making a light whistling sound.

Sue is out of shape and can only climb a few stairs before she starts wheezing.

As you can see, "Weezing" is a clever name for a Pokémon that pollutes the air and makes it hard to breathe!

Polteageist

A "poltergeist" is a ghost or spirit that can affect the physical world. It is also the title of a famous American horror film from 1982.

When you know this information, you can recognize the joke in Polteageist's name. Polteageist, which first appeared in the game Pokémon Sword and Shield, is a ghost-type Pokémon that looks like a purple creature inside of a teapot!

Alakazam

Empty shoes on a wet street with a person's image in the water's reflection

Another Pokémon from the first generation, each of its forms has a name related to magic and illusions. The first form is called Abra, while its second form is named Kadabra.

The word "abracadabra" was originally taken from the name of a god, and was used as a magical word that gives power and protects from sickness.

Over time, both abracadabra and "alakazam" became words magicians use when performing tricks. Even in casual conversations, people may use either word before doing something unusual or amazing.

Tentacool

Tentacool is a Pokémon that belongs to both the water and poison categories. It has a mostly blue body with three red circles on its head. It looks similar to jellyfish found in the real world.

Jellyfish have arms called "tentacles," which has the same pronunciation as "Tentacool." "Cool," of course, can mean "stylish," and is used often in casual English conversations. However, it can also mean "unfriendly."

Kay may seem cool at first, but she's actually very nice and easy to talk to.

Tentacool's second form is called Tentacruel. "Cruel" is an adjective describing someone who causes harm to others with no care for their feelings.

The boss is unpopular because of his strict rules and cruel personality.

Perrserker

Perrserker is a Pokémon from the steel category. It looks like a gray cat with sharp teeth.

Along with "meow," "purr" is an onomatopoeic word for a sound cats make.

My cat jumped into my lap and started purring.

"Berserk" is an adjective describing people or situations that are crazy or beyond control.

The crowd went berserk when the band began playing its most famous song.

When you put the two together, "Perrserker" is the perfect name for a crazy cat!

Buzzwole

A muscular woman exercising in front of a mirror

Buzzwole is a Pokémon under the bug and fighting categories. It looks like an insect with a very strong and muscular body, and its name is made up of two parts.

First, "buzz" is the English word for the sound of flying insects like mosquitoes and bees.

After I opened the window, I could hear a few flies buzzing around the room.

The second part refers to the slang word "swole," which means "extremely muscular." This word comes from "swell," which means "to grow" or "to become larger." For example, someone who exercises regularly will become bigger as their muscles develop!

Remember that "swell" is a verb, but "swole" is an adjective.

The mosquito bite on my arm began to swell when I scratched it.
Janet's gotten really swole ever since she started working out.

Mimikyu

Mimikyu is from the eighth generation of Pokémon and is both a fairy- and ghost-type monster. It looks similar to Pikachu, the most famous Pokémon, but something isn't quite right …

Mimikyu's true appearance is unknown because it is hiding underneath a Pikachu disguise! This makes sense because its name sounds very similar to "mimic you." "Mimic" is a verb that means "to copy a person's words or actions."

Jack is really good at mimicking the voices of celebrities.
My two-year-old son always tries to mimic what his older brothers do.

Monster Mash-Ups

Now that you know the meanings behind these names, you may never look at a Pokémon the same way again. Test your English skill and see if you can discover the hidden meaning in your favorite monsters' names!

For more English related to games, check out the following articles: