Do the Pokémon Protagonists Have Official Names?
Yes, they do! While you can always customize your character's name in the games, each protagonist has a canonical name that's been used in various spin-offs and other Pokémon media.
Why Do They Have Official Names?
The original games, Red and Green in Japan, gave you the option to name your character. But as the series expanded, characters from the main games appeared in spin-offs like Pokémon Masters EX, and they needed official names. So, the developers decided on names for each protagonist, which stuck with them since then.
Where Do These Names Come From?
Some names are inspired by the game versions themselves, like Selene, whose name means "moon" and refers to the Pokémon Sun and Moon games. Others, like Victor and Gloria from Pokémon Sword and Shield, have deeper meanings. Their names reference the lyrics of the UK national anthem, which mentions both "victory" and "glory." And then there are names like Hilbert and Hilda from Pokémon Black and White, which derive from the Germanic "hild," meaning "battle."
What About Florian and Juliana from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Their names are also symbolic. Florian comes from Latin terms meaning "flowering" or "blooming," while Juliana means "youthful." Both represent the fact that the characters are young children starting their Pokémon journey.
Do the Names Affect the Gameplay?
Nope, choosing the male or female protagonist doesn't change the game's content. Both characters appear in other Pokémon media, so there's no "canon" choice. It's purely down to personal preference.
Are the Protagonists' Names Random?
Not really. The developers put a lot of thought into choosing names that fit the character's personality or the game's themes. It's like a hidden Easter egg for players who enjoy uncovering these details.
Will the Protagonists' Names Stay the Same in Remakes?
It's likely that the names will remain the same in future remakes unless there's a significant change to the storyline. For example, the developers might choose to change the names to better reflect the remakes' updated stories.
So, Does It Matter Which Protagonist You Choose?
Ultimately, it's up to you! The choice is purely cosmetic, and it doesn't impact the gameplay or story. So, pick the name you like best and get ready for your Pokémon adventure!
