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10 Terrible Baby Names Inspired By Video Games & 10 To Actually Consider


10 Terrible Baby Names Inspired By Video Games & 10 To Actually Consider


Don't Get Inspired By All Video Game Names

Sometimes, it's important to remember that video games are separate from real life. While you obviously can't have superpowers or cute little sidekicks in real life, one thing you should also distinguish between fiction and reality is the names. People love looking for inspiration for baby names everywhere, from books to movies to video games, but if you're looking towards games for help, we'd suggest staying away from a couple. Here are 10 examples of terrible baby names you shouldn't use and 10 you should actually consider. 

Super Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach figurinesRyan Quintal on Unsplash


1. Bowser

Bowser might be King of the Koopas, but this is one royal name you certainly don't want to name your child after. While it might work as a cute nickname, we highly doubt they'd grow up appreciating having Bowser as their official one. Not only is it an obvious reference to the Mario games, it's one that should stick to the video game realm and not real life. 

Niap3dNiap3d on Pixabay

2. Bayonetta

Bayonetta from the video game of the same name might sound cool in theory, but its robotic, futuristic sound certainly doesn't fit in with modern times. Something about it simply doesn't quite match what standard preferences are, and we can see it being a name that sticks out in a crowd, but maybe not in the way that you want. 

File:Bayonetta E3 2009.jpgpinguino on Wikimedia

3. Kitana

Kitana from the Mortal Kombat series is certainly a well-known and beloved character that many girls love to cosplay as, but if we look at solely the name, we're not sure this is one you'd want to take on. The name has a very powerful sound to it, but it sounds too similar to 'katana,' which just reminds us of the Japanese sword. 

File:Kitana Vibes.jpgmicadew on Wikimedia

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4. Peach

Princess Peach from the Mario universe might just be one of the most popular and recognizable female video game characters, but her name feels like one that's perfect for the virtual world and not the real one. We're not too sure your kid would appreciate being named after this summer fruit, but it does make for a cute nickname. 

File:Peach Cosplay Romics 2014.jpgClaudio Marinangeli on Wikimedia

5. Goku

As the main character of the Dragon Ball Z series which has seen several video game spin-offs, Goku isn't the most flattering of names. While yes, it's the name of this super-powered character which everyone loves, the name only feels right for him and him alone. Do you really want a little "Goku" running around your house anyway? There's something about this one that feels too anime-esque to fit in with our world. 

action figure toyJeet Dhanoa on Unsplash

6. Sonic

One of the speediest creatures alive, Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most beloved video game characters around. However, just because he's famous doesn't make it a great name for your baby! This is a great example of a name that might sound cute for a pet, but maybe not necessarily for your baby boy. After all, do you really want to name them after the American fast food joint too?

Super Sonic toyNik on Unsplash

7. Kratos

God of War quickly won over the hearts of many gamers with its amazing graphics, storyline, and gameplay, and at the heart of it all was Kratos. He may have been a fantastic character in this world, but his name is certainly a bit too rugged and ancient-sounding for your child. Perhaps there's a better name from this game you could be inspired by instead?

File:Wintercon 2015 - Kratos Cosplay.jpgRichie S on Wikimedia

8. Crash

There's only one character in the world you likely know as Crash and that's none other than Crash Bandicoot himself. This furry creature has been around for ages and has been a nostalgic favorite for many all these years. We know he might have a special spot in your heart, but hopefully not enough that you'd actually want to call your kid Crash. It's a name that feels a bit too unique in the wrong way. 

File:Cosplay of Crash Bandicoot and Aku Aku at Brussels Comic Con 2022 (51972756628).jpgMiguel Discart on Wikimedia

9. Waluigi

Unless you want your child to end up in an endless cycle of being asked to make the "Wah!" noise, don't call them Waluigi. While Luigi is a decently common Italian name, adding the 'Wa' in front really changes things. And as a Mario character that's more often disliked than liked, we're not sure this is a great one to name your kid after.

Super Mario charactersRyan Quintal on Unsplash

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10. Knuckles

This one's pretty self-explanatory. No matter how much you love Sonic and the characters from that universe, nothing could ever convince us that Knuckles would be a good name for a baby. Not only is it the name of a body part, it just doesn't make sense as a name! Keep this one for this character and this character only. 

File:View of Knuckles from Sonic The Hedgehog on a wall on Great Eastern Street - geograph.org.uk - 6805414.jpgRobert Lamb  on Wikimedia

1. Mario

If you really want to name your child after a video game, why not go for the most popular guy around? Mario is simply an icon in the world of video games, and what makes it even better is it doubles as a perfectly reasonable baby name! There's something incredibly friendly and bright about this name that's fantastic for any new bundle of joy - could it be because of how infectiously positive this character is too?

a toy figure of mario on top of a blue objectMika Baumeister on Unsplash

2. Link

For something a bit more unique but still appropriate, Link from The Legend of Zelda is a great option to consider. It's not too obvious that it's a video game name, and there's something short and sweet about it that many parents might find appealing. 

a toy girl holding a signBen Hamler on Unsplash

3. Ellie

This hit video game, The Last of Us, became one of the most iconic post-apocalyptic games in the world thanks to its amazing story that won over the hearts of many. It was because of Ellie that players felt so moved by the events of the game. That's why Ellie works as a fantastic baby name that's a subtle nod to this masterpiece. It's an adorable baby girl name that's soft and gentle-sounding, yet for all the gamers, they'll know what it's really referencing. 

File:Cosplay of Ellie and Joel from The Last of Us at Geek Kon 2014 (14909952550).jpgKai on Wikimedia

4. Yoshi

Before you tell us that you disagree, you should first know that Yoshi is an actual Japanese name that translates to 'good luck' in English. It carries tons of positive meanings that any parent would love to bestow on their child. And if you really think about it, it's not that crazy of a name! There's a cute quality to it that we can see working for a variety of babies. 

green frog figurine on black and brown surfaceJavier Martínez on Unsplash

5. Lucina

One of the protagonists from the game Fire Emblem Awakening, Lucina is a wonderful option for parents who want something different, will stand out, yet isn't too gimmicky or strange. Lucina has a lovely ring to it and a beautiful melodic sound that we think would work great for a baby girl. It's definitely more out there, but if that's what you're going for, it's a safer pick than Bayonetta!

File:Otakuthon 2014- Lucina and Robin (Fire Emblem) (14853280868).jpgPikawil from Laval, Canada on Wikimedia

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6. Saria

For Legend of Zelda fans, we know you'll appreciate us putting Saria on this list! Longtime friend to Link and Sage of the Forest Temple, Saria is a distinctive name that sounds familiar, yet is entirely unique. There's an appropriate amount of quirkiness to it that we think will resonate with certain parents, but has a lovely quality to it too that sounds very feminine and gentle. 

selective focus photography of Link vinyl figuresRyan Quintal on Unsplash

7. Zelda

And with all this talk about the Legend of Zelda, how could we leave out the titular character? This beloved princess has provided players with hours of countless fun since they were young, making it a name that feels incredibly special and nostalgic. Funnily enough, Zelda has grown in popularity for baby girl names in recent years, showcasing that parents are really connecting with it. 

File:San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Masquerade - Cosplay of Zelda 1.jpgWilliam Tung on Wikimedia

8. Phoenix

This visual novel adventure game has no right being as addictive as it is. Phoenix from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will always be a memorable game people enjoyed growing up. Part of that has to do with his iconic name, Phoenix, which doesn't just remind you of the mythical bird, but carries a powerfulness to it too that many appreciate and love. 

File:WonderCon 2015 - Phoenix Wright (16861822368).jpgWilliam Tung from USA on Wikimedia

9. Kirby

Kirby makes for a surprisingly great uni-sex name that more and more parents are considering these days. It doesn't just bring this round, little pink character to mind, the name itself is awfully cute too! There's just something unexplainably light, energetic, and lively about this name that we absolutely love. 

manuel9zmanuel9z on Pixabay

10. Rosalina

Carrying a sort of magical touch to it, Rosalina is easily a name we can see being named for a fairy or princess. And it kind of is! Thanks to Rosalina from the Mario universe, this beautiful sorceress has gifted us with a stunning name that works great for any baby girl. We just love how mystical it sounds!

File:20140118171218IMG 5310 - Desucon Frostbite 2014 - matiast1.jpgMatias Tukiainen from Espoo, Finland on Wikimedia