Names are important where it will determine how well can the fans recognize you.So in my opinion,starter Pokemon’s name should be simple and yet interesting.Some of the English names given are good but some of their original Japanese names are way more memorable.
Let’s start counting down following the Gen I Pokemon from the Kanto region.
KANTO
| Grass | Fire | Water |
 |  |  |
English :Bulbasaur
Japanese:Fushigidane | English:Charmander Japanese:Hitokage | English:Squirtle
Japanese:Zenigame |
Bulbasaur and Charmander are way better than their Japanese name.But I prefer Zenigame compared to the name Squirtle.
JOHTO
| Grass | Fire | Water |
 |  |  |
| English :Chikorita
Japanese:Chicorita | English:Cyndaquil
Japanese:Hinoarashi | English:Totodile
Japanese:Waninoko |
Both the English and Japanese name for the Grass Starter are good (since they are quite close,with only slight spelling differences).Cyndaquil definitely sounds cuter and Waninoko is just a little better than Totodile.
HOENN
| Grass | Fire | Water |
 |  |  |
| English :Treecko
Japanese:Kimori | English:Torchic
Japanese:Achamo | English:Mudkip
Japanese:Mizugorou |
Kimori is way cooler than Treecko.Achamo?Not so.Mizugorou?Too long to remember.Mudkip is more catchy.
SINNOH
| Grass | Fire | Water |
 |  |  |
| English :Turtwig
Japanese:Naetle | English:Chimchar
Japanese:Hikozaru | English:Piplup
Japanese:Pochama |
Turtwig is more descriptive and relevant name for Grass Starter.Hikozaru is cuter and more memorable (Ash kept calling it in the anime).Pochama is the better name because it is way more easier to pronounce.
UNOVA
| Grass | Fire | Water |
 |  |  |
| English :Snivy
Japanese:Tsutarja | English:Tepig
Japanese:Pokabu | English:Oshawott
Japanese:Mijumaru |
The English names for the Gen V starter are really really disappointing. Snivy?Tepig?Oshawott?Especially Oshawott are bad bad names.Their Japanese names are way more cuter,catchier and cooler… OMG!!!Can they still change the names???
All the images are courtesy of Bulbapedia,the Pokemon encyclopedia.
