- For a complete list, see List of nicknamed Pokémon.
Nicknames are given to Pokémon since Generation I.
Description
A nickname can be given to a Pokémon, usually only from the Original Trainer to override its default species name. Nicknames are generally given to Pokémon that have been caught or received as a gift. Some nicknames resemble the Pokémon's species name, while others are more creative.
The concept does not usually apply to the player, who is given a direct name when starting a game. In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, the player can be nicknamed by a title, followed by their actual name.
Appearances
Core series
In the core series, a trainer can nickname a wild Pokémon after catching it. It is not possible to rename any nicknamed Pokémon that are received from trades. A prompt usually shows up, asking the player if they want to nickname the Pokémon they have received, but for first partner Pokémon, this option may not become available until later on. Prior to Generation V, the default name of a Pokémon species is in all capital letters, but has since been changed to capitalize only the first letter.
In most games, the player can go to the Name Rater to either change a Pokémon's nickname or give one to a Pokémon that does not have one yet. However, the Name Rater only changes the Pokémon's nickname if its OT name, trainer ID number, and hidden ID all match the player's. If not, the Name Rater claims that the Pokémon's nickname is good enough and that changing it is unnecessary. It is possible for the Name Rater to nickname a Pokémon that has been traded back to its original owner.
In earlier generations, a nickname can be up to ten characters long, but from Generation VI onward, it can be up to twelve characters long. A nickname cannot contain any more than five numbers.
In Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version, the player can only nickname their Pokémon by the time they get to Sandgem Town.
From Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version onward, a nickname filter was introduced to prevent players from entering various offensive nicknames, namely profanity and slurs.
In Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2, the player can obtain a medal after nicknaming ten Pokémon.
In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the player can change a Pokémon's nickname from its summary.
In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield as well as Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, it is possible to have Jack nickname a Pokémon received from a trade if it has not been nicknamed before and whomever it is received from has the same language setting. In Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, traded Pokémon received from scripted encounters cannot have their nickname changed.
Spinoffs
In Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, the player can nickname a Shadow Pokémon only after it has been purified. In the latter game, wild Pokémon caught in a Poké Spot can be nicknamed normally.
Anime
Pokémon the Series
Nicknaming is not as common of a practice as in the core series. Nevertheless, Pokémon Trainers have still freely nicknamed their Pokémon, especially if they appear in only one episode. A nicknamed Pokémon still says its normal species name.
The first nicknamed Pokémon is James' Growlithe, Growlie, who first appears in "Holy Matrimony!". It is the only nicknamed Pokémon that is owned by one of the main characters of the show.
Pokémon Origins
In "File 1: Red", Professor Oak says to Red that he can nickname his Charmander, which Red decides against doing.
Manga
In Pokémon Adventures, nicknaming is much more common than in Pokémon the Series. It is a practice originating from as early as the Red, Green & Blue Chapter, such as Pika being the nickname of the Pikachu owned by Red.