Meaningful Name/Video Games: Difference between revisions

* The first campaign mission of the Military Sim ''[[Arm A]] 2'', you and your squad are ordered to mark an enemy communication centre in the remote coast town of Pusta, Chernarus for aerial bombardment. In the process, you will find that the rebels who occupied the town, {{spoiler|massacred most of the townsfolk, and [[Nightmare Fuel|ditched them in mass graves on the outskirts.]] }} Now, for everyone who speaks [[Bilingual Bonus|Russian]], the town's name foreshadows this unfortunate turn of events. As ''Pusta'' means "{{spoiler|[[Ghost Town|empty]] }}" in Russian.

* From ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'':

** Moving on to later games, you have Namine. ''Nami'' means ''wave'', while ''ne'' can mean either "sound of" in Japanese, or "born from" in French. There's the obvious reference back to Kairi, with the water-related name, but remember: {{spoiler|waves are formed by wind moving over water}}. The joke behind all this? {{spoiler|She's Kairi's Nobody, and was created when Sora freed Kairi's heart from his body}}.

** Then there's the Organization, who're all pretty simple to figure out; they're [[Significant Anagram|Significant Anagrams]] of their original selves' names with an [[Xtreme Kool Letterz|''X'']] added in.

** Later in the game the Third Horseman (known as War) finds his steed again, ''"For what follows War, {{spoiler|but Ruin?}}"''

* ''[[Half-Life]]'':

** Eli Vance is effectively the figurehead of the resistance as he is the most gifted of their scientists and therefore one of their greatest weapons against the Combine. Funnily enough, Eli means "God of mine" in Hebrew and Arabic.

** Doctors Kleiner and Magnusson both fit this trope, as "klein" is German for small and Magnusson's root word is "magnus" which is Latin for "large". Kleiner is very meek and easily intimidated, while Magnusson is very forceful and verbose.

** ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' was a more subtle offender. It doesn't take a lot of trouble to work out the significance of the self-confused hero Cloud Strife or the [[A God Am I|god-wannabe]] Sephiroth (who is derived from the 10 manifestations of God, the [[wikipedia:Sephirot|Sephirot]]), but then there's Tifa Lockheart, whose name is derived from the Kabbalist concept of the Tifaret, the symbol of love; freedom fighter Barret [[Braveheart|Wallace]] and the multiple Norse Mythology references, such as Nibelheim (Niflheim), Midgar(d) and the Midgar Zolom, which is a [[Gratuitous English|bad romanization]] of the Norse word for "midgard serpent". Aerith sounds phonetically close and is nearly an anagram to "Earth". This also gives some additional meaning to Cloud's name considering their romance from when they meet in Midgar up to {{spoiler|Aerith's death.}} (i.e. Cloud and Earth)

** The recently-released ''[[Crisis Core]]'' has revealed that cheerful hero Zack's last name is ''Fair'', as in weather, to contrast with broody ''Cloud Strife''. There is also the Angeal, a thinly veiled angelic figure {{spoiler|complete with white wing}} and Genesis, the first {{spoiler|of a line of experiments similar to the one that created Sephiroth}}. A slightly subtler example in ''Crisis Core'' is Lazard Deusericus. His last name is "Silken God" in Latin which doesn't seem meaningful until you realize {{spoiler|that Shinra can mean the same thing. It's implied that Lazard came up with the name himself as a reference to the fact that he is the bastard son of President Shinra.}}

** The games' creators have even lampshaded their love of weather-based names for protagonists (Cloud, Squall, Kaze (wind) in FFU, Sora (sky), Lightning in the ''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]''), in a throwaway line by Zidane in [[Final Fantasy IX]] :

{{quote| '''Zidane:''' No cloud, no squall shall hinder us!}}

** Every second name in FF series are based off of something or other. A full list can be found [http://www.ffcompendium.com/h/names.shtml here].

** The name of the series itself was a reference to the fact that the very first game in the series was created by Squaresoft as a last ditch effort to save Squaresoft from becoming bankrupt.

** Plus, his parents are [[Poul Anderson|Poul]] and [[Octavia Butler|Octavia]].

** As [[Moviebob|The Game Overthinker]] has pointed out on multiple occasions, ANDREW RYAN = WE R AYN RAND.

* [[Hot Scientist|Safiya]], one of your primary allies in ''[[Neverwinter Nights 2]] Mask of the Betrayer'', bears an Arabic name translating as "Pure." Given that {{spoiler|she is the fragment of Nefris that contained all the traits that Akachi loved best and is the only one of the three fragments who had no knowledge of who she was or memories of that which came before}}, it is rather apt.

* ''[[Drakengard]]'' has a love affair with these. Caim is Gaelic for Cain, who was big on the murderin' of his brother. Arioch is Hebrew for "fierce lion" and was also the name of a fallen angel in ''[[Paradise Lost]]'', both apropos to her character. Seere is also a demon, a prince of hell with 26 legions who was of an indifferent nature, not evil but not good, and very beautiful. Manah, from the religious concept of ''manna'', and her character being referred throughout the game as a "tool of [[God Is Evil|the gods.]]"

** In the sequel, the dragon called Legna which is Angel spelled backwards. Considering that {{spoiler|Angelus is the dragon of the first game (and Angel in the Japanese version) ''AND'' Legna was the same dragon that killed Caim's parents and made a pact with Inuart}} this is [[Foreshadowing]] in spades.

* The ''[[Metal Gear]]'' series deserves mention here:

** A reiteration of the "hunter" example in the description -- ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'''s Gray Fox's real name is Frank Jaeger -- shameless hunter. And he's a ''fox''. Geddit?

** "Naomi" itself is a name in both Japanese and English (by way of Hebrew), and since Naomi's cover story was that she was half Japanese, this makes sense. Also, Project MKNAOMI was the name of a CIA program about using viruses as weapons, giving a big hint to her role in the plot as well as continuing the military [[Theme Naming]] of many of the characters.

** And the rest. Campbell beats us over the head with it in the first game in case we don't get it: "Psycho Mantis, with his powerful psychic abilities; Sniper Wolf, a beautiful and deadly sharpshooter; Revolver Ocelot, expert in interrogation and a formidable gunfighter". He's called ''revolver'' and he's a gunfighter? Seriously, Roy? It's a good thing you're around to tell us these things.

** Vamp appears to be a subversion... at first. Raiden asks if it comes from his fangs and tendency to drink blood (which he ''has''), and Snake answers: "No, it's [[Depraved Bisexual|because he's bisexual]]." This is ''not'' a subversion, however, because that's what the term "vamp" originally meant.

** [[Mad Bomber|Fatman]] is grossly overweight, but his codename is also the codename of the [[wikipedia:Fat Man|Nagasaki Bomb]].

** The single greatest one in the series, though, has to be [[Mauve Shirt|Ivan Raidenovich Raikov]], which has several layers of meaning thanks to a clever trilingual pun. "Ivan" is the Russian equivalent of John, which is also the main character's real name, because the main character must [[Latex Perfection|disguise themselves as Raikov]]. "Raidenovich", when written in katakana, could also be read "Raiden no bitch", which translates to "Thunderbolt's bitch", Thunderbolt being the nickname of Volgin, his [[Video Games/Ho Yay|lover]]. In Russian, the name means "son of Raiden", the character being a [[Discontinuity Nod]] towards the [[Replacement Scrappy]] of the same name. As for "Raikov", it's the surname of a notable anti-gay protester in Russia, just to add that final sting of irony. Also, the English version of John is Jack, as in Raiden's name.

** Otacon actually lampshades his own [[Meaningful Name]], Hal Emmerich, in an optional conversation in ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]''. He complains that he's always hated his real name growing up, because "I'm not a computer, I'm a person!". He seems to enjoy the 'computer' role a little more once Snake reveals that ''his'' real name is David.

** Matt Engarde's name seems a little off- he's a very easy-going person- until you realize that {{spoiler|he's actually the [[Big Bad]] and the gentle personality was an act.}}

** Furio Tigre, the tiger to Phoenix/''Ryuu''ichi's [[Tiger Versus Dragon|dragon]].

* In ''[[The Sims]]'', some of the playable pre-packaged characters include Don Lothario, Castor Nova, Nina and Dina Caliente, Brandi Broke, and Nervous Subject. Everyone has a meaningful name.

** Holly Alto, which's a play on "holy", who's the only good-natured Alto in a family that's [[Always Chaotic Evil]] otherwise.

** This includes El Odio, the rampaging bull that torments the thoughts of a Spanish artist. {{spoiler|the name translates to "The Hate", which turns out to be appropriate when you figure out where El Odio came from.}}

** Raz's surname is usually figured by fans to be Aquato, ironically as there's allegedly a curse on his family that [[Super Drowning Skills|keeps them from being able to swim]]. Raz's ''first name'' is short for Razputin, after ([[My Nayme Is|sorta]]) Grigori Ra''s''putin, a historical figure believed to be a psychic (and a [[Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|robot from the future]]).

** The guy with two tails is named Tails, but his real name is even better -- it's "Miles Prower" (say it fast).

** The guy who punches things and has spikes on his knuckles is named Knuckles.

** The name Amy also means "beloved" or "love". Her surname (or secondary name), "Rose" is French for "pink".

** Shadow, Cream, and Silver have names that refer to their fur colors.

** Shadow's name also refers to his dark past and mysterious ways.

** Marine loves ships and the ocean.

** Jet is a speed maniac hover-boarder.

*** Even better, one meaning of her name is "Place of Voices". Now consider what happens which you bump her orb of light.

** Tikal's father, Pachacamac, is named after an ancient Peruvian temple.

** Professor Pickle likes cucumber sandwiches.

** The Erazor Djinn is a double, as he wields a giant straight razor like a sword and wants to erase the 1001 Arabian Nights.

* In ''[[Pokémon]]'', most of the significant characters (e.g. Gym Leaders and the Elite Four) are barely-concealed puns -- if not in meaning, than at least in "spirit", so to speak. And let's not get started on the names of the Pokémon themselves.

* ''[[Castlevania]]'' uses Meaningful Names:

** Soma Cruz. His last name is Spanish for Cross; the katakana rendering ("Kurusu") tends be translated as Crucifix. As for his first name, several meanings can be taken from it depending what language you use, it's Spanish for Vessal, Hindi for Moon, or even White. All fitting, considering his role. Also, his first name in Japanese translates to "pale (blue)" and "successor/inheritor".

** Arikado's name more or less means Demon's fang. And an amusing pun on "Alucard" (it's more obvious with a bit of understanding of Japanese).

** Christopher's son has a Meaningful Name as well, though an understandable translation snafu robbed the overseas audience of it: 'Solieyu' is a phonetic spelling of the Japanese katakana phonetics for Soleil - the French word for sun. Bad puns are a bonus!

** [[Retcon|Retconned]] Belmont Sonia bears a moniker that's short for Sophia (in Russian). Her game featured her gaining the ''wisdom'' (geddit?) behind her clan's power, and gathering relics that would later be useful to her descendants.

** Some of the Japanese names are this too, Teresa (Boo) means Shy, and there is not even a need to think what their name for Bullet Bill is (killer).

*** In English, it's reversed. His name means "famous hero". While that [[Ensemble Darkhorse|is true in real life]], only the "hero" part is true in the games.

*** Dimentio is "dimension" + "dimentia".

*** Mimi is "mimic".

*** Nastasia, whose name is similar to the greek "Anastasia", meaning "Resurrection". {{spoiler|Who apparently survives a fatal attack}}.

*** Luvbi (as in "love", i.e. hearts), a Nimbi. {{spoiler|She ends up turning into a Pure Heart.}}

*** At some point in the game, Mario can fight generic mooks called "X-Yux", which are alien creatures serving as guards for the same organization as TEC-XX, and using Goombella's [[Stat-O-Vision]] move makes clear that the "X" in the X-Yux's name is pronounced "Cross." Sure enough, TEC-'''XX''' double-crosses the organization.

* ''[[Elite Beat Agents]]'' Has Chris Silverscreen, A movie maker.

** [[Anthropomorphic Personification|Cap White]] is a white blood cell that just so happens to look like a nurse. Now switch the name order around and think of the [[Hollywood Dress Code]] for nurses...

* ''[[City of Heroes]]''' Jim Temblor is a mutant with control over the Earth {{spoiler|and the son of the supposed villain who destroyed the Overbrook neighborhood via earthquakes, Faultline.}}

** During a [[La Résistance|Resistance]] mission in Going Rogue, you're supported [[Offscreen Moment of Awesome|offscreen]] by a pair of snipers, named "Griefer" and "Headshot". Guess where the names come from.

** There's King, who is the leader of the Mimigas.

** There's Misery who seems to embody it.

** A bit more obscure, but still valid, is the name "Sakamoto". The parts of which make up "Hill" and "Underground".

** If you're on track to the [[Golden Ending]], you discover the protagonist is named {{spoiler|Quote. Considering that he's a [[Heroic Mime]], this has to be a joke. Also, Curly Brace. Think about it and look at your keyboard. The curly brace is on (read tied to) the back of the Quote.}}

** In both games, she's {{spoiler|[[wikipedia:System shock 2#Plot|everyone you interact with]], including the final boss.}}

** In game it's pronounced "Show-Dan," Yahtzee's pronunciation is due to accent.

* ''[[Fire Emblem]]'' has quite a lot of meaningful names, as well as using plenty of [[What Do You Mean Its Not Symbolic|mythology references]]:

** The Myrmidon class can be passed over as another mythology reference, but most people belonging to the class have an [[Blood Knight|obsession with fighting]] that could easily be described by the modern use of the word.

** From [[Fire Emblem Jugdral]]:

*** One subtle example can be found in the 4th game, [[Ensemble Darkhorse|Ayra]] is an alternate spelling of Ira, in Latin one of the 7 deadly sins (wrath) and Ayra has [[Tsundere|quite the temper...]]. On the other hand, she could just be the commonly used shorting of Irene, ironically meaning peace.

*** That a mysterious, [[Bishounen]] bard has the name Elfin is probably not a coincidence. {{spoiler|On the other hand, that isn't his real name.}}

*** ''Fire Emblem 7'' has [[Dude Looks Like a Lady|Lucius]], a monk who uses ''light'' magic.

*** Ike, being short for Issac, can signify the importance of his parentage. Ike may also be a reference to [[Dwight D Eisenhower]]; surprisingly, they have quite a bit in common. The cheer for Ike in ''[[Super Smash Bros|Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' also reinforces this connection. ("We like Ike!" was also one of Eisenhower's campaign slogans.)

*** Soren might be a meaningful name: It's a corruption of the Italian name Severino, which is the diminutive form of Severo, which means grouchy. (See Snape from Harry Potter, above.) Soren is, indeed, both small and grouchy. Soren's original Japanese name was Senerio. Which is part meaningful, part pun. (A tactician named Scenario? Really?) Interestingly enough, in Japanese, Soren means "Russia".

* Fenix of ''[[Starcraft]]'' gets killed after an early Protoss misson; later his body is recovered and [[We Can Rebuild Him|stuck in a Dragoon]].

* ''[[Rainbow Six]] Vegas'' gives us Gabriel Nowak, Rainbow Operative and {{spoiler|[[The Mole]] (and in the sequel, the [[Big Bad]])}}. Nowak is a common polish surname that is derived from the word for "new" and was originally a nickname for someone new to a profession or village. A [[Flash Back]] shows Gabe making rookie mistakes due to his gung-ho attitude, resulting in the death of a negotiator, a reputation as the team screw-up, and later {{spoiler|his convoluted plot against Rainbow in revenge}}.

* In ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'':

** [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] [[Word of God|has stated]] that Zelda was named after famous jazz singer and wife of F. Scott, Zelda Fitzgerald. Though probably unintentional, since it does only apply in the last few installments, "Zelda" can also mean. [[Lady of War|"She-Warrior"]]. Finally, the full version of the name Zelda is Griselda, which means "gray-haired woman".

** The word ''"links"'' is actually translated as ''"left"'' in German. So how exactly did Link's trademark left-handedness come to be...?

** Some are obvious, such as Midna of ''Twilight Princess'', who's obviously associated with darkness and shadow ([[Dark Is Not Evil|but is a protagonist]]).

** There's also Termina of ''Majora's Mask'', a world that will end in three days without Link's intervention.

** Rauru, the Sage of Light, has name similar to "aura". In fact, in ''Twilight Princess'' there is a charatcer named Auru who bears a resemblance.

** [[The Wind Waker|Tetra]] means "Four". Not counting the sleeping princess, she was most likely the fourth individual Princess Zelda introduced into the series. Also, she is apparently able to cast a spell that emulates the power of the ''Four Sword'', as shown in the [[No Export for You|Japan-Exclusive]] Spin-off game "Navi Trackers". Then, there's the fact that the early depictions of the Triforce-pieces were ''Tetra''hedrons... A tetra is also a type of fish. Given that the game she was introduced in took place almost entirely on the ocean, this could also be a likely name origin.

* Lemon Browning of ''[[Super Robot Wars Advance]]''. "Browning" simply alludes to a connection with the character Excellen Browning from ''[[Super Robot Wars Compact 2]]'', but Lemon? {{spoiler|It's a term used to refer to faulty used cars. Turns out Lemon's a cyborg built from the corpse of an [[Alternate Universe]] Excellen, who was killed in a shuttle accident. Ultimately, her parents rejected her for not being a good enough [[Replacement Goldfish]]}}. Whether this was intentional or not is still up for debate, though.

** The Ruina of ''[[Super Robot Wars Destiny]]''

* ''[[Suikoden V]]'' has the [[Godwin's Law|Godwin]] clan. Who pursue a policy of militarism and [[Fantastic Racism|genocide against nonhumans.]] They also employ an assassin named Dolph.

** Several places in the game have meaningful names as well, most notably Hatred Fortress, built by the Godwins to prevent water from reaching Lordlake.

** Also, the guy who believes that only weak people form groups and does everything alone is named Solo.

* In ''[[Odin Sphere]]'', there's a ring called Titrel that plays a huge role in the plot. One of the protagonist's names, Gwendolyn, means "blessed ring". Her sister (who falls in battle at the very beginning) is named Griselda, and ''her'' name means "dark battle". There's a mountain called Horn Mountain in the game. Another protagonist's name (Cornelius) means "horn".

* Takahisa Kandori of ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]: [[Persona]]'' aspires to nothing short of [[A God Am I|godhood]] {{spoiler|only to find it's [[Lonely At the Top]]}}. His surname can be translated as "god-taker", or more fancifully, "usurper of gods".

** In [[Persona 3]], there is Ryoji Mochizuki, whose family name is written with characters meaning "aspire to/expect/desire" and "moon." Shuji Ikutsuki's family name can be read roughly as "toward the moon." Both of these names are [[Lunacy|very relevant to the plot]]. Shinjiro Aragaki's surname is written with characters meaning [[Jerkass Facade|"rough" or "rude" and "wall."]] Aigis's name is derived from "Aegis," the [[Greek Mythology|mythological shield]], and she is motivated by a strong desire to protect the protagonist.

* ''Pulseman'''s father was the benevolent scientist Doc Yoshiyama... until his [[Face Heel Turn]], at which point he became the [[Mad Scientist]] Doc Waruyama. "Yoshi" and "Waru" are Japanese for "good" and "bad".

* In ''[[Backyard Sports|Backyard Hockey]]'', the character Beverly Backstop is the best goalie in the game.

* If you thought that there wasn't enough of a contrast between the embodiments of [[Red Oni, Blue Oni]] in ''[[Devil May Cry]] 3'' ([[Half-Human Hybrid]] protagonist Dante and his [[Evil Twin]] Vergil), just wait until you see the names of their trademark swords. Vergil wields a [[Katanas Are Just Better]] named Yamato while Dante brandishes [[Cool Sword|a broadsword-esque weapon]] called Rebellion. Yamato (大和) is an ancient name of Japan that usually holds the connotation of symbolizing the Japanese people and their traditional ways of old. Rebellion hearkens to the Meiji period of Japan, a time where modernization began and some of the old customs such as imperial families and samurai were passed over in favor of Western-style innovations like guns. Now look at Dante and Vergil, their style of clothing, and their weapon preferences. How can that ''not'' be an allusion?

** In addition, many of the bosses and enemies have meaningful names: Blitz in Devil May Cry 4 is a lightning monster, and Blitz is the German word for lightning, etc.

* ''[[World of Warcraft]]'':

** Genn Greymane, king of Gilneas, who was infected by the werewolf-esque Worgen curse that took over his kingdom. Really, with a name last like "Greymane", he should have seen it coming. Also an example of [[Prophetic Name]], as he was named before his worgen plotline was decided upon.

** Considering Varian's two personalities and the mood swings they cause, it's interesting that his name is Spanish for "they vary".

** [http://www.wowpedia.org/images/d/dd/Akama_TCG.jpg Akama] wields [[wikipedia:Kama chr(28)weaponchr(29)|kamas]].

* From ''[[Mass Effect]]'':

** Legion, A mechanical teammate, he/it makes it very clear that you are never addressing one person; at any time, that body is being accessed by hundreds of different individual [[A Is]], making its insistence to refer to itself as "we" very, very appropriate. Legion gets his name after he reveals that he is realy 1,183 individual Geth, prompting the Bible Quote to be said. He agrees the metaphor is appropriate.

** Kasumi means 'mist' in Japanese.

*** And goto means "robber". So Kasumi's name translates to "mist robber", fitting for a [[Phantom Thief]]

* The surname of crimelord Dimitri in ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'', Rascalov, is likely a pun of 'Rascal', meaning a troublemaker. His business partner, Mikhail Faustin, is named after Mikhail Gorbachev, and his surname evokes [[Faust]].

* Kyrie from ''[[Sands of Destruction]]'' means 'Lord' in Greek, quite fitting due to his nature as the Destruct. For a more obvious one, Morte the "heroine" means "Death" in Italian and she wants to destroy the world.

* In ''[[Dragon Quest IX]]'', all of the named Celestrians are based off of the avian constellations. Aquilla, the most important, {{spoiler|outside the [[Big Bad]] who's name is [[Ravens and Crows|Crovus]] }}, is the only major constellation. You can continue this with your [[Player Character]].

** The first town you enter which your character is supposed to look after is called Angel Falls. Near the beginning of the game, {{spoiler|your character falls out of the Observatory into that town.}} Did we mention that Celestrians look like angels?

** Presea ''Combat''ir is definitely handy to have on your side in a fight.

** The Sage siblings are very smart, and their names before the [[Dub Name Change]] were Refill (for the healer: refills your health) and Genius. (Turning them into Raine and Genis in English is [[Gratuitous English|generally regarded]] as a [[Woolseyism|good move]].)

*** Solum- "Land", "Country", or "Soil"

* Creator from ''[[Radiant Silvergun]]''. This also applies to many bosses after decrypting them.

* Kliche from ''[[Linear RPG]]'' is one of the many names. Given that it's a parody of RPGs this is to be expected.

* ''[[No More Heroes]]'' 's nearly-[[Villain Protagonist]] Travis Touchdown (Travis T.). Plus Letz Shake, the creator of a huge earthquake machine; Shinobu (the female form of ''shinobi''), a samurai-themed assassin; Henry Cooldown {{spoiler|Travis' cooler-dispositioned long lost twin brother}}; Count Townsend, aka Death Metal (a British rocker a la Pete Townshend); and Naomi, who is quite possibly a reference to [[Metal Gear Solid]] 's Naomi Hunter. Also, Travis' name as written/pronounced in Japanese is Torabisu, and "tora" means "tiger." He has copious tiger imagery, the man he thought of as an equal rival in the second game is named Ryuji (a reference to tiger/dragon symbolism), and {{spoiler|he can even turn into a tiger as one of his Dark Side powers in the second game}}.

** Ulysses is also an example. He mentions he took his name from Ulysses S. Grant, who "turned two flags into one and lost himself in the process."

* Let us just say that Command & Conquer's ultra-character named Kane is not coincidental. If the various hints dropped by him and relics from under his Temple aren't enough, the Interpol file referring to him is named GEN#4:16...

** Fudou's surname means "immobile" or "idle". This may not seem all that meaningful at first, but then he shows up again in the third game and the corresponding FFI arc of the anime, and promptly finds himself [[Break the Haughty|stuck as a benchwarmer]] for so long that some fans started to [[Crack Pairing|jokingly ship]] [[Cargo Ship|Fudou x Bench]].

** Demonio Strada's full name consists of the Italian words for "demon" and "road". He's {{spoiler|an Italian teen trained by Kageyama to be a stronger and faster carbon copy of Kidou, whose surname also consists of the kanji for "demon" and "road" in Japanese.}}

* ''[[Lightning Legend Daigo no Daibouken]]'' is rife with these:

** The titular hero, Daigo, has "Raioh" as a first name: it means "King of Lightning" in Japanese.

** Yuki Shirogane, a girl with snow-based magic powers, has her name meaning "Silver(-coloured) Snow" in Japanese.

** Rankerk Hatred, who's the game's [[Jerkass]]-ish [[Anti-Hero]].

** Misa Atago, whose name, written in Japanese kanji, can be translated as "Bawling for love". Her storyline revolves about her making a trip to forget about her break-up with her boyfriend, and actively searching for a new love.

** Adolf, the [[Cool Mask|masked]] Hero of Justice, has for a first name "Rätsel", which means "Riddle" in German.

* Silent Hill 2 features James Sunderland looking for his wife, who has been dead for three years. {{spoiler|In reality, she has been dead for much less time, (speculated to be around a week), due to James killing her and then suppressing the memory. By the end of the game, James realises that he killed her, shattering the reality he created where she's been dead for years. In other words, his "land" has been "sundered", as evidenced by his last name.}}

* ''[[Catherine]]'' has Katherine McBride, the girlfriend of main character Vincent who is pushing for a stronger relationship.

** ''Human Revolution'' also has {{spoiler|Eliza, who is named after a chatbot}}.

* All the proper names in ''[[Eternal Sonata]]'' are [[Theme Naming|related to music]], but some stand out:

** A viola is an instrument played with a bow. Viola uses a bow as a weapon.

** Mt. Rock. Ho ho.

** An elegy in music is a type of musical work, usually of a sad or somber nature; in literature, it's often used as a funeral song or lament for the dead. The Elegy of the Moon is where {{spoiler|people who die of mineral powder poisoning go}}.

** Luke's name in-universe is translated from the ancient tongue as "Light of the Sacred Flame", and it actually does mean "light" in Latin, from the same root as Lucifer.

** Guy's real name is Gailardia, a flower that symbolizes loyalty.

** Emperor Peony - peonies are a traditional symbol of wealth and honor in Asian cultures. Furthermore, the Japanese word for peony, ''botan'', is also used as an [[Unusual Euphemism]] for boar meat, making his pet [[Mix and Match Critter|rappigs]] a bilingual [[Incredibly Lame Pun]].

* There is an in-universe book in [[The Elder Scrolls]] series written by Zurin Arctus, called The Art of War Magic. It mimicks Sun Tzu's The Art of War both in content and in style. Oblivion has a more subtle example: the only surviving (bastard) heir of the Emperor is Martin Septim. {{spoiler|Martin, as in 'related to war' - his entire 'reign' consists of the war against the Mythic Dawn/Mehrunes Dagon}}.

* The [[Sly Cooper]] series has a slew.

** ''Sly'' is the nimble thief who crawls around in vents, sneaks along ledges, and occasionally hides in a barrel.

** Constable Neyla deserves a mention that's a bit of a stretch. {{spoiler|In the end of the game, she fucks up both the plans of the Cooper Gang ''and'' the plans of the Klaww Gang, upsetting the stability in the progression of both teams' missions. She's against stability; a ''con'' against ''stable'' things.}}

** Most of the other character's surnames are for [[Petting Zoo People|whatever animal they are supposed to "be"]], however.

 

{{reflist}}