Names That Stick With You—For The Wrong Reasons
Video game worlds are packed with dramatic heroes and intimidating villains, but every so often, you’ll run into a character name that’s so over-the-top you'll wonder how it got through to the final release. Some feel like accidental jokes, while others seem proudly ridiculous on purpose. But regardless of the intent, you’re going to remember them long after you finish the game. Here are just 20 hilarious examples.
Richie S from Brooklyn, NY, United States on Wikimedia
1. Funky Kong
Sounding like Donkey Kong's weird, disco-obsessed cousin, Funky Kong is the kind of name that carries a confident silliness. You can’t hear it without thinking the character is going to be laid-back about everything, and possibly wearing sunglasses all the time. He sure was an interesting addition to Donkey Kong Country.
2. Captain Olimar
With an appearance that matches his equally strange name, Captain Olimar has the energy of a serious title stapled to a name that doesn’t quite cooperate. “Captain” promises authority, yet “Olimar” leaves you feeling confused. He definitely fits the quirky vibe of the Pikmin games though!
Marnie Joyce from New York City, USA on Wikimedia
3. Dr. Eggman
An iconic character from the Sonic games, Dr. Eggman is a name that dares you to try and take it seriously. Sure, the “Dr.” part implies credentials, but that's removed when “Eggman” immediately makes him sound like a breakfast-themed supervillain. It’s blunt, memorable, and impossible to ignore once you’ve heard it.
Frédéric BISSON from Rouen, France on Wikimedia
4. Big the Cat
An intriguing addition to the Sonic universe, Big the Cat feels like someone filled out a character sheet in a hurry and refused to revise it. The name is simple, direct, and almost aggressively literal. Because it’s so plain, it becomes funnier the longer you think about it. You don’t need extra context to get the joke, and that’s part of the charm.
5. Princess Toadstool
Being called a princess sounds regal until the last word pulls the rug out from under you. “Toadstool” is definitely not what you expect from a royal introduction, and that contrast is the whole reason why it's hilarious. It makes sense why the creators of Mario wanted to switch it to Princess Peach as soon as possible.
6. Master Hand
As the supposed creator of the Super Smash Bros. universe, Master Hand is a title that sounds powerful, until you realize the character is exactly what it describes. Yes, this video game character is simply a massive, gloved hand.
7. Hot Coldman
Coming from Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Hot Coldman just sounds like a fake character. The name is so blunt and contradictory, that you can’t help but laugh, even if the story is trying to stay serious. Once you’ve heard it, it’s hard not to repeat it just to confirm it’s real.
- EMR - from Chicago, USA on Wikimedia
8. Revolver Ocelot
Despite being a main antagonist from the Metal Gear series, Revolver Ocelot is a name that makes you scratch your head. Is it meant to be cool? Because it's not! It sounds inherently absurd when you say it slowly.
9. Mr. Resetti
Sounding half like a pasta dish and half like your stern next-door neighbor, Mr. Resetti doesn't quite feel like it fits anywhere. The name is so on-the-nose that it becomes funnier every time it pops up. Animal Crossing certainly has its share of unique characters!
10. Bo’ Rai Cho
A character from Mortal Kombat, Bo’ Rai Cho looks like it should be pronounced with perfect confidence, right up until you try. The punctuation makes the name feel important, but it also makes you hesitate, which is part of the humor. It’s definitely distinctive in a way that sticks!
11. King Hippo
Hilariously, king and hippo just feel like two words that are unlikely to ever been seen next to one another. This character from Nintendo's Punch-Out!! is a name that's so simple, it makes it boldly funny. You might laugh, but you’ll also remember him instantly.
12. Dogmeat
From the game Fallout, Dogmeat is direct in a way that feels almost impolite. It’s a name that sounds like it should be a joke, but the bluntness leaves you feeling confused. And given that it's the name applied to various dogs throughout the game, it definitely comes across a little unsettling.
Sergey Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA on Wikimedia
13. Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze from Batman: Arkham City is a name that’s clean, direct, and almost comically on-brand. The “Mr.” makes it sound polite and formal, which contrasts with how severe the character can be in-game. Without even saying a single word, it's hilarious how you can guess what he wants you to do already.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
14. Dingodile
A character coming from the Crash Bandicoot series, Dingodile sounds like the game couldn’t decide on one animal and refused to compromise. The name is absolutely ridiculous, but it also brings so much joy when you say it.
15. Waddle Dee
Cheerful, bouncy, and totally unconcerned with being cool, Waddle Dee is both funny and fitting for the Kirby universe. It gives off the most playful energy, and we love that it doesn’t try to impress you. And once you see the character's appearance, you'll understand just how fitting this name truly is.
16. Bubsy Bobcat
Bubsy Bobcat is a name that sounds like it’s trying to be friendly while also forcing you to remember it. The alliteration makes it stick, even if you didn’t ask for it to stick. Not to mention, it definitely has a strange, endearing quality to it that might work as a pet name, but not one you'd want to be called on the regular.
17. Solid Snake
For a second, Solid Snake comes out like a serious "tough guy" kind of name, but then you think about it, and you're left wondering who even thought of it. You can’t deny it has presence, even if it also raises questions.
Ryan Quick from Greenbelt, MD, USA on Wikimedia
18. Happy Mask Salesman
Happy Mask Salesman is a recurring character in the Zelda series, and his full job description somehow also is his name. In some ways, it feels like Nintendo just completely looked past him and focused on other more important details instead. Most gamers might say "creepy" is more fitting than "happy."
19. Funky Student
Funky Student from Persona 3 sounds like a placeholder name that somehow escaped into the final release. What's it with video game developers and the word "funky" anyway?
20. Butt Stallion
Even without its last name, Stallion, this video game character from Borderlands doesn't disappoint. Despite being a unicorn made out of diamonds, the name does nothing to suggest it's as magical as it looks. If someone says it with a straight face, you’ll probably laugh anyway.
