From Wooloo to Moumouton

Abstract This study examines the localization of official French-language Pokémon names across Generations I–IX, based on 833 species documented in Pokémon GO and compared with their Japanese and English counterparts. Drawing on Fernández Costales’ (2012) localization taxonomy and Ballard’s (2001) model of proper name translation, the study integrates game localization theory with onomastic translation frameworks. The findings reveal a strong domestication-oriented approach, with transcreation as the dominant strategy. French localizers reshape names in accordance with French phonology, morphology, and cultural expectations while preserving their semantic motivation. The study also identifies morphological continuity across evolutionary lines, conceptualized as evolutionary line loyalty, as a structural principle of the French naming system. Meanwhile, iconic names such as Pikachu and Mew remain untranslated, balancing local creativity with global brand identity. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of French Pokémon naming practices and contributes to discussions of transcreation, cultural mediation, and naming in game localization.