From Jumpman to Icon: The Story Behind Mario’s Name

The story of Mario’s name is a fascinating blend of real-life coincidence, corporate pragmatism, and a little bit of serendipity. Quite simply, Mario was named after Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America’s first warehouse in Tukwila, Washington. When the team needed a name for the character initially known as “Jumpman,” Segale’s frequent visits to collect rent provided the perfect inspiration, solidifying Mario’s place in gaming history. Let’s dive deeper into this iconic naming and explore related facts!

The Pre-Mario Era: “Jumpman” and a Desperate Need for a Name

Before he donned the overalls and became the face of Nintendo, Mario was just “Jumpman” in the arcade classic, Donkey Kong. This name, while descriptive of his primary action, lacked the personality and memorability needed for a breakout star. As Nintendo of America geared up to launch Donkey Kong in the US market, the pressure mounted to find a more suitable moniker.

Nintendo’s fledgling US operations were housed in a warehouse owned by Mario Segale, a local real estate developer. As the story goes, Segale was known to be a persistent and somewhat demanding landlord, frequently visiting the office to collect rent. During one such visit, as the Nintendo team was brainstorming names, someone jokingly suggested “Mario” – a nod to their persistent landlord. The name stuck.

Mario Segale: The Landlord Who Became a Legend

Mario Segale’s role in gaming history is more than just a footnote. He unknowingly became the namesake of one of the most recognizable characters in the world. While he initially didn’t seek the limelight, he eventually embraced his connection to the gaming icon. Segale passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on through the mustachioed plumber who continues to captivate generations of gamers. He even had a subtle nod in Super Mario Odyssey with an NPC character named “Mayor Pauline”, referring to Donkey Kong character Pauline.

Why “Mario” Worked: A Combination of Factors

Several factors contributed to the success of the name “Mario“:

• Memorability: “Mario” is a simple, easy-to-remember name that resonated with audiences.

• Relatability: Unlike more fantastical names, “Mario” felt grounded and approachable, making the character more relatable.

• Association: The name had no negative connotations and didn’t conflict with any existing trademarks.

• Miyamoto’s Approval: Ultimately, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, liked the name and gave it his blessing. He later commented that choosing a different name, like “Mr. Video,” would likely have resulted in the character’s obscurity.

The Evolution of the Mario Brand

The choice of “Mario” proved to be a pivotal moment in Nintendo’s history. The name helped establish the character’s identity and paved the way for a global phenomenon. From Donkey Kong to Super Mario Bros. and beyond, the name “Mario” has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and fun. The name is now an inseparable part of the Mario franchise, as much as the gameplay is.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario and His Universe

1. Is Mario’s Full Name Really Mario Mario?

Yes! During a 30th-anniversary celebration, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that Mario’s full name is indeed Mario Mario. This revelation has become a running joke within the Mario fandom.

2. Does That Mean Luigi’s Full Name is Luigi Mario?

Logically, yes. Since Mario’s last name is Mario, it’s widely accepted that Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario, mirroring the brotherly connection.

3. What Was Mario Called Before He Was Named Mario?

Before he was Mario, he was known as “Jumpman” in the original Donkey Kong arcade game.

4. When Did Mario First Get His Name?

Mario officially received his name in 1982, during the development of Donkey Kong Jr.

5. Why Was Luigi Named Luigi?

The origin of Luigi’s name is less clear-cut than Mario’s. Some suggest it’s a pun on an Italian word meaning “evil,” while others believe it was simply chosen to complement Mario’s name.

6. What Is Princess Peach’s Full Name?

Princess Peach’s full name is Princess Peach Toadstool. However, she is often referred to simply as Princess Peach.

7. What Is Yoshi’s Full Name?

Yoshi’s full name is T. Yoshisaur Munchakoopas. This name was revealed in the Super Mario World instruction manual.

8. Who Is Luigi’s Rival?

Luigi’s rival is Waluigi. He was created as a counterpart to Luigi for the Mario Tennis game on Nintendo 64.

9. How Old Is Bowser?

Bowser’s age is never explicitly stated, but judging by the timeline of events in the Mario universe, he is estimated to be around 34 years old.

10. What Is Bowser’s Species?

Bowser is the King of the Koopas, anthropomorphic turtles that inhabit the Mushroom Kingdom.

11. Is Bowser Princess Peach’s Father?

No, Bowser is not Princess Peach’s father.

12. Who Is Luigi’s Girlfriend?

Luigi’s girlfriend is Princess Daisy, the princess of Sarasaland.

13. Is Wario Mario’s Brother?

No, Wario is not Mario’s brother. They are considered childhood rivals.

14. What Inspired Bowser’s Name?

The exact inspiration for Bowser’s name isn’t definitively known, but it’s believed that the team wanted to change the name Nonochoko first, were inspired by the name Kuppa/Koopa, and realized that they would need to change Koopa’s name after altering the name of his minions. From there, it was really just a simple matter of coming up with the name Bowser as a replacement.

15. Where Can I Learn More About Gaming and Education?

For more insights into the intersection of gaming and education, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.