What is Mario’s Canon Last Name? The Definitive Answer
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of Mario’s last name has plagued gamers for decades, sparking countless debates and theories. While for years he seemingly had none, the official answer, straight from the horse’s mouth (or, in this case, the mustachioed man himself, Shigeru Miyamoto), is: Mario Mario. Yes, both Mario and his brother Luigi share the last name Mario, making their full names Mario Mario and Luigi Mario, respectively. This confirmation came during the Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary festival in Japan in 2015, settling the matter (at least in the eyes of Nintendo).
The History of the Mario Bros. Naming Convention
The evolution of the Mario brothers’ names is a curious one. In their earliest appearances, particularly in Donkey Kong (1981), the character we know as Mario was simply called “Jumpman” in the English instructions, or “little Mario” in the Japanese sales brochure. A last name was nowhere to be found.
For years following, no last name was needed for the character. But the release of the live-action Super Mario Bros. movie in 1993 gave Mario and Luigi (played by Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo) the name “Mario” as their surname. But this wasn’t canon. This was simply an adaption of the iconic characters and the storyline. This wasn’t an official stance, this was merely the vision of the director and producers of the live-action film.
While this was not considered canon by Nintendo, it evidently sparked a creative thought within the company. As Miyamoto acknowledged at the 30th Anniversary Festival in 2015, the movie did inspire him and his team to make the Mario Bros. last name a reality.
It was not until 2015, at the Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary festival, that Miyamoto put the issue to rest. His confirmation of the Mario Mario naming convention, though initially met with amusement and some skepticism, has since been largely accepted by the gaming community as the definitive answer.
This decision, whether for practical reasons or simply for a bit of fun, has cemented the Mario Bros. as a truly iconic duo, their name as recognizable as their red and green outfits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Mario Bros.
Q1: Was Mario ever called “Jumpman”?
Yes, in the original Donkey Kong game, Mario was referred to as “Jumpman” in the English instructions. This was before he was officially named Mario.
Q2: Did the Super Mario Bros. movie influence Mario’s last name?
While the live-action film wasn’t considered canon, it is said that Miyamoto and his team were inspired to adopt the last name from the movie and make the Mario Bros. last name a reality.
Q3: Is “Mario Mario” just a joke?
While some initially dismissed it as a joke, Nintendo has never retracted the statement made by Miyamoto at the 30th Anniversary festival. It’s generally accepted as the official, albeit slightly humorous, answer.
Q4: What about other characters in the Mario universe? Do they have last names?
Most characters in the Mario universe do not have explicitly stated last names. Princess Peach, for example, is often referred to as Princess Peach Toadstool, but Toadstool is typically considered her kingdom name, not a true surname.
Q5: What was Mario’s first appearance as “Mario”?
The name Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong Jr., the sequel to Donkey Kong. In this game, Mario took on the role of the antagonist, attempting to recapture Donkey Kong.
Q6: What is Luigi’s relationship to Mario?
Luigi is Mario’s younger twin brother. They are partners and sidekicks.
Q7: What is Luigi’s full name?
Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario.
Q8: What is Peach’s full name?
Princess Peach’s full name is commonly regarded as Princess Peach Toadstool. She is the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Q9: Who is Mario’s love interest?
Princess Peach is Mario’s primary love interest.
Q10: Who is Luigi’s girlfriend?
Princess Daisy is Luigi’s girlfriend.
Q11: What is the origin of Waluigi’s name?
Waluigi’s name is a combination of Luigi and the Japanese adjective “warui,” which means “bad.” Essentially, Waluigi is “bad Luigi.”
Q12: Does Link from The Legend of Zelda have a last name?
No, Link has never been officially given a last name by Nintendo.
Q13: What is Yoshi’s full name?
Yoshi’s full name is T. Yoshisaur Munchakoopas.
Q14: What is Bowser’s real name?
Bowser (クッパ, Kuppa) is also known as King Koopa. In Japan, he’s referred to as Daimaō (大魔王), meaning “Great Demon King.”
Q15: Is Mario a Mexican name?
No, Mario is an Italian name, meaning “manly.” For more insights into the gaming world and its impact on learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and education. This is essential for educators and researchers to understand the role of gaming in education.