Decoding the Plumber: What Is Mario’s Real Name?
The question of Mario’s full name has plagued fans of the portly plumber for decades. The answer, surprisingly, is both simple and complex, steeped in Nintendo lore and a touch of playful retconning. The official answer is Mario Mario. That’s right, his first and last name are the same. This revelation, while seemingly obvious in retrospect, was officially confirmed by Shigeru Miyamoto himself, the creator of Mario, at the Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary festival in September 2015.
The Genesis of a Name
Before this official confirmation, Mario’s identity was shrouded in a bit of mystery. He was simply “Mario,” the mustachioed hero saving Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. But as the franchise grew, and particularly with the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. movie, the need for a last name arose. The film opted for “Mario Mario,” a choice that initially seemed like a one-off gag.
However, Miyamoto’s later confirmation solidified this somewhat comical designation as canon. It’s a playful nod to the character’s everyman persona, a hero so iconic that his name needs no further embellishment. It also cleverly established a family dynamic, as this implicitly confirms Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario.
From Jumpman to Icon: A Brief History
It’s worth remembering that Mario wasn’t always Mario. He debuted as “Jumpman” in the original Donkey Kong arcade game. He wasn’t even a plumber yet; he was a carpenter trying to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from a rampaging ape. The name “Mario” came later, reportedly inspired by Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America’s warehouse. The rest, as they say, is history.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Mushroom Kingdom
To further explore the intricacies of Mario’s world, let’s address some frequently asked questions that often surface among fans.
1. What is Luigi’s Real Name?
As mentioned earlier, since Mario’s last name is officially “Mario,” it logically follows that Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario. This makes them the Mario Bros. in the truest sense.
2. Is Mario and Luigi’s Last Name Actually “Mario”?
Yes, that’s the official word from Miyamoto himself. While some might find it a bit repetitive, it’s now firmly established in the Mario universe.
3. Why is Mario’s Last Name His First Name?
The real answer is likely a mixture of playful humor and a convenient way to establish a familial connection between Mario and Luigi. It’s a simple solution that has become a defining characteristic of the characters. It’s a testament to the power of the game and the characters, showcasing how the Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, is influential in our culture.
4. Who is Mario’s Girlfriend?
Originally, Mario’s girlfriend was Pauline, who was called “Lady” in the original Donkey Kong game. However, in the main Super Mario series, he’s romantically linked to Princess Peach.
5. What is Peach’s Full Name?
Peach is often referred to as Princess Peach Toadstool, though the “Toadstool” part of her name has become less prominent in recent years.
6. Is Wario Mario’s Brother?
No, Wario is not Mario’s brother. He’s typically portrayed as Mario’s childhood rival.
7. Are Wario and Waluigi Brothers?
No, Wario and Waluigi are not brothers. They’re simply partners in crime, often causing mischief together.
8. Who is Luigi’s Real Girlfriend?
Luigi’s girlfriend is Princess Daisy. Their relationship is often hinted at and portrayed in various Mario spin-off games.
9. Who is Luigi’s Evil Twin?
While not his twin in the traditional sense, Waluigi is considered Luigi’s rival and is often seen as his counterpart in the same way Wario is Mario’s rival.
10. Does Link Have a Last Name?
Officially, Link does not have a last name. However, Miyamoto has jokingly suggested it could be “Link Link,” mirroring Mario’s situation.
11. Who Was Mario’s First Girl?
As mentioned earlier, Pauline was Mario’s first love interest, appearing in the original Donkey Kong.
12. Who is Waluigi’s Girlfriend?
In some fan-made content and parodies, Waluigi is sometimes paired with a character named Walgina, but this is not official Nintendo canon.
13. Who Was Mario’s First Enemy?
The Goombas were the first enemies players encountered in the original Super Mario Bros.
14. Is Rosalina Peach’s Kid?
No, Rosalina is not Peach’s daughter. This is a popular fan theory, but it’s not supported by official Nintendo lore.
15. Who is Peach’s Boyfriend?
While typically portrayed as having affections for Mario, in one animated film, it’s revealed that Peach has a boyfriend named the Prince of the Flower Kingdom. However, this is not consistent across all Mario media.
The Enduring Legacy of Mario
Mario, in all his “Mario Mario” glory, remains one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in video game history. His simple design, endearing personality, and endless adventures have captivated generations of players. Whether he’s saving the princess, racing go-karts, or participating in the Olympics, Mario continues to embody the spirit of fun and adventure. You can learn more about the impact of games on society through organizations like the Games Learning Society.
The fact that we’re still debating and discussing his name decades after his creation speaks volumes about his enduring legacy. So, the next time you pick up a Mario game, remember that you’re playing as Mario Mario, the hero who’s so nice, they named him twice! He may just be a plumber, but his adventures transcend the virtual world and reflect the culture around video games today.