Why is it Called Mario? The Tale Behind Nintendo’s Iconic Mascot
Mario, the plucky plumber who has become a global icon, owes his name to a real-life figure: Mario Segale. During the early days of Nintendo of America, Segale was their warehouse landlord. Employees noted a resemblance between Segale and the then-unnamed character, originally known as Jumpman, and began jokingly referring to him as “Mario.” Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the character, heard the nickname and found it fitting, cementing “Mario” as the name we all know and love. This serendipitous connection highlights the often-unexpected origins of even the most recognizable characters.
The Genesis of Mario: From Popeye to Plumber
Before he became Mario, the mustachioed hero’s story began with Popeye the Sailor. Miyamoto’s initial ambition was to create a game starring Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto. However, Nintendo couldn’t secure the licensing rights. Undeterred, Miyamoto decided to create his own characters, paving the way for Jumpman, the hero of Donkey Kong.
The Landlord’s Influence
As Nintendo of America prepared to release Donkey Kong in the US, the character still needed a proper name. That’s when Mario Segale entered the picture. He confronted the Nintendo employees about overdue rent, and the team, struck by the resemblance, playfully dubbed Jumpman after their landlord. Miyamoto, residing in Japan, approved the change, ensuring Mario Segale’s legacy would live on forever in the gaming world.
Mario Segale: The Man Behind the Name
Mario Arnold Segale (1934-2018) was an Italian-American businessman and real estate developer who played a vital role in the Seattle area’s growth. He was involved in numerous development projects, shaping the city’s landscape. Although he gained lasting recognition for being the namesake of the iconic video game character, Segale maintained a humble approach to his unexpected fame. It’s fascinating to consider how a simple business transaction and a chance resemblance propelled him into video game history.
The Mario Mythos: More Than Just a Name
While the origin of Mario’s name is now well-known, it’s essential to explore the broader context of the Mario universe and how the character has evolved over the decades. Mario isn’t just a name; it’s a brand, a symbol of fun, adventure, and innovation.
The Legacy of Mario
From his humble beginnings as Jumpman to his current status as a global superstar, Mario’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity and adaptability. He has starred in countless games across various genres, becoming a cultural touchstone for generations. The impact of the Mario franchise on the video game industry and popular culture is undeniable, and it all began with a chance encounter with a landlord named Mario Segale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the Mario universe:
1. Why is Mario and Luigi’s Last Name “Mario”?
This bizarre fact came from a suggestion to make the “Mario Brothers” literal. As Miyamoto recalled, someone suggested they make the characters’ surname “Mario”. Thus, he became Mario Mario, and Luigi became Luigi Mario. Miyamoto later clarified he doesn’t consider this the character’s official full name.
2. What Was Mario’s Original Name?
Before he was Mario, he was Jumpman in the original Donkey Kong arcade game. This name reflected his primary action within the game: jumping over barrels and obstacles.
3. What Happens When You Call the Mario Brothers From the Super Mario Movie?
Dialing the number promoted in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (929-55-MARIO) leads to a voice mail message featuring Mario’s enthusiastic, Italian-accented greetings.
4. What is Mario and Luigi’s Full Name?
According to Miyamoto, their names are Mario Mario and Luigi Mario, as revealed at the Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary festival.
5. Why is Donkey Kong Named That?
Miyamoto wanted the name to convey “stubborn ape” to the American audience. He used “donkey” to mean stubborn and “Kong” to imply a large ape.
6. What is Peach’s Full Name?
Princess Peach’s full name is Princess Peach Toadstool. She’s the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom.
7. What is Luigi’s Real Name?
As confirmed by Miyamoto, Luigi’s real name is Luigi Mario.
8. Is Wario Mario’s Brother?
No, Wario is not Mario’s brother. He was initially described as Mario’s childhood friend in an early Nintendo guide, but later depictions portray him as a childhood rival with no familial relation.
9. Why is Bowser Named That?
The name Bowser was chosen after the team decided to change the name Kuppa/Koopa, and realized that they would need to change Koopa’s name after altering the name of his minions.
10. Why is Mario Italian and Not Japanese?
Miyamoto decided that Mario was an Italian plumber from New York simply because the game’s underground setting suggested it. “There was really no other deep thought other than that.”
11. Why is He Called Luigi?
The name “Luigi” is likely a pun on an Italian word. Both Luigi and Mario’s names are based on this pun, with Luigi being named after Mario, the game’s protagonist.
12. What is Mario Short For?
Mario comes from the name Marius, which means “male”.
13. Are Wario and Waluigi Brothers?
No, Wario and Waluigi are not brothers. Waluigi is simply a friend and partner of Wario, designed to be Luigi’s rival.
14. Who is Older, Wario or Waluigi?
Waluigi is younger than Wario. He was created during the development of Mario Tennis and introduced as Wario’s younger counterpart.
15. What is Yoshi’s Full Name?
Yoshi’s full name is T. Yoshisaur Munchakoopas, as revealed by Nintendo.
Exploring the Educational Power of Games
The story of Mario and the vast universe he inhabits illustrates the incredible potential of video games. For those interested in the intersection of games and education, explore the research and resources available at the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to understanding and promoting learning through games. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover how games can transform education.
Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of Mario
The story of how Mario got his name is a charming reminder of the unexpected ways in which cultural icons are born. From his origins as a Popeye-inspired Jumpman to his current status as a global phenomenon, Mario’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, adaptation, and a little bit of luck – or, in this case, a helpful landlord named Mario Segale. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the greatest impact. The legacy of Mario serves as a fascinating example that demonstrates the potential of video games to not only entertain but also to educate and engage audiences across generations. The Games Learning Society is an invaluable resource for those looking to understand this potential further.