Galar Region Index

The Galar Region is the main setting of Pokemon Sword and Shield. The Galar Region is based on the United Kingdom. For information regarding the Pokemon of Sword and Shield, see here.
Please provide your own knowledge to this page if possible. Descriptions written in italics are speculation and not solid facts.
Etymology: This Region's name is based on the words "Gallant", "gala" (a special occasion), and "San-Graal" (the French name for the Holy Grail).
== Characters ==
The running theme of the playable characters in Sword and Shield is positive war-related terms.
=== Victor ===
General Information: Victor (known as "Masaru" in Japan) is the male player character in the Generation VIII games.
Etymology
* Victor's name comes from the word "victory".
* Victor's Japanese name is based on a Japanese verb meaning 'to surpass'. It can combine with Gloria's Japanese name to form "yusho" (the Japanese word for a championship).
=== Gloria ===
General Information: Gloria (known as "Yuuri" in Japan) is the female player character in the Generation VIII games.
Etymology
* Gloria's name comes from the word "glory".
* Gloria's Japanese name is based on the Japanese kanji for 'excellent' (yu). It can combine with Victor's Japanese name to form "shori" (the Japanese word for victory).
=== Hop ===
General Information: Hop is the main rival in the Generation VIII games who is the protagonist's neighbor and the younger brother of Leon.
Etymology: Hop's name references the Humulus lupulus.
Humulus lupulus, commonly known as the hop, is a species of flower in the Cannabaceae family native to West Asia, Europe, and North America.
Note: Hop's League Card ID is "189", a Goroawase pun for "hiyaku" (Japanese for 'leaping').
=== Bede ===
General Information: Bede (known as "Biito" in Japan) is the secondary rival in the Generation VIII games. He specializes in Psychic-type and Fairy-type Pokemon, with his ace being the Hatenna line.
Etymology: Bede's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on the beet.
Beta vulgaris, commonly known as the beet, is a species of flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family. Its taproot portion is used as a vegetable. The word is derived from the Latin word "beta", said to ultimately be Celtic in origin.
Note: Bede's League Card ID is "908", a Goroawase pun for the English word "clever" (kureba).
=== Marnie ===
General Information: Marnie (known as "Mary" in Japan) is the tertiary rival in the Generation VIII games. She specializes in Dark-type Pokemon with her aces being Morpeko and Grimmsnarl.
Etymology: Marnie's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on rosemary. Her Japanese name might also incorporate "ma" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a demon).
Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub in the Lamiaceae family with fragrant leaves and colorful flowers native to the Mediterranean region. The common name comes from the Latin term "ros marinus", meaning 'dew of the sea'.
Note: Marnie's uniform number is "960", a Goroawase pun for "kuro" (the Japanese word for the color black).
=== Klara ===
General Information: Klara (known as "Kurara" in Japan) is a rival in the Generation VIII DLC campaigns. She is a student of Mustard's dojo on the Isle of Armor. She specializes in Poison-type Pokemon, with her ace being Galarian Slowbro.
Etymology: Klara's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on "kurara", the Japanese word for shrubby sophora.
Sophora flavescens, commonly known as the shrubby sophora, is a species of plant in the Fabaceae family which is native to Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.
Note: Klara's League Card ID is "881", a Goroawase pun for "yabai" (the Japanese word for something dangerous).
=== Avery ===
General Information: Avery (known as "Savory" in Japan) is a rival in the Generation VIII DLC campaigns. She is a student of Mustard's dojo on the Isle of Armor. She specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon, with her ace being Galarian Slowking.
Etymology: Avery's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on savory.
Satureja, commonly known as savory, is a genus of aromatic plants in the Lamiaceae family often cultivated as culinary herbs. The common name comes from a word used to describe the herb's pungent taste.
Note: Avery's League Card ID is "026", a Goroawase pun for "otsumu" (a Japanese word for the brain).
=== Professor Magnolia ===
General Information: Professor Magnolia (known as "Dr. Magnolia" in Japan) is the Pokemon Professor of the Galar Region. Her research focuses on Dynamaxing.
Etymology: This character is named after the magnolia.
Magnolia is a genus of flowering plant of the Magnoliaceae family native to east and southeast Asia.
=== Sonia ===
General Information: Sonia is Professor Magnolia's assistant (as well as her granddaughter) and Leon's childhood friend.
Etymology: Sonia's name comes from Sandersonia.
Sandersonia aurantiaca, commonly known as Christmas bells or the golden lily of the valley among other names, is a plant of the Colchicaceae family native to South Africa known for its orange or yellow flowers.
=== Peony ===
General Information: Peony is a character from The Crown Tundra DLC who is the younger brother of Chairman Rose and a former Steel-type Gym leader, with his ace being a Copperajah.
Etymology: This character is named after the peony.
The peony is a flowering plant of the Paeonia genus native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. The flower is among the longest-used plants in East Asian culture, especially in China. The name ultimately comes from "Paion", the name for the physician of the gods in Greek mythology.
Note: Peony's League Card ID is "082", a Goroawase pun for "oyaji" (a Japanese word for a father).
=== Milo ===
General Information: Milo (known as "Yarrow" in Japan) is the first Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region. He specializes in Grass-type Pokemon, with his ace being a Gossifleur in his Gym Battle and either Flapple or Appletun during the Champion Cup.
Etymology
* Milo's name comes from Achillea millefolium and "milo" (the Greek word for an apple).
Achillea millefolium, also known as the yarrow, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is known for its small white flowers, tall stem, and pungent odor. The common name hails from the Old Saxon name "gearwe".
* Milo's Japanese name is based on "yarrow" and "ya" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a field).
Note: Milo has the number "831" written on his shorts, a Goroawase pun for "yasai" (a Japanese word for vegetables).
=== Nessa ===
General Information: Nessa (known as "Rurina" in Japan) is the second Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region. She specializes in Water-type Pokemon, with her ace being a Drednaw.
Etymology
* Nessa's name comes from "ness" (a British term for a type of geographical feature found on coastlines and lakeshores) or "Loch Ness".
* Nessa's Japanese name is based on "ruri-nigana" (the Japanese word for cupid's dart).
Catananche caerulea, commonly known as Cupid's dart, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family native to the Mediterranean region. Its blue-purple flower is believed to have been used by the ancient Greeks as a key ingredient in love potions, hence its name referencing the classical god of desire.
Note: Nessa has the number "049" written on her shorts, a Goroawase pun for "oyogu" (a Japanese verb meaning 'to swim').
=== Kabu ===
General Information: Kabu is the third Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region. He specializes in Fire-type Pokemon, with his ace being a Centiskorch.
Etymology: Kabu's name comes from "kabu" (a Japanese word for a turnip), "kabuto" (a type of Japanese helmet which Kabu is associated with), and "ka" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for fire).
The turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) is a white-colored root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates. The exact etymology is unknown, although it is thought to be a combination of "turn" and "neep" (derived from "napus", the Latin word for the turnip plant).
Note: Kabu has the number "187" written on his shorts, a Goroawase pun for "hibana" (the Japanese word for a spark).
=== Bea ===
General Information: Bea (known as "Saito" in Japan) is the fourth Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region (exclusively in Sword Version). She specializes in Fighting-type Pokemon, with her ace being a Machamp.
Etymology
* Bea's name comes from bean and "beat".
A bean is the seed of plants in the Fabaceae family, commonly used as vegetables for human or animal food. They are one of the longest-cultivated plants in human history and are an important source of protein.
* Bea's Japanese name comes from "saito" (the Japanese word for a kidney bean) and "to" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a fight).
The kidney bean is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) named after its resemblance to the human kidney.
Note: Bea has the number "193" written on her shorts, a Goroawase pun for "ikusa" (the Japanese word for war).
=== Allister ===
General Information: Allister (known as "Onion" in Japan) is the fourth Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region (exclusively in Shield Version). He specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon, with his ace being a Gengar.
Etymology
* Allister's name comes from "Allium" (the genus of the onion) and possibly "Aleister Crowley" (a famous English occultist).
Allium cepa, commonly known as the onion, is a cultivated vegetable of the Allium genus. They are known for their pungent odor when chopped, which contains chemicals that irritates the eyes.
* Allister's Japanese name is based on "onion" and "oni" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a demon).
Note: Allister has the number "291" written on his shorts, a Goroawase pun for "nikui" (a Japanese word for 'hateful').
=== Opal ===
General Information: Opal (known as "Poplar" in Japan) is the fifth Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region. She specializes in Fairy-type Pokemon, with her ace being an Alcremie.
Etymology
* Opal's name comes from the name of a gemstone.
* Opal's Japanese name is based on poplar.
Populus, commonly known as poplar or cottonwood, is a species of deciduous flowering plant in the Salicaceae family native to most of the Northern Hemisphere.
Note: Opal has the number "910" written on the back of her dress, a Goroawase pun for the English word "cute" (kyuto).
=== Gordie ===
General Information: Gordie (known as "Makuwa" in Japan) is the sixth Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region (exclusively in Sword Version). He specializes in Rock-type Pokemon, with his ace being a Coalossal.
Etymology
* Gordie's name comes from a corruption of "gourd". It might also be inspired by "Geordie", a name for people hailing from Newcastle.
Cucurbita, commonly known as squash or gourds, is a genus of herbaceous fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family which is native to the Andes and Mesoamerica.
* Gordie's Japanese name is based on "makuwa-uri" (the Japanese word for the oriental melon).
The oriental melon is a cultivar of Cucumis melo produced in East Asia. Its flavor is often described as a fusion of the honeydew melon and a cucumber.
Note: Gordie has the number "188" written on his shorts, a Goroawase pun for "iwaba" (Japanese for 'rock wall').
=== Melony ===
General Information: Melony (known as "Melon" in Japan) is the sixth Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region (exclusively in Shield Version). She specializes in Ice-type Pokemon, with her ace being a Lapras.
Etymology: Melony's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on melon.
A melon is a type of large berry belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family known for their sweet and fleshy fruit. The word is derived from the Greek word for the classification (melopepon).
Note: Melony has the number "361" written on her skirt, a Goroawase pun for "samui" (Japanese for cold).
=== Piers ===
General Information: Piers (known as "Nezu" in Japan) is the seventh Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region. He specializes in Dark-type Pokemon, with his ace being an Obstagoon. He is also the leader of Team Yell.
Etymology
* Piers' name comes from the Juniperus genus and the word "pierce".
* Piers' Japanese name is based on "nezu" (the Japanese word for temple juniper) and "nezumi-iro" (the Japanese word for dark grey).
Juniperus rigida, commonly known as the temple juniper, is a species of juniper tree native to northern China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and the far southeast of Russia. It is commonly grown as an ornamental tree, especially on Japanese temple grounds.
Note: Piers has the number "061" written on his shorts, a Goroawase pun for "warui" (the Japanese word for something bad).
=== Raihan ===
General Information: Raihan (known as "Kibana" in Japan) is the eighth Gym Leader the player faces in the Galar Region. He specializes in Dragon-type Pokemon, with his ace being a Duraludon.
Etymology
* Raihan's name comes from "rayhan" (the Arabic word for basil).
Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as basil, is a culinary herb of the Lamiaceae family native to Central Africa and Southeast Asia.
* Raihan's Japanese name is based on "kibanafuji" (the Japanese word for common laburnum) and "kiba" (the Japanese word for fang).
Laburnum anagyroides, commonly known as common laburnum or golden chain, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family native to Central and Southern Europe.
Note: Raihan has the number "241" written on his shorts, a Goroawase pun for "tsuyoi" (the Japanese word for something strong).
=== Leon ===
General Information: Leon (known as "Dande" in Japan) is the Champion of the Galar Region. His ace Pokemon is a Charizard.
Etymology: Leon's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on the dandelion.
Dandelion is the common name for plants of the Taraxacum genus, who bloom into yellow/orange colored flowers.
=== Rose ===
General Information: Rose is the chairman of the Galar Pokemon League and the president of Macro Cosmos who serves as the villain of Sword and Shield. He specializes in Steel-type Pokemon, with his ace being a Copperajah.
Etymology: Rose's name references the flower of the same name.
Roses are a type of flowering plant in the Rosa genus. Their name comes from the Greek word "rhodon".
=== Oleana ===
General Information: Oleana (known as "Olive" in Japan) is Chairman Rose's secretary. Her ace Pokemon is a Garbodor.
Etymology: Oleana's name comes from "Olea" (the genus of the olive), with her Japanese name being the plant name outright.
The olive is the fruit of the small tree Olea europaea, which is native to the Mediterranean Basin. The fruit is agriculturally important due to being the main ingredient in olive oil, a fundamental ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
=== Mustard ===
General Information: Mustard is a former Gym Leader and Champion of the Galar Region who runs a dojo on the Isle of Armor. His ace Pokemon is Urshifu.
=== Honey ===
General Information: Honey (known as "Mitsuba" in Japan) is Mustard's wife and the matron of the Isle of Armor's Master Dojo. Her ace Pokemon is Blastoise or Venusaur (depending on the Starter the player chose).
== Locations ==
All of the major cities in Galar are named after sports-related terminology. The Real World equivalents are heavily speculative.
=== Postwick ===
General Information: Postwick (known as "Furlong" in Japan) is a small town in southern Galar which is the starting location for players.
Real World Counterpart: Keswick, Windermere
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "post" and "-wick" (a British town suffix).
* This town's Japanese name is based on "furlong-bo" (the Japanese word for a distance pole in horse racing).
=== Wedgehurst ===
General Information: Wedgehurst (known as "Brassie" in Japan) is a small town in southern Galar.
Real World Counterpart: Bowness-on-Windermere
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "wedge" (a type of golf club) and "hurst" (defined as 'wooded hill').
* This town's Japanese name is based on "brassie" (a type of golf club).
=== Motostoke ===
General Information: Motostoke (known as "Engine" in Japan) is a city in central south Galar where the player faces the Gym Leader Kabu.
Real World Counterpart: Manchester
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "motor" and "stoke" (defined as 'to stir up flames or to add fuel', also a British toponym for a secondary settlement).
* This city's Japanese name is based on the word "engine".
=== Turffield ===
General Information: Turffield (known as "Turf" in Japan) is a small town in central Galar where the player faces the Gym Leader Milo.
Real World Counterpart: York, Stonehenge
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "turf" and "-field" (a British town suffix for open land).
* This town's Japanese name is based on "turf" (a sports term used mainly in golf and horse racing). 
=== Hulbury ===
General Information: Hulbury (known as "Bow" in Japan) is a small town in central Galar where the player faces the Gym Leader Nessa.
Real World Counterpart: Liverpool
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "hull" (the term for the body or frame of a ship) and "-bury" (a British town suffix for fortified enclosure).
* This city's Japanese name is based on "bow" (the forward part of a ship's hull or the rower closest to the bow of a ship in rowing).
=== Hammerlocke ===
General Information: Hammerlocke (known as "Knuckle" in Japan) is a city in the center of Galar where the player faces the Gym Leader Raihan.
Real World Counterpart: Birmingham
Etymology
* This city's name is inspired by "hammerlock" (a form of shoulder lock in martial arts) and "locke" (a toponym for a lockable enclosure).
* This city's Japanese name is based on "knuckle".
=== Stow-on-Side ===
General Information: Stow-on-Side (known as "Lateral" in Japan) is a town in west-central Galar where the player faces the fourth Gym Leader (Bea in Sword Version and Allister in Shield Version).
Real World Counterpart: Buxton, Matlock Bath
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "stow" (a British toponym for place) and "onside pass" (a type of lateral pass in Canadian football).
* This town's Japanese name is based on "lateral pass".
=== Ballonlea ===
General Information: Ballonlea (known as "Arabesque" in Japan) is a small town in northwestern Galar where the player faces the Gym Leader Opal.
Real World Counterpart: Nottingham, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "ballon" (a term in the art of ballet) and "-lea" (a British town suffix for woodland clearing).
* This town's Japanese name is based on "arabesque" (a specific ballet position).
=== Circhester ===
General Information: Circhester (known as "Circus" in Japan) is a large city in northwestern Galar where the player faces the sixth Gym Leader (Gordie in Sword Version and Melony in Shield Version).
Real World Counterpart: Bath
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "circus" and "-chester" (a British town suffix for fortification of Roman origin).
* This city's Japanese name is based on "circus" (here referring to an open-air sports arena in the ancient Roman empire).
=== Spikemuth ===
General Information: Spikemuth (known as "Spike" in Japan) is a small town in eastern Galar where the player faces the Gym Leader Piers. It also serves as the home base of Team Yell.
Real World Counterpart: Rhyl
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "spike" and "mouth" (a British toponym for a bay or river mouth).
* This town's Japanese name is based on "spike" (an attack in volleyball).
=== Wyndon ===
General Information: Wyndon (known as "Shoot" in Japan) is a large city in northern Galar.
Real World Counterpart: London
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "win", "wynd" (a narrow lane between houses in Scotland and Northern England), and "-don" (a British town suffix for hill).
* This city's Japanese name is based on "shoot" (a term in association football for hitting the ball in an attempt to score a goal).
== Ideas ==
=== Region Theming ===
* Afterlife Terms
* Arthurian Legend Characters
* Bible Stories
* Cosmetics
* Directional Words
* Electrical Appliances
* Film Directors
* Grammatical Terms
* Horror Movies
* Islands
* Mystery Writers
* Playing Cards
* Puzzles
* Train Types
* Wizard of Oz Characters