Origins of character names

This is a list of origins of character names in the Dragon Ball franchise. Each character's name, particularly their original Japanese name, is a pun on regular words, often the names of various foods.
==Saiyans==
Saiyan (Saiya-jin) - In Japanese, saiya is formed by rearranging the syllables of the Japanese word yasai which means "vegetable".
All full-blooded Saiyans' birth names are puns on various vegetable names.
*Vegeta (Bejīta) - The first six letters of "vegetable".
*King Vegeta (Bejīta-Ō) - Same as Vegeta's.
*Tarble (Tāburu) - Believed to be taken in English as 'Table', making this name another pun on "vegetable", particularly its last five letters. Curiously, this would mean both Tarble and his brother Vegeta's names pun "vegetable".
*Bardock (Bādakku) - A pun on a Japanese root vegetable, a "Burdock".
*Borgos (Totepo) - A pun on "potato".
*Beets (Bīttsu) - named after the vegetable beets. He also shares his name pun with the Saiyan hero Beat (Bīto).
*Broly (Burorī) - A pun on "broccoli".
*Cabba (Kyabe) - A pun on "cabbage". In the Japanese version, when Kale first transforms to her Legendary Super Saiyan state, she calls him Cabbage (the same way Roshi calls Broly in movie 8 - "broccoli")
*Caulifla (Kaurifura) - Comes from the vegetable, cauliflower.
*Fasha (Seripa) - Formed by rearranging the letters in "parsley" into "seylipa" and shortening the "sey" into a "se". In the beta name her name was Korn based on the word corn.
*Gine - Derives from negi, the Spring Onion in Japanese.
*Kale (Kēru) - Named after a type of green of the same name.
*Leek (Rīku) - named after the vegetable leek.
*Kakarot (Kakarotto) - Goku's birth name, an interesting mutation of "carrot".
**Son Goku - Japanese on'yomi name reading for Sun Wukong from Journey to the West, whom Goku is based on via Chinese and Japanese character parallels; in the Korean dub, Goku is renamed "Son Ogong", the Korean name reading for Sun Wukong. "Wukong," "Goku," and "Ogong" all mean "Awakening to Emptiness" in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, respectively, and the Chinese dub also refers to Goku as "Wukong" by that proxy. "Goku" also refers to the amount of rice needed to feed a person for a year, tying in with his grandfather's name "Gohan" meaning "awakening to rice" as a pun. Goku (極) can also be translated as “extreme”, relating to Goku’s enhanced abilities compared to normal Earthlings in Dragon Ball.
*Nappa - A Japanese term for greens in general, especially grape leaves. Also a form of cabbage, keeping with other Saiyans using English words as the source of their names.
*Onio (From Neko Majin) - A pun on "onion".
*Paragus (Paragasu) - Comes from the seven last letters of the word "asparagus" (in the English dub, the name uses the same spelling as the word, sans the 'as-').
*Raditz (Radittsu) - Derives from "radish".
*Scarface (Panpukin) - In Japanese, panbukin is a pun on "pumpkin".
*Shorty (Burokko) - A pun on "broccoli".
*Shugesh (Panbūkin) - In Japanese, panbukin is a pun on "pumpkin".
*Tora (Tōma) - A shortening of "tomato".
*Taro (Taro) - Named after the taro plant.
*Turles (Tāresu) - In Japanese, formed by rearranging the syllables in "lettuce".
*Cumber (Kanbā) - Named after “cucumber”.
*Pinich (Pinijji) - from "spinach".
*Vasabi (Wabisa) - from "wasabi".
*Bukha (Bukā) - from "matbukha", a tomato and bell pepper dish.
*Binas (Bināsu) - possibly from "beans".
*Skwash (Sukuwasshu) - from "squash".
*Kalif (Karifu) - from "cauliflower".
*Tyber (Taiba) - possibly from "tuber", root vegetables. May also come from "taika", the sea breem fish family (due to his status as a Galactic Patrolman).
*Kiclee (Kikirī) - possibly from "cicely" or "leek".
*Kress - from "cress".
*Leganon - possibly from "legume".
*Paprika - from "paprika".
*Prika - from "paprika".
*Rhubub - from "rhubarb".
*Ruccola - from "ruccola".
*Sage - from "sage".
*Sesamy - from "sesame".
*Stabba - possibly from "sabah".
*Jagamo - possibly from "marjoram".
*Narmis (Namisu) - from "sayur manis".
*Nira - from "nira".
*Lisee - possibly from "linseed".
==Saiyan Hybrids==
;Earthling
*Gohan/Future Gohan - Japanese for "rice" or dishes; foods in general.
*Goten - A play on Goku's name, replacing the "ku" (空) character, meaning "sky", with "ten" (天) meaning heaven. The characters in Goku's name can be read as "understanding the sky", so Goten's name is read as "understanding the heavens", the point being that Goten's name is on a bigger scale than Goku's.Dragon Ball Kanzenban Official Guide: Dragon Ball Forever, 2004 Via the Chinese pinyin and Japanese on'yomi parallels, "Son Goten" can be effectively read as "Sun Wutian" in pinyin/Chinese.
*Trunks/Future Trunks (Torankusu) - Boy's underwear, gym shorts, also known as boxers. This fits with the theme naming of Bulma's family, who are all named for types of underwear. In the English language the word "trunks" can also have other meanings, such as plural for tree trunk. Interestingly enough, this would give continuity to the Saiyan's custom of plant-based names, and he also uses an attack called Big Tree Cannon. But it is still unknown whether Akira Toriyama knew this fact or whether it was a simple coincidence.
*Bulla (Bura; "Bra") - A shortening of "brassiere" or "wonderbra". Like Trunks, this fits with the theme naming of Bulma's family. In the American version (due to censorship) her name seems to be a pun on "Bull"
**Vegeta initially wanted to give Bulla the Saiyan name Eschalot (Eshalotto), which is derived from "shallot", a type of onion.
***Bulla's name could also be derived from “cebula”, the Polish term for onion.
*Pan - Pan means "bread" in Japanese, continuing the food theme of Gohan's family. Additionally, Pan is the Greek mythological god of nature; this may fit into the religion theme of Videl's family.
**Prior to her birth, Chi-Chi wanted to name her Gomen, "men" being a pun on noodles, with the "go" fitting with the Son family naming scheme.
==Earthlings==
*Master Mutaito - His title translates into “a great authority of the martial arts”.
*Grandpa Gohan - "Gohan" is Japanese for "rice".
*Chi-Chi - Japanese for "milk" (which also refers to breasts by extension and are a slang term for breasts in Latin American Spanish). Named like this because her father is the Ox-King.牛魔王の娘なので、牛に関係したもので女の子っぽい名前、というわけで「乳」から。(Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Forever, Tokyo, Shueisha, 2004, p.157) The Latin American Spanish slang term was also referenced by Vegeta in the Japanese version.
*Master Roshi/Turtle Hermit (Muten Rōshi/Kame-Sen'nin) - In Japanese, kame means "turtle", and sennin are ascetic Taoist hermits of legend who are said to have magical powers, animal familiars, and extraordinarily long life. Thus, Kame-Sen'nin literally means "Turtle Hermit". Rōshi is Japanese for the Chinese word laoshi which means "teacher". Also, Ro means "old" or "elderly", a reference to his age, and Shi means "purple", a reference to Roshi's purple Turtle Shell.
**Jackie Chun - Master Roshi's alias, a pun on "Jackie Chan", a Chinese martial artist and comedian.
*Yamcha (Yamucha) - A Cantonese term for going out to eat dim sum. (Yum cha, directly translates to "drink tea")
*Krillin (Kuririn) - Kuri is Japanese for "chestnut". This is Akira Toriyama's joke about Krillin's lack of hair. Rin (-lin) derives from the word "shaolin".
*Emperor Pilaf (Pirafu) - His name is a type of rice dish - precisely, fried rice. at Wikipedia
*Mai - Part of 'shumai' (siu mai/shao mai), a traditional Chinese dumpling served in dim sum.
*Marron - French word for "chestnut", tying in with the etymology of Krillin's Japanese name.
*Maron - Likely meaning "chestnut", as with Marron. May also have been a pun on the insulting term "moron," owing to her oblivious nature. One of the alternate spellings, "Mallon", also sounds similar to "Melon", which refers to both a type of fruit and also slang for exceptionally large breasts, the latter owing to her well-endowed physique.
*Mint - from "mint".
*Tien Shinhan (Tenshinhan) - Derives from the Chinese term tien chun fan, meaning "fried rice" or some kind of rice meal.
*Chiaotzu (Chaozu) - Japanese translation of gyoza or jiaozi in Chinese, it means "dumpling".
*Sharpener (Sharpner) - His name derives from a (pencil) "sharpener" accessory.
*Erasa - Her name derives from an "eraser" accessory.
*Launch (Ranchi) - In Japanese, named after the word "lunch".
*Lime - Named after the fruit of the same name.
*Yajirobe (Yajirobē) - Named after a Japanese balancing toy, yajirobē.
*Suno - Named after the word "snow".
*Nam - Named after the Buddhist phrase "namu-amida-butsu".
*Ranfan - The words ran and fan are respectively Japanese for "lingerie" and "foundation garments", referring to her technique of stripping down to her underwear to distract her opponents.
*Mercenary Tao - Called Tao Pai Pai (桃白白) in Japanese. Tao is the Chinese pronunciation for the character 桃 (peach). The other character 白 (Pai) means "white".
*Upa - Apparently named after Takashi Matsuyama's dog of the same name.
*King Chappa - Named after the Indian dish .
*Idasa - An anagram of dasai (ダサイ), meaning "lame" or "out of fashion".
*Ikose - An anagram of sekoi (セコイ), meaning "small-minded".
*Killa - Taken from the word "killer".
*Jewel - Taken from the world "jewel", in reference to his snobby nature.
*Miss Piiza - Named after pizza.
*Caroni - Named after macaroni.
*Pirozhki - Named after , a type of Russian stuffed fried buns.
*Kinoko Sarada - Her original Japanese name Kinoko Sarada literally translates into "Mushroom Salad".
*Gala and Pagos - Both of their names together are a pun on the Galapagos islands.
===Brief family===
Members of Bulma's family have names that are puns on underwear.
*Bulma (Buruma) - Means "bloomers". Also Japanese for a type of girls' gym shorts.
*Dr. Brief - Pun on "briefs", a type of men's underwear.
*Bikini - Female swimsuit
*Tights - Literally named after "tights"
*Bulla - or Bra -is named after brassieres or wonderbras.
*Bulma Leigh - Comes from "bloomers" like Bulma.
Leggings from World Mission shares the naming scheme, simply being the word "leggings".
===Mr. Satan's family===
Members of Mr. Satan's family hold names that are puns on religious figures.
*Mr. Satan (Hercule) - Mr. Satan, the character's name in the Japanese and English dub films and the uncut English dub, refers to the Devil, Satan. His first name, Mark (マーク, Maaku) is a romanization of a rearrangement of akuma, Japanese for "devil." His name in the Ocean dub is Hercule comes from the mythical Greek hero Hercules.
*Miguel - means "Archangel".
*Videl (Bīderu) - Formed by rearranging the letters in the word "devil".
Moden from World Mission shares the naming scheme, with her name being "demon" re-arranged.
===Gurumes Army===
*King Gurumes - Comes from the word "gourmet".
*Bongo - Taken from the pasta dish, spaghetti alle vongole, or "spaghetti with clams".
*Pasta - Taken directly from the food, "pasta".
===Dragon Ball Heroes===
*Beat - Comes from the unit of time used in music. Could also possibly come from the vegetable "beet", sharing the Saiyan theme of vegetable names.
*Erito - Comes from the word "elite".
*Basaku - Comes from the word "berserker"
*Note - Comes from the musical object.
*Viola - Possibly comes from the instrument "viola".
*Forte - Comes from the musical indication meaning load, "forte".
===Timespace Tournaments===
Some are named after foods.
*Beeyan - possibly from "biryani".
*Chocora - from "chocolate".
*Eclain - possibly from "éclair".
*Gato - from "gâteau".
*Jam - from "jam".
*Marinay - possibly from "marinade".
*Oats - from "oat".
*Panna - possibly from "phanaeng" (also spelled panang), a type of curry or likely comes from pannacotta, a type of Italian dessert.
*Quiche - from "quiche".
*Stroganof - from "beef stroganoff".
*Tirami - from "tiramisu".
*Wanta - possibly from "wonton".
Some are named after other things.
*Stella - possibly from "stella" - meaning star.
*Tirara - possibly from "tiara", which is a ornamental band on a woman's hair, Typically on an princess or a queen.
==Red Ribbon Army==
Almost every named member of the Red Ribbon Army is named after or has the code-name of a color, this also extends to some affiliates. Human members of the Red Pants Army also follow this trend. Characters who follow this naming scheme include Red, Black, Blue, Copper, Silver, Violet, Yellow, White, Purple (Murasaki), Metallic (Metallitron), Peach White White (Tao), Gold, White (Jr.), Magenta and Carmine. It is implied with Gevo, aka, Gold, that at least among the higher-ranking officers, the color-based names are actually codenames rather than their actual birth given names.
There are exceptions however:
*Captain Dark (Captain Dock) - His Japanese name referred to a structure used to create, repair, and maintain maritime vessels. His dub name "Dark" alluded to a variant of certain colors that appeared darker than usual (eg, dark green).
*Dr. Flappe - Named after the "frappe", an iced coffee.
*The Muscle Tower soldiers are named after vegetables, a naming scheme later used for the Saiyans.
**Karot - from "carrot".
**Onion - from "onion".
**Pote - from "potato".
**Pump - from "pumpkin"
*General Bon, Mrs. Bon and Bong Bong - All presumably named after the "bonbon", a chocolate confection.
Dr. Gero's family are all named after things relating to vomit.
*Dr. Gero and Dr. Hedo - from ゲロ; gero and 反吐; hedo, both meaning "vomit".
*Gevo - a word which describes vomiting.
*Vomi - from "vomit".
The Red Ribbon Androids who have human names are named after gems.
*Lapis, from "lapis lazuli".
*Lazuli, from "lapis lazuli".
The Red Ribbon Bio-Androids are named after genetics.
*Cell, from "cell", the most basic units of life.
*Genome, from "genome".
*Synapse, from "synapse", the site of transmition of electric nerve impulses.
==Namekians==
Namekian (Namekku-seijin) - In Japanese, namek is a shortening of the Japanese word namekuji which means "slug".
Many Demon Clan Namekians are all named after musical instruments. Some ordinary Namekians also share this naming scheme.
*King Piccolo (Pikkoro Daimao) - Named after a musical instrument, a , which is a small flute. Ironically, King Piccolo can't stand high-pitched or whistling sounds, like all other Namekians. In the Namekian Language, piccolo means "another world".
*Piccolo Jr. (Pikkoro Jr.) - Same as King Piccolo.
*Piano - Named after the musical instrument.
*Tambourine (Tanbarin) - Named after the musical instrument.
*Cymbal (Shinbaru) - Named after the musical instrument.
*Drum (Doramu) - Named after the musical instrument.
*Ukulele - Named after the musical insrument.
*Gamelan - Named after the ensemble music.
*Vibra - Possibly named after the "Vibraslap" instrument.
*Tanta - Presumably comes from "tan-tan", a type of instrument.
*Bongo - Named after the musical instrument.
*Bongo - Named after the musical instrument.
*Castanets - Named after the musical instrument.
*Harmonica - Named after the musical instrument.
*Electric - Named after the "Electric Guitar".
*Monkey Tambourine - Named after the music-instrument playing monkey toy.
Native Namekians are all named after multiple different Japanese words for "snail".
*Esca - pun on escargot.
*Katas - derives from kattatsumuuri, a Japanese word for "snail".
*Moori - derives from kattatsumuuri, a Japanese word for "snail".
*Kami - Kami means "god" in Japanese.
*Lord Slug - Named after "slug".
*Dende - Derives from denden-mushi, which is another Japanese word for "snail".
*Cargo - A pun on the French word escargot, which means "snail".
*Nail - A pun on "snail".Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Forever, Tokyo, Shueisha, 2004, p.157
*Tsumuri - derives from katatsumuri, a Japanese word for "snail".
*Escart - from "escargot", which means snail.
*Fargo - possibly from "escargot".
*Moolin - possibly from derives from kattatsumuuri, a Japanese word for "snail".
*Shale - possibly from "snail" or "shell".
*Snei - from "snail".
*Monaito - Possibly from anmonaito, the Japanese word for "Ammonite".
Other have names from different sources.
*First Narak - from "naraka", the realm of Hell in Indian religions.
*Week - comes from "week", following the Time Breaker's time-based naming scheme.
==Demons==
;Demon Realm Race
Some members of the Demon Realm race are named after magical incantations.
*Dabura (Dābura) - Derived from the famous incantation, "Abracadabra".
*Mechikabura - Comes from the song "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo", specifically the line "mechikaboola".
Some members of the Demon Realm race are named after time-related words.
*Towa - Named after the word "Towa" which means "eternity".
*Mirayo - Possibly from "Mirai", which means "future".
*Robelu (Roberu) - Possibly from "Robur" (ροβύρ), which means "long-lasting".
Some members of the Demon Realm race are named after sauces or words relating to them.
*Demigra - Comes from "Demi-glace", a type of sauce.
*Putine - Comes from "Poutine", a Canadian fast-food dish. More specifically "Mélange à sauce poutine", which means "Poutine sauce mix".
*Gravy - Comes from "Gravy", a type of sauce.
*Chamel - Comes from "Béchamel" sauce.
*Salsa - Comes from "Salsa", a type of sauce.
*Shroom - Comes from "Mushroom". More specifically mushroom sauce.
*Aurora - Comes from "Sauce aurore" (Aurora sauce), a type of Béchamel-based sauce.
Some members of the Demon Realm race are named after flowers.
*Glorio - Comes from "Gloriosa", a genus of flower.
*Panzy - Comes from "Pansy", a type of flower.
*Hybis - Comes from "Hibiscus", a genus of flower.
Some members of the Demon Realm race are named after Hinduism and Buddhism cosmology.
*Shula - Derived from "Shura", the Japanese term referring to the Buddhist and Hindu entities known otherwise as "Asura"
*Melee (Mera) - Likely derived from "Mara", a Buddhist entity that personifies death, desire, and temptation. Possibly derived from "Sumeru", the sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology that stands at the center of the universe. The word "melee" in English.
*Gola (Gora) - Likely derived from the Sanskrit word "Ghora" (घोर), from both Buddhist and Hindu texts, which often used to describe fearsome, demonic, or warlike entities. Possibly from "Goliath" in English.
Some members of the race have names that come from multiple themes.
*Abura - Derived from the famous incantation, "Abracadabra", though is likely a double pun on lard (脂; abura)
*Gomah (Gomā) - Comes from "Goma", Japanese for "Sesamum", a genus of flower ("Goma" can also mean sasame or sasame seeds), tying in with the magic chant "Open, Sesame". Possibly also comes from the "Goma" ritual from both Hinduism and Buddhism, called "Homa" in Hinduism.
*Aurora - Comes from "Sauce aurore" (Aurora sauce), a type of Béchamel-based sauce. Possibly from "Aurora", which means "dawn" in Latin. Possibly from a type of "Arctotis Hybrida" known as "Aurora Daisy".
*Yamma (Yanbā) - Comes from "Yánbā" (鹽巴), which means "Table salt" in Mandarin. Possibly derived from Yama, the Hindu god of death and justice.
*Rubee (ルピオ Rupio) - Likely from "Lupinus", a genus of flower. Possibly from "Rubedo", term from Alchemy that defines the fourth and final major stage in their magnum opus. Possibly a play on the word "ruby".
*Makma (Makuma)- Likely from "Pouteria lucuma", a species of tree in the Sapotaceae family, a family of flowering plants. Possibly a play on the word "Akuma", which means Evil Spirit, Devil, or Demon.
Others come from different sources.
*Zahha - Pun on sachertorte, a torte of Austrian origin.
;Organization of Babidi
Babidi and characters related to him are all named after magical incantations.
*Bibidi - Is a part of the phrase "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!" from the 1950 animated feature film Cinderella.
*Babidi - Is a part of the phrase "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!" from the 1950 animated feature film Cinderella.
*Yakon - Derived from the incantation, "Tekumaku Mayakon" in the manga and anime television series Himitsu no Akko-chan.
*Pui Pui - Derived from the famous Japanese incantation, "Chichin-Puipui". In the English version of the manga translated by Viz, he is called Pocus, which is derived from the famous incantation, "Hocus Pocus" and the 1993 film of the same name.
;Majin
Majin - Can be translated as "demon". Ma (魔) means evil or demon. Jin (人) means human or person. It is also sometimes translated as "genie" (i.e. Viz's translation of the manga uses "djinn")
Buu's Majin subspecies are usually named after magical incantations.
*Majin Buu - Is a part of the phrase "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!" from the 1950 animated feature film Cinderella.
*Kabra - Comes from the magical phrase abracadabra.
*Salaga - Is a part of the phrase "Salagadoola" from the 1950 animated feature film Cinderella.
Other Majin come from different sources.
*Hirudegarn - Comes from an incident in which Wrath of the Dragon co-producer Seiichi Hiruta asked for Hirudegarn's appearance to be redone after being unimpressed with the design; his jaw reportedly dropped upon seeing the redesign that would later be incorporated into the film, "gaan" (ガーン) being the sound effect for a jaw dropping.Daizenshuu 6, 1995
*Nox - From "noxious".
*Majin Ozotto - Comes from the word "zotto" (ぞっと), meaning "scary" or "horrified". Likely combining "Majin-ō" (魔人王, lit. Majin king) and "zotto". Possibly derived from "ozymandias", meaning "a tyrant" or "something of colossal size".
;Artificial Demons
The names of Towa's creations come from time-related words like her.
*Mira - A pun on the word "mirai" which means "future".
*July - From the month "July".
*Fin - Presumably comes from "finish"/"final".
*Fu - Presumably comes from the first two letters of the word "future".
;Other
*Lucifer - Named after the fallen angel, Lucifer, from the Bible.
*Ghastel - Named after "gas table", another word for "stove".
*Janemba - Likely a pun on "Je n'aime pas," which means "I don't like" in French. Spelled 邪念波, Janemba means "Evil Thought Wave".
*Kadoola - Likely comes from the song "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo", specifically the line "mechikaboola".
;Devils
Some Devils' names are puns on words related to evil beings.
*Spike the Devil Man (Akkuman) - A pun on the word "Akuma", which means Evil Spirit, Devil, or Demon. The word "spike" in English, likely from his two horns.
*Majon - A pun on "Majo", Japanese for Witch, though is likely a double pun on "Majin".
*Ackman (Akkuman) - Ackman shares the same name as Spike and so his name is also a pun on the word "Akuma".
;Others Devils come from different sources.
*Kadoola - Likely comes from the song "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo", specifically the line "mechikaboola".
;Ogres
*King Yemma - Named after the East Asian and Buddhist deity "Yama", known as "Enma" in Japan.
*Goz (Gozu) - Named after "Gozu" one of two demon generals who guard the gates of hell, in Japanese Buddhism. Possibly also named after the Japanese urban legend "Gozu" (牛頭, "Cow Head"), also known as "Ox Head", which is said to be the gatekeeper of hell in some variations of the legend.
*Mez (Mezu) - Named after "Mezu" one of two demon generals who guard the gates of hell, in Japanese Buddhism.
*Saike Demon - His original name "Saike Oni" is short for "Psychedelic Oni" and comes from his musical tastes.
==Frieza Race==
Most members of Frieza's race are usually named after words that have something to do with cold temperatures.
*Chilled (Chirudo) - A pun on "chill".
*King Cold (Korudo Daiō) - Also refers to low temperatures.
*Frost - Comes from the word "frost", usually used to refer to a deposit of small ice crystals.
*Frieza (Furīza) - A pun on "freezer", though Toriyama envisioned a refrigerator when thinking of the name. Frieza Force names are thus based on things that would go in a refrigerator.
*Froze - A pun on the word "frozen".
*Rezok - from the Japanese word for refrigerator, reizōko.
*Reso - from the Japanese word for refrigerator, reizōko.
*Iaas - from "ice".
*Shabbet - possibly from "sherbert", a frozen desert.
A few members of the race are named after other foods or related terms.
*Cooler (Kūra) - Comes from the phrase “meshi demo kūra” (which is roughly the equivalent of "let's chow down" in English) with the "kūra" referring to "chow". His name breaks the tradition of Frieza's family being named after cold related things. However his name is often mistaken to be a pun on "cooler", this was the original pun but was thought to be too direct.
*Kuriza - Frieza's son. Like Krillin, the pun on his name is derived from kuri, or chestnut. This breaks the tradition of Frieza's family members' names being taken from terms for "cold", although an element of the play on the word "Freezer" is still in the name, as "Furiza" is another way Frieza's name is spelled.
*Tumeric - Named after "tumeric", a type of plant - the roots of which are used in cooking.
==Frieza Force==
The majority of Frieza's soldiers are named after fruit.
*Zarbon (Zābon) - Japanese for the fruit "pomelo".
*Dodoria - A pun on the fruit "durian".
*Cui (Kyui) - A pun on the fruit "kiwi".
*Appule (Apūru) - Named after the fruit "apple".
*Orlen - A pun on the fruit "orange".
*Napple - A pun on the fruit "pineapple"
*Cranberry - Named after the fruit.
*Cranbo - A pun on the fruit "cranberry".
*Raspberry - Named after the fruit.
*Blueberry - Named after the fruit.
*Namole - Possibly a pun on "guacamole", an avocado-based food dip.
*Abo - A pun on "avocado".
*Kado - A pun on "avocado".
*Aka (Abokado) - The fusion of Abo and Kado, called by this name by Gotenks, his name is also a pun on "avocado".
*Melone - A pun on the world melon. His Japanese name, Suikka, is an anagram of suika, a Japanese word meaning "watermelon".
;Ginyu Force
All members of the Ginyu Force are named after dairy products in the Japanese dub.
*Captain Ginyu (Ginyū Taichō) - A pun on the Japanese word gyūnyū which means "milk" specially "cow's milk".
*Burter, (Bāta) - A pun on "butter".
*Guldo, (Gurudo) - A pun on the Japanese word yōgurudo which means "yogurt".
*Jeice, (Jīsu) - A pun on the word "cheese". In English dubs, his localized name may be a pun on "juice".
*Recoome, (Rikūmu) - Formed by rearranging the letters in the Japanese word kurīmu, meaning "cream".
*Bonyu - A pun on the Japanese word for breast milk.
Some of the female Ginyu Force counterparts follow this scheme.
*Parm - from "parmesan"
Edamay seems to follow this naming scheme, possibly being named after "mayonnaise".
;Cooler's Armored Squadron
Cooler's henchmen are named after condiments and salad dressings.
*Salza, (Sauzā) - The English verbal translation is a pun on the Spanish sauce "salsa". Also "Thousar" in pronunciation, a pun on "Thousand Island" salad dressing.
*Dore, (Dōre) - Derives from the "saradore" salad dressing.
*Neiz, (Neizu) - A pun on "mayonnaisse".
;New Frieza Army
*Sorbet (Sorube) - A pun on a frozen dessert of the same name.
*Tagoma - A pun on the word tamago which means "egg"
*Shisami - A pun on the word that is rearranged, "sashimi" which is a Japanese delicacy consisting of very fresh raw meat or fish sliced into thin pieces.
;Frieza's Army Remnant
Members of Frieza's Army Remnant are named after kitchen appliances.
*Rigll - Comes from "grill".
Races that are a part of Frieza's Army remnant are named after kitchen appliances.
*Toasterean - Comes from toaster.
*Kettlean - Comes from kettle.
*Bowlean - Comes from bowl.
*Sinkleean - Comes from sink.
*Mixxileean - Comes from mixer.
*Vewonean - Comes from oven.
*Rejinean - Comes from renji, Japanese for stove.
;Time Breakers
The Frieza's Army Remnant members who are also part of the Time Breakers share the Time Breakers' time based names.
*Tick - Tick's name partially references to the onomatopoeia for the sound mechanical clocks make.
*Tock - Tock's name partially references to the onomatopoeia for the sound mechanical clocks make.
*Fry - Seemingly comes from "fry" relating to the Frieza's Army Remnant naming scheme, but could also come from "Friday", following the Time Breakers' naming scheme.
;Other
*Caluppa - possibly from "chalupa".
*Kranola - possibly from "granola".
==Serpent==
The Serpents are named after condiments and spices.
*Garlic (Gaarikku) - A pun on the spice "garlic".
*Garlic Jr. (Gaarikku Jyunia) - A pun on the spice "garlic".
*Ginger - Named after the spice.
*Sansho - Japanese word for "Japanese pepper".
*Nicky (Nikki) - Japanese word for "Cinnamon".
*Mustard - Named after the condiment.
*Salt - Named after the spice.
*Spice (Gasshu) - Named after the spice. His Japanese name is an anagram of the word "sugar".
*Vinegar - Named after the condiment.
==Yardrat==
The Yardrat are named after rodents.
*Hatska - From "hatsuka nezumi", the Japanese for ordinary house mouse.
*Pybara - From "capybara".
The two Yardrats from Dragon Ball Z: Sagas, Soba and the Yaki, come from "sobayaki".
==Wheelo's forces==
Wheelo's forces names come from Nagoya specialties, they were named by Takao Koyama.Daizenshuu 6
* - His name is a pun on "uirō", though the katakana for his name translates to "willow" - a type of tree - in English. The English dub's name for him bears a resemblance to "Wheel".
*Dr. Kochin - From "Nagoya Cochin".
*Kishime - From "kishimen".
*Ebifurya - From "ebi-furai".
*Misokatsun - From "miso-katsu".
==Turles' Crusher Corp.==
*Amond - A pun of "almonds".
*Cacao - A pun of "cocoa" and a Latin word for chocolate.
*Daiz - Japanese for "soya bean".
*Rasin - A pun of "raisins".
*Lakasei - A pun of rakasei (落花生), "peanut".
==Tuffles==
Tuffle (Tsufuru-jin) - In Japanese, tsufuru is formed by rearranging the syllables of the Japanese word furūtsu which means "fruits". In English, resembles "truffle".
The Tuffles are usually named after fruit.
*Dr. Lychee - Comes from the "lychee" berry.
*Oren - Comes from orange (オレンジ; orenji).
*Kamin - Comes form mandarin orange (みかん; mikan).
Some of the Tuffle's creations names come from elswhere.
*Hatchiyack - Comes from "Hyakuhachi", which is Japanese for "One-hundred and eight". May also come form "hachiya", a type cultivar of persimmon.
*Baby (Bebi) - Taken from the word "baby", a common English term for an infant.
**Baby Vegeta - Comes from "baby vegetables".
==Bojack's Galaxy Soldiers==
Bojack's henchmen are named after evil traits.
*Bojack - Derived from the Japanese word bōjakubujin, which means "arrogance" or "audacity" or "outrageous behavior".
*Bujin - Based off the second part of boujakubujin, the same word used for Bojack's name.
*Kogu (Gokua) - Based off the Japanese word gokuaku or from gokuakubidou, meaning "heinous" or "extreme evil" or "inhuman".
*Bido - Based off the Japanese word hidō or gokuakubidou, the same word used for Kogu's name, meaning "inhuman" or "unjust".
*Zangya - Based off the Japanese word zangyaku, which means "cruelty" or "brutality".
==Kai understudies==
*Arqua - Named after aqua, "water".
*Caterpy - Comes from the insect "caterpillar".
*Froug - Named after the word "frog".
*Maraikoh - Named after the Malay cake (馬來糕, Ma Lai Gao).
*Mijorin (Migoren) - Comes from , an Indonesian dish.
*Olibu - Comes from "olive".
*Pikkon (Paikuhan) - Literally means "pork-rib rice".
*Papoi - Possibly a pun on the fruit "papaya".
*Sarta (Sāte) - Comes from the Indonesian dish .
*Tapkar - Named after tapioca.
*Torbie - Comes from the word "beetle".
==Supreme Kais==
Some are named from supernatural or godly sources.
*Shin - From "shin" which means "true", or "god" in the context of "Kaioshin".
*Chronoa - From the Greek titan "Chronos", and "chrono" (time) as a whole.
*Aeos - Possibly from the Greek word for "saint" or "blessed",
*Anato - Named after the Semitic goddess "Anat"
*Pell (Peru) - Possibly named after the Slavic god "Perun".
*Eyre (Ea) - Possibly named after the god "Enki", who became known as "Ea".
*Kuru - Possibly named after the Sumerian underworld "Kur".
*Ogma - From the Celtic god "Ogma".
*Fuwa - Possibly from the Mesopotamian monster, "Huwawa".
*Iru (Ill) - Possibly from "Ill", the masculine plural form of the Akkadian for Il or Ilu, which means "God".
*Agu - Possibly from Hindu god, "Agni".
*Khai - From "kai", meaning "world" or "revised".
Others are named after different ways of describing existence.
*Gowasu - From "gowasu", meaning "to be, to exist".
*Zamasu - From "zamasu", meaning "to be, to exist".
*Degesu - meaning "to be".
*Arinsu - meaning "to exist".
Others are named after status
*Kibito - From "tsukibito" (付き人), which means "attendant".
*Zen - Comes from the words "good/goodness" (善; zen).
*Wairu - Comes from "wild" (ワイルド; wairudo).
*Roh - Comes from "rō" meaning "old" or "elder".
==Galactic Patrolmen==
Most members of the Galactic Patrol are named after seafood.
*Jaco - Comes from the fish jako.
*Merus - Comes from surume, a traditional Japanse dried squid snack. Considering Merus' link to the Angels, it also comes from the Latin merus - which generally refers to undiluted pure wine.
*Irico - Comes from niboshi, which is also known as iriko and is dried infant sardines.
*Kusaya Squad - Comes from kusaya, a salt-dried and fermented fish.
*Sealas - Comes from shirasu, a type of sardine.
*Chiwak - Likely comes from chikuwa, a jelly-like food made from fish surimi.
*Tyber - Likely comes from tai, a sushi term referring to all varieties of sea bream or snapper.
*Calamis - Likely comes from Calamari, the culinary name for Squid.
Jiya and Steth form a play on the word justice.
==Galactic Patrol Prisoners==
Moro and some of the Saganbo are named after seafood - like the Galactic Patrol.
*Moro - Comes from moro - a type of shark meat. Alternatively spelled as "Molo", the name may also come from Moloch - a Caanite deity or Moros - the personified spirit of impending doom in Greek mythology.
*Saganbo - Comes from sagambo/saganbo - a type of shark meat.
*Shimorekka - Comes from (しもつかれ), a Japanese local simmered salmon-head dish.
Other members of the Galactic Bandit Brigade are named after food.
*Yunba - Comes from Yuba (ゆば), a food product made from soybeans.
*Zauyogi - Comes from (餃子, Gyoza), thus he shares his name origin with Chiaotzu.
The three women among the Galactic Bandit Brigade names come from the Japanese maxim of the "three wise monkeys"
*Miza - Comes from , the "see no evil" monkey.
*Iwaza - Comes from , the "speak no evil" monkey.
*Kikaza - Comes from , the "hear no evil" monkey.
The Macareni Gang are named after different types of pasta. Macareni itself is named after macaroni.
*Pasta Macareni - Comes from pasta.
*Penne Macareni - Comes from penne.
*Ghetti Macareni - Comes from spaghetti.
The members of the Galactic Bandit Brigade with links to past characters are named using the same scheme as them.
*Yuzun - Comes from yuzu - a type of citrus fruit. Shares in the naming scheme of the other members of Zarbon's race.
Other
*Seven-Three appears to simply be named after the numbers seven and three.
*Bikkura Quoitur's name comes from "bikkura-koita" (びっくらこいた), meaning "be surprised".
==Cerealians==
Cerealians are named after types of breakfast snacks. Cerealian itself is named after cereal.
*Granolah - Comes from granola.
*Oatmeel - Comes from oatmeal.
*Flayk - Comes from flake, as in corn flakes.
*Muezli - Comes from muesli, a cold oatmeal dish based on rolled oats and ingredients such as grains, nuts, seeds and fresh or dried fruits.
==Heeters==
Heeters are named after either type of energy sources, or types of heaters. Heeter itself comes from heater. Them being named after "heater" is presumably due to them existing in opposition of Frieza, whose name comes from "freezer".
*Elec - Comes from electricity.
*Macki - Comes from either ribbon/wrappable heater (巻き付けヒーター; makitsuke hiitaa) or firewood (薪; maki).
*Gas - Comes from gas.
*Oil - Comes from oil.
==Imeckians==
*Don Kee (Don Kia) - An anagram of the Japanese word for "merchant", akindo (商人).
*Ledgic (Rejikku) - Comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the word "credit" (クレジット, kurejitto).
==Machine Mutants==
*Dr. Myuu - The first Syllable of Mutation, a reference to his creations, the Machine Mutants. It is also the Greek letter mu (uppercase Μ, lowercase μ); the lowercase letter is employed in many academic fields as a special symbol.
*General Rilldo - An anagram of the Japanese pronunciation of the word "drill".
*Dolltaki - Pun on his occupation, Doll Taker, as well as a reference to Otaki, another word for Otaku in Japanese.
*Luud (ルード, Rūdo) - Based on the word "Doll" (ドール, dōru) reversed.
*Cardinal Mutchy Mutchy (Mutchī Motchī) - Comes from the Japanese words for "whip" (鞭, muchi) and "carry" (持つ, motchi), referencing the fact that he is always seen carrying a whip around.
*Leon - A reference to lion, the animal it looks like.
==Animals==
*Bubbles - A reference to the late American entertainer Michael Jackson's own pet chimpanzee of the same name.
*Korin (Karin) - His tower, the "Korin Tower" (Karin-tō), is a pun on "karinto" (karintō), a Japanese traditional snack food. He was named Karin because he is the owner of the Karin Tower.カリン塔（お菓子のカリントウ）からとったのですが、その主なので、カリンです。(Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Forever, Tokyo, Shueisha, 2004, p.157) Due to the English dubs, his name is also considered to be a pun on "corn".
*Oolong (Ūron) - Derives from the Chinese word wulong, which is "amber tea".
*Puar (Pūaru) - A pun on the Chinese word pu erh, a type of tea.
*Shu - Part of 'shumai', a traditional Chinese dumpling served in dim sum. It becomes "shumai" when combined with his partner Mai. Keep in mind that Toriyama originally named his "Soba" after the half-baked pasta
*Monster Carrot (Toninjinka) - His Japanese name literally translates to "rabbit that turns people into carrots".
*Zoonama - Comes from the word namazu (ナマズ), meaning "catfish".
==Gods of Destruction and their attendants==
Gods of Destruction and their attendants are all named after alcoholic beverages.
*Iwan - An anagram of "Wine".
*Awamo - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Awamori.
*Heles - Taken from the German light beer, helles or taken from the place in Spain where they make sherry (Jerez de la Frontera).
*Sour - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Sour (drink mixer).
*Mule - A pun of "Moscow Mule".
*Camparri - Named after the Italian liqueur.
*Quitela - An anagram of "Tequila".
*Cognac - Named after the alcoholic drink.
*Arak - A pun on Arack/Araq, an alcoholic beverage typically made from fermented grapes.
*Cukatail - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Cocktail
*Champa - A pun on "Champagne," a sparkling white wine manufactured in the Champagne province of France.
*Vados - A pun on "Calvados," an apple brandy manufactured in the Normandy province of France.
*Beerus (Birusu) - Originally intended as a pun on "virus" (ビールス; German pronunciation), however Akira Toriyama believed it to be a pun of "beer" and so it was changed.
*Whis (Uisu) - Whis' name in Japanese, Uisu (ウイス), seems to be a pun on "virus" (ウイルス; Latin pronunciation) like that of Beerus but in fact, while Beerus was named by the scripwriter Yūsuke Watanabe, Whis was named by the series' original author Akira Toriyama who mistakenly thought Beerus' name came from "beer" and gave his attendant the name Whis which he took from "whiskey" (ウイスキー), an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. (Due to Beerus being mistaken as a pun of beer, Whis is "whisky", and the rest follows i.e. champagne and calvados/vodka).
*Liquiir - A pun of "Liquiir".
*Korn - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Korn/Kornbrand
*Sidra - Taken from "Cider" in Spanish.
*Mohito - Named after the Cuban highball cocktail.
*Rumsshi - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Rum
*Kusu - A pun of aged Awamori: Kuusuu
*Belmod- A pun of the alcoholic drink: Vermouth
*Marcarita - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Margarita
*Giin - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Gin
*Martinu - A pun of the alcoholic drink: Martini
==Universe 6==
*Auta Magetta - Name is a reference to a combination of the famous giant robots, Mazinger and Getter Robo. 'Auta' references "auto-"
*Hit - Name is a reference to hitman (his profession) but can also refer to getting assaulted (which references the fact that he is a fighter).
==Universe 11==
Inhabitants of Universe 11 are named after kitchen appliances. Thus, they share the same naming scheme of the races of Frieza's Army Remnant.
*Top - Comes from the word pot.
*Jiren - Comes from the word renji, Japanese for range, a type of stove.
*Dyspo - A pun on disposal, as in garbage disposal.
*Kahseral - A pun on casserole, a large, deep pan used to cook food.
*Cocotte - Named after the French variant of the Dutch oven.
*Zoire - A pun of reizouko, Japanese for refrigerator.
*Kettle - Named after the kitchen appliance used to heat water.
*Tupper - A pun of Tupperware, a type of plastic that is used for containers and drinking cups.
*Vewon - Comes from oven.
*K'nsi - Comes from sink.
*Gicchin - A pun on kitchen, a room used for cooking and food preparation.
==Universe 9==
Inhabitants of Universe 9 are named after herbs.
*Bergamo - Comes from bergamot.
*Basil - Comes from basil.
*Lavender - Comes from lavender.
*Hyssop - Comes from hyssop.
*Oregano - Comes from oregano.
*Hop - Comes from hops.
*Sorrel - Comes from sorrel.
*Comfrey - Comes from comfrey.
*Roselle - Comes from roselle.
*Chappil - Comes from chepil or chervil.
==Universe 2==
Inhabitants of Universe 2 are named after meat.
*Brianne de Chateau/Ribrianne - Comes from Chateaubriand steak.
*Sous Roas/Roasie - Comes from roast beef.
*Sanka Coo/Kakunsa - Comes from Kansas steak or tri-tip steak (三角バラ) (sankaku bara).
*Bikal - Comes from kalbi.
*Zirloin - Comes from sirloin.
*Zarbuto - Comes from Zabuton.
*Rabanra - Comes from baraniku.
*Harmira - Comes from harami, Japanese for skirt steak.
*Prum - Comes from rump.
*Jimizu - Comes from Misuji beef.
==Universe 3==
Some inhabitants of Universe 3 are named after italian food.
*Paparoni - Comes from peperoni.
*Nigrissi - Comes from grissini.
*Narirama - Comes from marinara.
*Catopesra - Comes from pescatora.
*Za Priccio - Comes from capricciosa.
*Biarra - Comes from arrabiata.
*Pancéa - Comes from pancetta.
*Agnilasa - Comes from lasagna.
Some inhabitants of Universe 3 are named after Japanese statements.
*Maji-Kayo - Comes from "majikayo", Japanese for "seriously".
*Borareta - Comes from "borareta", Japanese for "ripped off".
*Koitsukai - Comes from "koitsukai", Japanese for "so this is the guy".
==Universe 4==
Inhabitants of Universe 4 are named after herbs.
*Ganos - Comes from oregano.
*Caway - Comes from caraway.
*Monna - Comes from cinnamon.
*Dercori - Comes from coriander.
*Xiangca - Comes from xiāngcài, Chinese for coriander.
*Shosa - Comes from shōga, Japanese for ginger.
*Majora - Comes from marjoram.
*Nink - Comes from nin'niku, Japanese for garlic.
*Gamisalas - Comes from garam masala.
*Damom - Comes from cardamom.
==Universe 10==
Inhabitants of Universe 10 are named after elements of the periodic table.
*Murichim - Comes from the word lithium.
*Rylibeu - Comes from the word beryllium.
*Dyrasem - Comes from the word praseodymium.
*Murisam - Comes from the word samarium.
*Methiop - Comes from the word promethium.
*Napapa - Comes from the word napalm.
*Rubalt - Comes from the word cobalt.
*Zircor - Comes from the word zirconium.
*Obni - Comes from the word niobium.
*Dium - Comes from the suffix -ium, which is used at the end of the names of most elements.
==Other==
*Flying Nimbus (Kinto'un) - "Kinto" (筋斗) means "flip", "somersault" or "tumble" in Chinese, and does not really mean anything in a Japanese context. "Un"(雲) means "cloud". The idea and the name of the cloud comes from the cloud with the same name which Sun Wukong (Son Goku in Japanese) uses in Journey to the West, which Dragon Ball is loosely based on.
*Mr. Popo (Misutā Popo) - "I named him just because it sounds comfortable" (by Akira Toriyama).
*Tapion - A pun on "tapioca". In the English dub it can also be a pun on "Tape" since he plays a lot
*Minotia - Formed by rearranging the syllables in "yashi no mi" (palm tree fruit) or "ashi no mi" (legs portion; the part of Hildegarn sealed inside him).
*Angol - Taken from the phrase "Angolmois", a term coined by the famed seer Nostradamus.
*Moah - Also taken from "Angolmois". It also can be a pun on the Moa giant birds (since he is executed by Paragus)
*Gure (Gure) - In Japanese Gureepu (グレープ), which means "Grape".
*Marmad - possibly from "marmalade".
*Sirami - possibly from "salami".
*Iragi Star System - from "iragi", a term for a style of dried, salted shark meat.
==Fusion names==
Fusion names are the result of the two fusee's names being combined to create a new name, though the results can very, and multiple names can be put forth. Namekian Fusions do not follow this pattern as they retain their dominate personality's name as Piccolo refused to be called Kamicollo when it was suggested after he fused with Kami, though this only applies to Namekian assimilation and no other forms of fusion such as Metamora, Potara, and EX-Fusion. EX-Fusions with other counterparts will have the letters EX before their names (such as EX Gotenks or EX Trunks) though not all as Natz EX-Fusion counterpart is named Rappa and any EX-Fusions that lack a fusion counterpart. Fusion characters resulting of two future characters fusing will have Future before their names (such as Future Gohanks and Future Gogeta) Fusions between counterparts also use the same name albeit with additional words added to their name to denote they are a fusion (such as EX Trunks or Fused Zamasu). Freeform Fusions have the words KF before the name of the dominant fusee. In the case of Androids certain types of fusion result in their numbers being combined (such as Android 1920 and Android 1718), in the case of Potara fusion added together (such as Android 35), while others feature names and numbers (such as Arale 18 and Perfect 16). However, in the case of Androids designed to fuse with other Androids or their components, they will have Super in their name (such as Super Android 13 and Super 17).
==References==
Category:Characters
Category:Dragon Ball
Category:Dragon Ball Z
Category:Dragon Ball GT
Category:Dragon Ball Super
Category:Dragon Ball Heroes
Category:Dragon Ball Daima
Category:Lists