Unova Region Index

The Unova Region (known as "Isshu" in Japan) is the main setting of Pokemon Black and White as well as the sequels Black 2 and White 2. The Unova Region is based on the New York metropolitan area with elements of New Jersey. For information regarding the Pokemon of Black and White, see here.
Please provide your own knowledge to this page if possible. Descriptions written in italics are speculation and not solid facts.
Etymology
* The name "Unova" likely comes from the Latin words "unum" (one) and "nova" (new).
* The name "Isshu" is based on a Japanese word meaning 'one variety', chosen to reflect the unity of the living creatures of the area.
== Characters ==
The running theme of the playable characters in Black and White is that they are named after words related to combat (in both English and Japanese). The running theme of the playable characters in Black 2 and White 2 is that they are named after parts of the word "resonate".
=== Hilbert ===
General Information: Hilbert (known as "Touya" in Japan) is the male player character in the original Generation V games.
Etymology
* Hilbert's name is a reference to "hild" (a Germanic element meaning 'battle').
* Hilbert's Japanese name is based on "to" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a fight).
=== Hilda ===
General Information: Hilda (known as "Touko" in Japan) is the female player character in the original Generation V games.
Etymology
* Hilda's name is a reference to "hild" (a Germanic element meaning 'battle').
* Hilda's Japanese name is based on "to" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a fight).
=== Nate ===
General Information: Nate (known as "Kyohei" in Japan) is the male player character in Black 2 and White 2.
Etymology
* Nate's name is inspired by the word "resonate".
Nate is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin derived from the name Nathan, meaning "gift of God".
* Nate's Japanese name is based on "kyomei" (the Japanese word for resonance).
=== Rosa ===
General Information: Rosa (known as "Mei" in Japan) is the female player character in Black 2 and White 2.
Etymology
* Rosa's name is inspired by the word "resonate".
Rosa is a feminine given name of Latin origin which is based on the rose.
* Rosa's Japanese name is based on "kyomei" (the Japanese word for resonance).
=== Cheren ===
General Information: Cheren is one of the rival characters in the original Generation V games. In Black 2 and White 2, Cheren serves as the first Gym Leader the player faces. As a Gym Leader, he specializes in Normal-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Basic Badge and TM83 (Work Up).
Etymology: Cheren's name comes from the Bulgarian word for the color black (referencing Pokemon Black Version).
=== Bianca ===
General Information: Bianca (known as "Beru" in Japan) is one of the rival characters in the original Generation V games. In Black 2 and White 2, Bianca serves as the personal Assistant to Professor Juniper.
Etymology
* Bianca's name comes from the Italian word for the color white (referencing Pokemon White Version).
* Bianca's Japanese name is based on "bel" (the Macedonian word for the color white).
=== Hugh ===
General Information: Hugh (known as "Hyu" in Japan) is the main rival character of Black 2 and White 2.
Etymology: Hugh's name (in both English and Japanese) likely comes from the word "hue".
=== Professor Juniper ===
General Information: Professor Aurea Juniper (known as "Dr. Araragi" in Japan) is the Pokemon Professor of the Unova region. Her research focuses on the origins of Pokemon.
Etymology
* This character is named after the juniper tree.
Junipers are coniferous trees and shrubs beloning to the Juniperus genus of the Cupressaceae family. They are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
* This character's Japanese name comes from "araragi" (the Japanese word for the Japanese yew).
The Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata), also known as the spreading yew, is a species of evergreen tree native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. It is commonly grown in eastern Asia and eastern North America as an ornamental plant.
=== Fennel ===
General Information: Fennel (known as "Makomo" in Japan) is a friend of Professor Juniper who specializes in studying Pokemon dreams.
Etymology
* This character is named after fennel.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a flowering species of herb belonging to the Apiaceae family which is indigenous to the Mediterranean shores. Due to being highly flavorful, it is a common ingredient in cooking. Its name comes from the Latin word "faeniculum", ultimately deriving from another word which refers to hay.
* This character's Japanese name comes from "makomo" (the Japanese word for Manchurian wild rice).
Manchurian wild rice (Zizania latifolia) is a species of wild rice native to Asia commonly used as a food source. It was an important grain in ancient China, although it has since become very rare in the wild.
=== Chili ===
General Information: Chili (known as "Poddo" in Japan) is one of the possible first Gym Leaders the player faces in the Unova region, faced if the player chose Snivy as their starter Pokemon. He specializes in Fire-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Trio Badge and TM83 (Work Up).
Etymology
* Chili's name is a reference to the chili pepper.
Chili peppers are a specific variety of plants in the Capsicum genus known for their spice. Believed to originate from Central or South America and first cultivated in Mexico, they are often used in cuisine to add "heat" to dishes. The word "chili" comes from the Nahuatl language. 
* Chili's Japanese name is based on pod corn.
Pod corn, also known as wild maize, is a mutant variety of maize (Zea mays) which is one of the six major types of corn.
=== Cress ===
General Information: Cress (known as "Kon" in Japan) is one of the possible first Gym Leaders the player faces in the Unova region, faced if the player chose Tepig as their starter Pokemon. He specializes in Water-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Trio Badge and TM83 (Work Up).
Etymology
* Cress' name is a reference to either garden cress or watercress.
Cress (Lepidium sativum), also referred to as garden cress or curly cress, is a type of herb of the Brassicaceae family commonly grown in England, France, and Scandinavia. It is used in the culinary arts for its tangy flavor and is sometimes eaten raw as sprouts. The name is derived from the German root word "gras", meaning 'to devour'.
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale), also known as yellowcress, is an aquatic flowering plant of the Brassicaceae family which is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans.
* Cress' Japanese name is based on corn.
Maize (Zea mays), also known in North America as corn, is a cereal grain first domesticated by the indigenous people of southern Mexico. It is a staple food in many parts of the world, sometimes even surpassing wheat and/or rice. It is the most widely grown grain crop in the Americas. The word "maize" is based on the Spanish form of the indigenous Taino word for the plant.
=== Cilan ===
General Information: Cilan (known as "Dento" in Japan) is one of the possible first Gym Leaders the player faces in the Unova region, faced if the player chose Oshawott as their starter Pokemon. He specializes in Grass-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Trio Badge and TM83 (Work Up).
Etymology
* Cilan's name is a reference to cilantro.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), also known as Chinese parsley and cilantro, is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family. While all parts of the plant are edible, the fresh leaves and dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking for its tart taste. The name "coriander" comes from the Ancient Greek word "koriannon" (possibly deriving from a word for the bed bug, referencing its pungent smell), while "cilantro" is based on the Spanish word for the plant used in American English due to its extensive use in Mexican cuisine.
* Cilan's Japanese name is based on dent corn.
Dent corn, also known as grain corn, is a type of field corn (Zea mays) which is one of the six major types of corn. Its name is based on the small "dent" (short for indentation) at the crown of each kernel.
=== Lenora ===
General Information: Lenora (known as "Aroe" in Japan) is the second Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region. She specializes in Normal-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Basic Badge and TM67 (Retaliate).
Etymology
* Lenora's name is likely inspired by the words "normal" and "lore".
Lenora is a feminine given name of English origin which means "light" in Greek.
* Lenora's Japanese name is based on aloe.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species which is considered an invasive species in much of the world. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, it grows in tropical and arid climates. It is cultivated as a topical treatment (rubbed on the skin to heal injuries) or as a potted plant. The name comes from Latin and Greek. 
=== Burgh ===
General Information: Burgh (known as "Ati" in Japan) is the third Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region. He specializes in Bug-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Insect Badge and TM76 (Struggle Bug).
Etymology
* Burgh's name is likely inspired by the words "bug" and "burg" (city).
* Burgh's Japanese name is based on the artichoke as well as the English words "artist" and "arthropod".
The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a species of thistle cultivated as food. The word comes from the northern Italian word "articiocco". 
=== Elesa ===
General Information: Elesa (known as "Kamitsure" in Japan) is the fourth Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region. She specializes in Electric-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Bolt Badge and TM72 (Volt Switch).
Etymology
* Elesa's name is likely inspired by the words "electric" and possibly "Tesla".
* Elesa's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the chamomile and "kaminari" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for thunder).
Chamomile is the common name for several different daisy-like plants of the Asteraceae family. Two of these species (Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis) are infused into beverages for supposed herbal benefits. The word comes from the Greek word "khamaimelon", meaning 'earth apple'.
=== Clay ===
General Information: Clay (known as "Yakon" in Japan) is the fifth Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region. He specializes in Ground-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Quake Badge and TM78 (Bulldoze).
Etymology
* Clay's name is inspired by a type of fine-grained soil material which is most often used in the creation of pottery.
* Clay's Japanese name is based on the yacon and "kon" (a trigram in I Ching that represents earth).
The yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a species of daisy traditionally grown in the northern and central Andes from Colombia to northern Argentina for their sweet-tasting roots.
=== Skyla ===
General Information: Skyla (known as "Fuuro" in Japan) is the sixth Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region. She specializes in Flying-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Jet Badge and TM62 (Acrobatics).
Etymology
* Skyla's name is inspired by the word "sky" and possibly the "skylark".
* Skyla's Japanese name is based on "furoso" (the Japanese word for geranium) and "fu" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for the wind).
Geranium, commonly known as crane's-bills, are a genus of 422 species of plants found mostly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region. The genus name is derived from the Greek word for a crane ("geranos").
=== Brycen ===
General Information: Brycen (known as "Hachiku" in Japan) is the seventh Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region. He specializes in Ice-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Freeze Badge and TM79 (Frost Breath).
Etymology
* Brycen's name is inspired by the word "ice".
Brycen is a masculine given name derived from the name Brice or Bryce, which itself means 'son of an aristocrat'.
* Brycen's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for henon.
Henon (Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis) is a variant of a species of Chinese bamboo.
=== Drayden ===
General Information: Drayden (known as "Shaga" in Japan) is the eighth Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region, specifically being fought in Pokemon Black Version. He specializes in Dragon-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Legend Badge and TM82 (Dragon Tail).
Etymology
* Drayden's name is inspired by the words "dragon" and "den" (in the context of a dragon's den).
* Drayden's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the fringed iris.
The fringed iris (Iris japonica), also known as the butterfly flower, is a species of flower native to China and Japan known for its pale blue flowers. In Japan, the fringed iris was enouraged to be planted within castles so the slippery leaves could be used to slow down invaders.
=== Iris ===
General Information: Iris is the eighth Gym Leader the player faces in the Unova region, specifically being fought in Pokemon White Version. She specializes in Dragon-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Legend Badge and TM82 (Dragon Tail). In Black 2 and White 2, Iris has become the new Champion of the Unova region and serves as the final boss.
Etymology: Iris is named after the iris flower.
Iris is a genus of 310 accepted species of flowers which is a popular garden plant. Their name comes from the Greek word for the rainbow.
=== Roxie ===
General Information: Roxie (known as "Homika" in Japan) is the second Gym Leader the player faces in Black 2 and White 2. She specializes in Poison-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Toxic Badge and TM09 (Venoshock).
Etymology
* Roxie's name is inspired by the word "toxic".
Roxie is a feminine given name of Persian origin which means 'dawn'.
* Roxie's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the strychnine tree.
The strychnine tree (Stryhnos nux-vomica) is a deciduous tree native to India and southeastern Asia most known for its extremely poisonous fruit.
=== Marlon ===
General Information: Marlon (known as "Shizui" in Japan) is the eighth Gym Leader the player faces in Black 2 and White 2. He specializes in Water-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Wave Badge and TM55 (Scald).
Etymology
* Marlon's name is inspired by the words "marlin" and "marine".
* Marlon's Japanese name is based on "shizui" (the Japanese word for Schoenoplectus nipponicus).
Schoenoplectus nipponicus is a species of plant in the Cyperaceae family native to Japan and Korea.
=== Shauntal ===
General Information: Shauntal (known as "Shikimi" in Japan) is the first member of the Elite Four in the Unova region. She specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Shauntal's name is inspired by the word "haunt".
* Shauntal's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the Japanese star anise.
Illicium anisatum, commonly known as the Japanese star anise or the sacred Anise tree, is a tree which belongs to the Austrobaileyales order. Its fruit are not edible due to being highly toxic, but the Japanese use its leaves as incense and bury their seeds in their graveyards to ward off animals from digging up the graves. The plant is highly sacred by Japanese Buddhists.
=== Marshal ===
General Information: Marshal (known as "Renbu" in Japan) is the second member of the Elite Four in the Unova region. He specializes in Fighting-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Marshal's name is inspired by the term "martial arts".
Marshal is is an occupational given name more commonly used as a surname which comes from Frankish words roughly meaning 'horse servant'.
* Marshal's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the wax apple and "renbu" (a Japanese word for practicing martial arts).
Syzygium samarangense, more commonly known in English as the wax apple and the Java apple, is a species of flowering plant native to the Indonesian islands of Greater Sunda as well as the Malay peninsula which has been widely cultivated in the tropics for their fruit.
=== Grimsley ===
General Information: Grimsley (known as "Giima" in Japan) is the third member of the Elite Four in the Unova region. He specializes in Dark-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Grimsley's name is inspired by the words "grim" and "grimace".
* Grimsley's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for Vaccinium wrightii.
Vaccinium wrightii is a specific subspecies of the Vaccinium plant native to the Japanese Ryukyu islands.
=== Caitlin ===
General Information: Caitlin (known as "Cattleya" in Japan) is the fourth member of the Elite Four in the Unova region. She specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon.
Etymology: Caitlin's name (in both English and Japanese) is based on the Cattleya.
Caitlin is a feminine given name of Irish origin which is derived from the Old French name Cateline, which itself comes from Catherine. While generally believed to mean 'pure' due to being associated with the Greek word for that adjective ("katharos"), this etymology is not a proper derivation.
Cattleya is a specific genus of orchids native to Costa Rica and Argentina.
=== Alder ===
General Information: Alder (known as "Adeku" in Japan) is the Champion of the Unova region in the original Generation V games.
Etymology
* Alder's name is inspired by the alder tree, the "alder moth", and "alderman".
Alders are a genus of trees belonging to the Betulaceae family.
* Alder's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the boxleaf eugenia.
Syzygium buxifolium, more commonly known as the boxleaf eugenia, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family.
=== N ===
General Information: Natural Harmonia Gropius, more commonly known as N, is one of the player's rivals in Black and White and the puppet leader of Team Plasma.
Etymology: N's full name is based on a "natural number", "harmonic function", and the Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius.
=== Ghetsis ===
General Information: Ghetsis is the true leader of Team Plasma.
Etymology: Ghetsis' name is based on "G" and "Cis", the pitches of the timpani instrument used in his battle theme. The combination is also a tritone, a dissonant musical interval previously referred to as Diablus in Musica (The Devil in Music) in the 18th century.
== Locations ==
All of the major cities and towns in Unova are named after cloud-related terms (in English). The Japanese names of the cities and towns come from traditional patterns. The Real World Equivalents are heavily speculative.
=== Nuverna Town ===
General Information: Nuverna Town (known as "Kanoko" in Japan) is a small town in southeastern Unova which is the starting location for players.
Real World Equivalent: Coney Island
Etymology
* Nuverna Town is named after "nuvem" (the Portuguese word for a cloud).
* Nuverna Town's Japanese name is based on "kanoko-moyo" (the Japanese word for a pattern resembling the white spots of a fawn/baby deer).
=== Accumula Town ===
General Information: Accumula Town (known as "Karakusa" in Japan) is a small town in southeastern Unova where the player has their first encounter with Team Plasma.
Real World Equivalent: Marine Park
Etymology
* Accumula Town is named after the "cumulus cloud" and the word "accumulate".
* Accumula Town's Japanese name is based on "karakusa-moyo" (the Japanese word for vine scrolls).
=== Striaton City ===
General Information: Striaton City (known as "Sanyou" in Japan) is a city in southeastern Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Chili, Cress, or Cilan.
Real World Equivalent: Canarsie
Etymology
* Striaton City is named after "striation" (a series of parallel grooves in a cloud formation that reveals the presence of rotation).
* Striaton City's Japanese name is based on "san'yo-mon" (the Japanese word for a pattern featuring three packed circles that represents the stars in the Orion's belt asterism).
=== Nacrene City ===
General Information: Nacrene City (known as "Shippou" in Japan) is a city in southeastern Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Lenora.
Real World Equivalent: Boerum Hill
Etymology
* Nacrene City is named after the "nacreous cloud" (a type of polar cloud which glows with iridescent colors).
* Nacrene City's Japanese name is based on "shippo-mon" (the Japanese word for a pattern consisting of overlapping circles).
=== Castelia City ===
General Information: Castelia City (known as "Hiun" in Japan) is a large seaside city in south central Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Burgh.
Real World Equivalent: Lower Manhattan
Etymology
* Castelia City is named after "castellanus" (a type of cloud featuring a turreted appearance, named after the Latin word for a castle).
* Castelia City's Japanese name is based on "hiun-mon" (the Japanese word for a pattern based on swirling clouds).
=== Nimbasa City ===
General Information: Nimbasa City (known as "Raimon" in Japan) is a city located in central Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Elesa.
Real World Equivalent: Midtown Manhattan
Etymology
* Nimbasa City is named after "nimbus" (rain cloud) and "cumulonimbus" (clouds associated with thunderstorms).
* Nimbasa City's Japanese name is based on "raimon" (the Japanese word for a meander, a decorative border commonly found in Ancient Greek architecture).
=== Anville Town ===
General Information: Anville Town (known as "Kanawa" in Japan) is a town in northwestern Unova.
Real World Equivalent: Morristown
Etymology
* Anville Town is named after "anvil clouds".
* Anville Town's Japanese name is based on "kanawa-mon" (the Japanese word for a traditional pattern based on interlocking metal rings).
=== Driftveil City ===
General Information: Driftveil City (known as "Hodomoe" in Japan) is a major ocean port city in western Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Clay.
Real World Equivalent: Union City
Etymology
* Driftveil City is named after "cloud drift" and "cloud veil".
* Driftveil City's Japanese name is based on "hodomoe" (the Japanese word for a tomoe pattern with a sail motif).
=== Mistralton City ===
General Information: Mistralton City (known as "Fukiyose" in Japan) is a city in western Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Skyla.
Real World Equivalent: Teterboro
Etymology
* Mistralton City is named after the "mistral cloud".
* Mistralton City's Japanese name is based on "fukiyose" (the Japanese word for a pattern based on a combination of flowers and leaves blown by the wind).
=== Icirrus City ===
General Information: Icirrus City (known as "Sekka" in Japan) is a city in northwestern Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Brycen.
Real World Equivalent: Ridgefield
Etymology
* Icirrus City is named after the "cirrus cloud" (high clouds made of ice crystals) and the word "ice".
* Icirrus City's Japanese name is based on "sekka-mon'yo" (the Japanese word for a traditional pattern based on snowflakes).
=== Opelucid City ===
General Information: Opelucid City (known as "Soryu" in Japan) is a city in Northern Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Drayden or Iris.
Real World Equivalent: Harlem & Washington Heights
Etymology
* Opelucid City is named after "opacus" (opaque sheets of clouds) and "perlucidus" (sheets of cloud with small spaces).
* Opelucid City's Japanese name is based on "soryu-mon" (the Japanese name for a traditional Chinese pattern featuring a pair of dragons).
=== Lacunosa Town ===
General Information: Lacunosa Town (known as "Kagome" in Japan) is a town in northeastern Unova.
Real World Equivalent: Flushing
Etymology
* Lacunosa Town is named after "lacunosus" (clouds characterized by a net or honeycomb pattern).
* Lacunosa Town's Japanese name is based on "kagome" (short for kagome lattice, a pattern of holes in a woven bamboo basket).
=== Undella Town ===
General Information: Undella Town (known as "Sazanami" in Japan) is a town in eastern Unova.
Real World Equivalent: Howard Beach
Etymology
* Undella Town is named after "undulatus" (clouds displaying wavy patterns).
* Undella Town's Japanese name is based on "sazanami-moyo" (the Japanese name for a traditional pattern based on ripples).
=== Aspertia City ===
General Information: Aspertia City (known as "Hiougi" in Japan) is a small city in southwestern Unova which is the starting location for players in Black 2 and White 2. It is also the location where the player faces the Gym Leader Cheren.
Real World Equivalent: Elizabeth
Etymology
* Aspertia City is named after "asperatus" (the former name of the most recently discovered cloud formation which was later renamed "asperitas").
* Aspertia City's Japanese name is based on "hiogi-mon" (the Japanese word for a traditional pattern modeled after the Japanese cypress folding fan).
=== Floccesy Town ===
General Information: Floccesy Town (known as "Sangi" in Japan) is a town in southwestern Unova.
Real World Equivalent: Newark
Etymology
* Floccesy Town is named after "floccus" (a type of cloud whose name is Latin for 'a tuft of wool') and the word "prophecy".
* Floccesy Town's Japanese name is based on "sangi-mon" (the Japanese word for a pattern composed of parallel horizontal bars resembling counting rods).
=== Virbank City ===
General Information: Virbank City (known as "Tachiwaki" in Japan) is a city in southwestern Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Roxie in Black 2 and White 2.
Real World Equivalent: Jersey City
Etymology
* Virbank City is named after "virga" and "bank" (defined as 'a mass of clouds' or 'water's edge').
* Virbank City's Japanese name is based on "tachiwaki-monyo" (the Japanese word for a pattern based on alternating vertical waves that represents rising steam).
=== Lentimas Town ===
General Information: Lentimas Town (known as "Yamaji" in Japan) is a town in eastern Unova.
Real World Equivalent: Forest Hills
Etymology
* Lentimas Town is named after the "lenticular cloud" (a cloud that usually forms over a mountain).
* Lentimas Town's Japanese name is based on "yamaji-mon" (the Japanese word for a pattern based on parallel zigzags which literally means 'mountain road').
=== Humilau City ===
General Information: Humilau City (known as "Seigaiha" in Japan) is a city in northeastern Unova where the player faces the Gym Leader Marlon in Black 2 and White 2.
Real World Equivalent: Harbor Isle - Island Park
Etymology
* Humilau City is named after "cumulus humilis".
* Humilau City's Japanese name is based on "seigaiha" (the Japanese word for a traditional pattern of layered concentric semicircles representing the blue ocean waves).
== Ideas ==
=== Region Theming ===
* Artists
* Beverages
* Cosmetics
* Diseases
* Extinct Animals
* Fabric
* Goetia Demons
* Mathematical Terms
* Noh Masks
* Pro Wrestling Moves
* Scientific Terms
* Train Types