Hoenn Region Index

The Hoenn Region is the main setting of Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. The Hoenn Region is based on the Kyushu region of Japan. For information regarding the Pokemon of Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, see here.
Please provide your own knowledge to this page if possible. Descriptions written in italics are speculation and not solid facts.
Etymology: The kanji that inspired this region's name can be translated as 'abundant relations'.
== Characters ==
=== Brendan ===
General Information: Brendan (known as "Yuuki" in Japan) is the male player character in the Generation III games. He also serves as a rival character should the player choose his female counterpart as their avatar.
Etymology
* Brendan's name is inspired by the word "brave".
Brendan is an Irish masculine given name derived from the Gaelic name Breandan, which ultimately comes from the Old Welsh root "breenhin" which means 'prince' or 'king'.
* Brendan's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for bravery.
=== May ===
General Information: May (known as "Haruka" in Japan) is the female player character in the Generation III games. She also serves as a rival character should the player choose her male counterpart as their avatar.
Etymology
* May's name comes from the month of the same name.
* May's Japanese name, depending on the kanji used to spell it, can mean 'spring flower' or 'distant'.
=== Wally ===
General Information: Wally (known as "Mitsuru" in Japan) is one of the rivals in the Generation III games.
Etymology
* Wally's name is inspired by "wallflower" (a slang word for someone who is introverted and does not surround themselves with other people).
Wally is a gender neutral Welsh given name. It is a nickname for the name Wallace, which refers to someone from the Wales, or Walter, which means 'ruler of the army'.
* Wally's Japanese name is based on "tsuru" (the Japanese word for a vine), "mitsuru" (a Japanese verb meaning 'to be frail'), and "tsuru" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for crane, possibly in reference to the thousand origami cranes presented to those who are seriously ill).
=== Professor Birch ===
General Information: Professor Birch (known as "Dr. Odamaki" in Japan) is the Pokemon Professor of the Hoenn Region. His research focuses on Pokemon habitats and distribution.
Etymology
* This character is named after the birch.
A birch is any deciduous hardwood tree of the Betula genus in the Betulaceae family. They are widespread in the North Hemisphere, particularly in northern areas of temperate climates and in boreal climates. The common name comes from a Proto-Germanic root word meaning 'to shine' or 'to white' in reference to the white bark of the tree.
* This character's Japanese name comes from "odamaki" (the Japanese word for columbine).
Aquilegia, commonly known as columbine or granny's bonnet, is a genus of perennial plants found in meadows and woodlands throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
=== Roxanne ===
General Information: Roxanne (known as "Tsutsuji" in Japan) is the first Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. She specializes in Rock-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Stone Badge and TM39 (Rock Tomb).
Etymology
* Roxanne's name is inspired by "rock".
Roxanne is a feminine given name derived from the Greek name of Roxana, the wife of Alexander the Great. It is derived from the Persian name Roshanak, ultimately meaning 'bright star'.
* Roxanne's Japanese name is based on "tsutsuji" (the Japanese word for rhododendron).
Rhododendron is a genus of around 1,024 species of flowers native to Asia. The name comes from Ancient Greek and means 'rose tree', referencing the flowers being found on trees.
=== Brawly ===
General Information: Brawly (known as "Touki" in Japan) is the second Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. He specializes in Fighting-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Knuckle Badge and TM08 (Bulk Up).
Etymology
* Brawly's name is inspired by "brawl".
* Brawly's Japanese name is based on "toki" (the Japanese word for Angelica acutiloba), which is a homophone of the Japanese word for 'fighting spirit'.
Angelica acutiloba is a perennial herb from the Apiaceae or Umbelliferous family which is predominately found in Japan. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
=== Wattson ===
General Information: Wattson (known as "Tessen" in Japan) is the third Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. He specializes in Electric-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Dynamo Badge and TM34 (Shock Wave).
Etymology
* Wattson's name is inspired by "watt" and is a pun on Watson.
Watson is an English and Scottish given name derived from the name Walter. It means 'son of water'.
* Wattson's Japanese name is based on "tessen" (the Japanese word for the Clematis florida), which literally translates to 'steel wire'.
Clematis is a genus containing around 300 species of flowering plants within the Ranunculaceae family. Primarily originating from China and Japan, Clematis are popular among gardeners.
=== Flannery ===
General Information: Flannery (known as "Asuna" in Japan) is the fourth Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. She specializes in Fire-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Heat Badge and TM50 (Overheat).
Etymology
* Flannery's name is inspired by "flame".
Flannery is a rare English feminine name which comes from an Irish given name meaning 'red valor'.
* Flannery's Japanese name is based on "asunaro" (the Japanese word for Thujopsis dolabrata).
Thujopsis dolabrata is a species of conifer tree in the Cupressaceae family which is endemic to Japan.
=== Norman ===
General Information: Norman (known as "Senri" in Japan) is the fifth Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. He specializes in Normal-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Balance Badge and TM42 (Facade).
Etymology
* Norman's name is inspired by the word "normal".
Norman is an English given name which also is found in various other cultures. It is thought to be Germanic in origin, where it comes from elements meaning 'northern man'.
* Norman's Japanese name is based on "senryo" (the Japanese word for the glabrous sarcandra) and "senri" (the Japanese word for a great distance).
Sarcandra glabra, also known as the nine-knotted flower or the glabrous sarcandra, is an herb in the Chloranthaceae order which is native to Southeast Asia. Aromatic oils can be extracted from the plants leaves and the Japanese use it as a decoration for the Japanese New Year.
=== Winona ===
General Information: Winona (known as "Nagi" in Japan) is the sixth Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. She specializes in Flying-type Pokemon. Defeating her will grant the player the Feather Badge and TM40 (Aerial Ace).
Etymology
* Winona's name is inspired by "winnow", "wing", and possibly "wind".
Winona is a feminine given name which is an Angelicized form of the Dakota descriptive term "Winunna", meaning 'firstborn daughter'.
* Winona's Japanese name is based on "nagi" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for the Nageia nagi), which is a homophone of the Japanese word for calm.
Nageia nagi, commonly known as the Asian bayberry, is a tree species in the Podocarpaceae family native to China, Japan, and Taiwan.
=== Tate and Liza ===
General Information: Tate and Liza (known as "Fu and Lan" in Japan) collectively serve as the seventh Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. They specialize in Psychic-type Pokemon. Defeating them will grant the player the Mind Badge and TM04 (Calm Mind).
Etymology
* Tate and Liza's names are inspired by the word "levitate".
Tate is an English gender-neutral given name and nickname coming from Old Norse roots meaning 'cheerful'.
Liza is a feminine Hebrew given name sometimes used as a nickname for Elizabeth or Eliza. It ultimately means 'God's promise' or 'God is my oath'.
* Tate and Liza's Japanese names are based on "furan" (the Japanese word for the wind orchid) and "fu" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for floating).
Vanda falcata, commonly known as the wind orchid, is a flower species found in China, Korea, and Japan.
=== Wallace ===
General Information: Wallace (known as "Mikuri" in Japan) is the eighth Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region. He specializes in Water-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Rain Badge and TM03 (Water Pulse). In Emerald, Wallace has become the new Champion of the Hoenn Region and serves as the final boss.
Etymology
* Wallace's name is inspired by the word "water".
Wallace is a Scottish and English given name referring to someone from Wales.
* Wallace's Japanese name is based on "mikuri" (the Japanese word for simplestem bur-reed).
Sparganium erectum, also known as the simplestem bur-reed, is a perennial plant of the Typhaceae family.
=== Juan ===
General Information: Juan (known as "Adan" in Japan) is the eighth Gym Leader the player faces in the Hoenn Region, specifically being fought in Pokemon Emerald Version. He specializes in Water-type Pokemon. Defeating him will grant the player the Rain Badge and TM03 (Water Pulse).
Etymology
* Juan's name is inspired by the word "water" and possibly "Don Juan" (a fictional Spanish womanizer).
Juan is a Spanish variant of the Hebrew name John, meaning 'God is gracious'. The name is very common in Spain and other Spanish-speaking communities as well as in the Philippines.
* Juan's Japanese name is based on "adan" (the Japanese word for thatch screwpine) and "dan" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for the open sea).
Pandanus tectorius, also known as thatch screwpine and the hala tree, is a small tree native to Malesia, Papuasia, eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
=== Sidney ===
General Information: Sidney (known as "Kagetsu" in Japan) is the first member of the Elite Four in the Hoenn Region. He specializes in Dark-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Sidney's name is inspired by words like "sinister", "insidious", and "sadness".
Sidney, often shortened to Sid, is an English given name which was originally used as a surname. The name is possibly based on an Anglo-Saxon locational name meaning 'at the wide island'.
* Sidney's Japanese name is based on "kagetsu" (the Japanese word for the jade plant) as well as "kage" (the Japanese word for shadow) and "getsu" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for the moon).
Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant or the money tree, is a succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family native to South Africa and Mozambique. It is commonly used as a houseplant, popular due to the low levels of care needed.
=== Phoebe ===
General Information: Phoebe (known as "Fuyou" in Japan) is the second member of the Elite Four in the Hoenn Region. She specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Phoebe's name is inspired by words like "phobia" and "phantom".
Phoebe is a female given name which is the feminine form of "Phoebus", an epithet of Apollo which means 'bright' or 'shining' in Greek. It is also the name of a Titan in Greek mythology associated with prophecy and the moon.
* Phoebe's Japanese name is based on "fuyo" (the Japanese word for cotton rosemallow) and "yokai" (the Japanese word for a phantom, also refers to an archetype of Japanese ghosts).
Hibiscus mutabilis, also known as the Confederate rose or cotton rosemallow, is a flower species in the Malvaceae family originally native to southern China and Taiwan.
=== Glacia ===
General Information: Glacia (known as "Purim" in Japan) is the third member of the Elite Four in the Hoenn Region. She specializes in Ice-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Glacia's name is inspired by the word "glacier".
* Glacia's Japanese name is based on Primula.
Primula, commonly known as the primrose, is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the Primulaceae family. They are primarily native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. They are valued for their ornamental flowers.
=== Drake ===
General Information: Drake (known as "Genji" in Japan) is the fourth member of the Elite Four in the Hoenn Region. He specializes in Dragon-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Drake's name is possibly inspired by Sir Francis Drake.
Drake is a English given name derived from either the Old Norse "Draki" or the Old English "Draca", both of which are based on the Greek word "drakon" (dragon or serpent).
* Drake's Japanese name is based on "genjin" (the Japanese word for Ningpo figwort) and "genju" (the Japanese word for a mythical beast).
Scrophularia ningpoensis, commonly known as the Ningpo figwort or Chinese figwort, is a perennial plant of the Scrophulariaceae family which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years.
=== Steven Stone ===
General Information: Steven Stone (known as "Daigo Tsuwabuki" in Japan) is the Champion of the Hoenn Region. He specializes in Steel-type Pokemon.
Etymology
* Steven's name is inspired by the word "steel".
Steven is a common English masculine given name. It is particularly significant to Christians due to being associated with Saint Stephen (an early disciple in the Church often regarded as the first martyr of the Christian Church). The name is derived from the Greek name "Stephanos", ultimately meaning 'crown' or 'wreath'.
* Steven's Japanese name is based on "deigo" (the Japanese word for the Indian coral tree) and "tsuwabuki" (the Japanese word for the leopard plant).
Erythrina variegata, commonly known as the tiger's claw or Indian coral tree, is a species of thorny deciduous tree of the Fabaceae family which is native to eastern Africa, the Indian subcontinent, northern Australia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean as well as the western Pacific Ocean. It is commonly valued as an ornamental tree and is the official flower of the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, being featured in the well-known song Shima Uta.
Farfugium japonicum, commonly known as the leopard plant, is a species of flowering plant native to the streams and seashores of Japan which is used as an ornamental garden plant.
=== Maxie ===
General Information: Maxie (known as "Matsubusa" in Japan) is the head of Team Magma.
Etymology
* Maxie's name is inspired by the word "magma".
Maxie is a gender-neutral name of Latin origin derived from the word "maximus" (meaning 'greatest').
* Maxie's Japanese name is based on "matsubusa" (the Japanese word for Schisandra repanda).
Schisandra repanda is a deciduous vine of the Schisandraceae family which is native to Japan and Korea.
=== Courtney ===
General Information: Courtney (known as "Kagari" in Japan) is one of the Admins of Team Magma.
Etymology
* Courtney's name is inspired by the word "country".
Courtney is an English gender-neutral given name derived from an English surname. It can be interpreted as meaning 'short nose'.
* Courtney's Japanese name is based on "kagaribi" (the Japanese word for a bonfire).
=== Tabitha ===
General Information: Tabitha (known as "Homura" in Japan) is one of the Admins of Team Magma.
Etymology
* Tabitha's name is an anagram of the word "habitat".
*Tabitha's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for flame.
=== Archie ===
General Information: Archie (known as "Aogiri" in Japan) is the head of Team Aqua.
Etymology
* Archie's name is inspired by "aqua" (the Latin word for water).
Archie is a German masculine given name often used as a shortened form of Archibald. It can mean things like 'genuine', 'bold', or 'brave'.
* Archie's Japanese name is based on "aogiri" (the Japanese word for the Chinese parasol tree).
Firmiana simplex, commonly known as the Chinese parasol tree, is an ornamental plant of the Malvaceae family which is native to Asia.
=== Shelly ===
General Information: Shelly (known as "Izumi" in Japan) is one of the Admins of Team Aqua.
Etymology
* Shelly's name is inspired by "sea shell".
*Shelly's Japanese name is based on a reading of the Japanese kanji for a spring of water.
=== Matt ===
General Information: Matt (known as "Ushio" in Japan) is one of the Admins of Team Aqua.
Etymology
* Matt's name might come from "mast".
Matt is an English masculine given name often used as a nickname for Matthew. It ultimately comes from the Hebrew name "Matityahu", meaning 'Gift of Yahweh'.
* Matt's Japanese name is based on the Japanese word for the tide.
== Locations ==
All of the major cities and towns in Hoenn are based on a combination of two different words. The Real World Equivalents are heavily speculative.
=== Littleroot Town ===
General Information: Littleroot Town (known as "Mishiro" in Japan) is a town in southwestern Hoenn which is the starting location for players.
Real-World Counterpart: Imari City or Sasebo City
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of the words "little" and "root".
* This town's Japanese name can be literally translated as 'not yet white'.
=== Oldale Town ===
General Information: Oldale Town (known as "Kotoki" in Japan) is a town in southwestern Hoenn.
Real-World Counterpart: Saga City
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of the words "old" and "dale".
* This town's Japanese name is based on "ko" (old) and "toki" (time) or "toki-iro" (the Japanese word for the coral pink color of the crested ibis).
=== Petalburg City ===
General Information: Petalburg City (known as "Touka" in Japan) is a city in southwestern Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leader Norman.
Real-World Counterpart: Karatsu City
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "petal" and "-burg".
* This city's Japanese name is based on "toka" (the Japanese word for an orange blossom) or "toka" (flower head).
=== Rustboro City ===
General Information: Rustboro City (known as "Kanazumi" in Japan) is a metropolis in western Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leader Roxanne.
Real-World Counterpart: Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "rust" and "borough".
* This city's Japanese name is based on kanji meaning 'metal charcoal'.
=== Dewford City ===
General Information: Dewford City (known as "Muro" in Japan) is a city on an island southwest of mainland Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leader Brawly.
Real-World Counterpart: Tsushima Island
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "dew" and "ford".
* This city's Japanese name is based on a pair of kanji for 'martial arts' and 'dew'. The name might also be inspired by "muro" (the Japanese word for temple juniper).
=== Slateport City ===
General Information: Slateport City (known as "Kaina" in Japan) is a port town on the southern coast of Hoenn.
Real-World Counterpart: Nagasaki City
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "slate" and "port".
* This city's Japanese name is based on "kai" (either a reading of the Japanese kanji for gray or the sea) and possibly "kaina" (a reading of the Japanese word for the arm).
=== Mauville City ===
General Information: Mauville City (known as "Kinsetsu" in Japan) is a city in central Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leader Wattson.
Real-World Counterpart: Kumamoto City
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "mauve" and "ville".
* This city's Japanese name is based on "kin" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for violet).
=== Verdanturf Town ===
General Information: Verdanturf Town (known as "Shidake" in Japan) is a small town in central-western Hoenn.
Real-World Counterpart: Kikuchi City
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "verdant" and "turf".
* This town's Japanese name is based on "shi" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for lawn), "aodake-iro" (the Japanese word for the mint green color of bamboo), and "take" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for the peak of a mountain).
=== Fallarbor Town ===
General Information: Fallarbor Town (known as "Hazitsuge" in Japan) is a small town in northwest Hoenn.
Real-World Counterpart: Oita City
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "fall" and "arbor".
* This town's Japanese name is based on "haji-iro" (the Japanese word for chestnut brown) and "tsuge" (the Japanese word for Japanese boxwood).
=== Lavaridge Town ===
General Information: Lavaridge Town (known as "Huen" in Japan) is a small town in central western Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leader Flannery.
Real-World Counterpart: Aso Town and Taketa City
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "lava" and "ridge".
* This town's Japanese name is based on "fu" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for a cauldron) and "enshoku" (the Japanese word for the color of flame).
=== Fortree City ===
General Information: Fortree City (known as "Hiwamaki" in Japan) is a city in Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leader Winona.
Real-World Counterpart: Hyuga City
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "fort" and "tree".
* This city's Japanese name is based on "hiwa-iro" (the Japanese word for the chartreuse color of the siskin bird) and "maki" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for the yew plum pine tree).
=== Lilycove City ===
General Information: Lilycove City (known as "Minamo" in Japan) is a city in eastern Hoenn.
Real-World Counterpart: Kanoya City
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "water lily" and "cove".
* This city's Japanese name is based on "minamo" (the Japanese word for the water's surface) and "mo" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for algae).
=== Mossdeep City ===
General Information: Mossdeep City (known as "Tokusane" in Japan) is a city located on an island along the eastern edge of Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leaders Tate and Liza.
Real-World Counterpart: Tanegashima
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "moss" and "deep".
* This city's Japanese name is based on "tokusa0iro" (the Japanese word for the teal green color of the horsetail stem) and "takane" (the Japanese word for a high peak).
=== Sootopolis City ===
General Information: Sootopolis City (known as "Rune" in Japan) is a city in eastern Hoenn where the player faces the Gym Leader Wallace or Juan.
Real-World Counterpart: Yakushima
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "soot" and "polis" (the Greek word for a city).
* This city's Japanese name is based on "ru" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for flow), "ruri-iro" (the Japanese word for lapis lazuli), and "ne" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for underwater black soil traditionally used as dye).
=== Pacifidlog Town ===
General Information: Pacifidlog Town (known as "Kinagi" in Japan) is a town located in the seas south of the Hoenn mainland.
Real-World Counterpart: Koshikijima Islands
Etymology
* This town's name is a combination of "pacific" and "log", as well as an inversion of the word "gold".
* This town's Japanese name is based on "ki" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for the color yellow) and "nagi" (a reading of the Japanese kanji for calm).
=== Ever Grande City ===
General Information: Ever Grande City (known as "Saiyu" in Japan) is a city located on an island in eastern Hoenn where the Hoenn Elite Four and the Champion are faced.
Real-World Counterpart: Naha City
Etymology
* This city's name is a combination of "ever" and "grand".
* This city's Japanese name is based on either "saiyu" (a Japanese word meaning 'finest') or a combination of "sai" (the Japanese word for color) and "yu" (a reading of a Japanese kanji meaning 'permanence' or 'distant').
== Ideas ==
=== Region Theming Ideas ===
* Afterlife Terms
* Cryptozoology
* Dante's Inferno Demons
* Desserts
* Film Directors
* Gambling Terms
* Journey to the West Characters
* Playing Cards
* Universal Monsters