Unique video game characters are what set each franchise apart. Whether it’s a hearty plumber, battle-worn grunt or cute farmyard animal, gamers love these quirky heroes and villains.

Here are some cool and unique names that are inspired by video game characters. Choose a name that will make your little one stand out from the crowd.

Yoshi

Video game characters often need to be memorable, and that requires a name. Creating original names can be tricky, as they have to stand out to players while still sounding unique. Taking inspiration from historical figures can be an easy way to achieve this, and some of the most famous video game characters have taken this route.

Yoshi, the beloved green dinosaur of the Mario series, is one such character. While his official name is Homo nintendonus, fans have long speculated that the “T” stands for Tyrannosaurus or Therapoda, due to the lizard’s appearance and extended tongue. This theory is further supported by the fact that Yoshi has a reduced shell similar to tortoises and turtles, and other denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom, like Koopa Troopas and Bowser, have a more pronounced shell shape.

Yuri

Video game characters need a distinctive name that sticks in players’ minds. These unique names are often inspired by real people or characters from other media, such as movies or books. The name must be short and catchy, ideally with a meaning that is both recognizable and memorable.

The character Yuri from the King of Fighters series is a friendly young girl who cares about her family and friends. She’s a strong believer in innovation and trends, and is always looking for ways to improve herself.

Other games with memorable names include Geralt from the Witcher series, the intelligent tactician Jacob Keyes from Halo, and the Yuri from the Dragon Age games. Yuri is a Japanese female name that means “lily.” In the early 1970s, it was used to refer to lesbian-themed explicit or non-explicit manga and anime.

Rufus

Video game characters are a great source of inspiration when it comes to baby names. However, it’s important not to develop a joke name or something that could offend other people. A good name should be meaningful and carry the power of character.

Some of the most famous gamers have cool and unique names that make them stand out from the crowd. For example, Princess Zelda from The Legend of Zelda is one of the most iconic female gaming characters. Her name is also a nod to her creator, Shigeru Miyamoto.

Similarly, Sergeant Cortez from the TimeSplitters series is a hard-boiled badass. And while she might not be the best-looking characters, the half ottersel, half weasel Daxter from the Jak and Daxter series is a tough-talking badass who doesn’t take any crap from anyone.

Ryu

Ryu is one of the most recognizable fighting game characters in history. He has appeared in the Street Fighter series as well as several Marvel Vs Capcom games. He has even been voiced by multiple actors. Ryu is a martial arts master who focuses on spiritual perfection. He is always training and seeking true strength.

He also has a respect for the heroes of the Marvel universe. He holds Cyclops, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Wolverine in high regard for their commitment to justice.

Ryu is also a character in the popular shounen manga series Dragon Ball. He is a wandering warrior who seeks spiritual perfection through the art of the fist. He is always looking to challenge himself and believes in camaraderie and self-discipline.

Shepard

Shepard is the protagonist of BioWare’s Mass Effect series. Depending on the player’s choices, Shepard can be male or female; can have a different physical appearance (which is based on Dutch model Mark Meer and actress Jennifer Hale); can choose to be Earthborn, a Sole Survivor, or an Alien; and has a variety of choices for his/her pre-service history.

The character is classified as N7 by the Human Alliance Military, a sign of top-notch training for a military soldier. His/Her first name can be customized, though it is never spoken in-game.

Ryu translates to dragon or peregrine falcon, which is fitting for a martial artist who strikes with the ferocity of a dragon and the grace of a bird. He/she is also a master of biotics, a form of weaponry that combines science with magic.

Raven

Video game characters need to have unique names that stand out and stick in players’ minds. Creating original names can be challenging, and it’s easy to fall into either mundanity or over-the-top exoticism.

One way to avoid these pitfalls is to choose a name that has a hidden meaning. The name Revolver Ocelot, for example, is a nod to his favorite weapon and stealthy ways. Another example is the name Adamska, which has a deeper meaning in Metal Gear Solid.

There are also plenty of good, classic names that work well in games. For example, Aiden is the deuteragonist of “Beyond Two Souls,” while Rayne is a character in the BloodRayne series of action-adventure games.

Samus

Samus is a tough-as-nails bounty hunter from Nintendo’s long-running Metroid series. Clad in her Power Suit, she’s the bane of galactic pirates and an orphan who’s not afraid to fight for the helpless.

Other game characters with strong personalities include Sol Badguy from the Monkey Island games, the mysterious and silent protagonist from ‘Half-Life’, and theoretical physicist Jacob Keyes from ‘Halo’. Alternatively, you could choose the cool-as-hell warrior name Geralt from The Witcher series.

Then there’s Raiden, the thunder god and protector of Earth in the Mortal Kombat franchise. And last but not least, he’s also the name of an awesome ninja from the Metal Gear series. That’s double the impact for your child! Plus, it’s easy to pronounce and write. Perfect for a baby boy or girl.