Mario is easily one of the most recognizable video game characters in history, first introduced in the classic 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. Over the years, the character has become a cultural icon, appearing in countless video games, movies, television shows, and more. But despite his status as one of the most famous characters in the world, there is one question that has puzzled fans for decades: what is Mario’s last name?
The Search for Mario’s Last Name
For years, fans of the Mario franchise speculated about the character’s last name. Some fans believed that Mario’s last name was actually “Mario,” thanks to a line that appeared in the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. movie. In the film, Mario and his brother Luigi introduce themselves to someone, stating that their names are “Mario Mario” and “Luigi Mario.”
However, while the movie’s line may have given some fans the impression that Mario’s last name was indeed “Mario,” it was not considered canon by Nintendo, the company behind the Mario franchise. As a result, the search for Mario’s last name continued.
An Official Confirmation
In September 2015, the creator of the Mario franchise, Shigeru Miyamoto, finally put the speculation to rest. While celebrating Mario’s 30th anniversary at an event in Japan, Miyamoto confirmed that Mario and Luigi both share the last name Mario.
This meant that Mario’s full name was officially revealed to be “Mario Mario,” while Luigi’s full name was “Luigi Mario.” It was somewhat of a surprising revelation, as fans had been speculating about Mario’s last name for decades. But now that the mystery had been solved, fans could finally move on from this long-standing question.
The Significance of Mario’s Last Name
Despite being just a minor detail, fans have been fascinated by the revelation of Mario’s last name. The fact that the character never had a last name before has meant that fans have been able to come up with their own theories about what it might be.
Now that the character’s official last name has been revealed, it has given fans a greater sense of closure about the character. Furthermore, it has expanded the lore of the Mario franchise, giving fans a bit more information about the life of one of the most iconic characters in video game history.
In Conclusion
Mario’s last name may seem like a minor detail, but it has been a topic of much speculation among fans for decades. The revelation that his full name is “Mario Mario” was a surprise to some, but it has given fans a greater sense of closure about the character. Ultimately, while Mario’s last name may not have much significance to the overall Mario franchise, it is one small piece of information that adds to the rich and varied tapestry of this beloved series.
FAQ
What was Mario called before he was called Mario?
In the early 80s, Nintendo released a game called Donkey Kong, in which a character, initially known as “Jumpman,” had to rescue his girlfriend from the villainous Donkey Kong. This character was, of course, none other than Mario, who would later become one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. It’s hard to imagine a world without Mario, but before he became everyone’s favorite plumber, he originally started out with a different name and job.
When Shigeru Miyamoto created the game Donkey Kong, Mario had not yet been given a name, and was instead referred to as “Jumpman.” As for his profession, Mario wasn’t always a plumber but rather a carpenter who was tasked with saving his girlfriend Pauline from Donkey Kong’s clutches. His signature look was also different back then, with brown overalls instead of his iconic blue and red outfit.
After Donkey Kong became a massive hit for Nintendo, they knew that they had something special with the game’s hero. In 1982, Mario finally got his own game called Mario Bros., where he and his brother Luigi had to defeat sewer-dwelling creatures. By the time Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985, Mario had taken on his trademark profession as a plumber, and he’s been recognized as such ever since.
Before being called Mario, the beloved video game character was initially named “Jumpman,” and his occupation was that of a carpenter rather than a plumber. It wasn’t until the release of Mario Bros. that he finally received the name we all know and love him for, along with his signature profession as a plumber.
Is Mario short for another name?
Certainly! “Mario” is a commonly used given name for boys in Italy, Spain, and other countries with Spanish or Italian roots. While “Mario” is often thought of as a standalone name, it can actually be considered a shortened version of the name “Marius.”
“Marius” is a Latin name that was popularized by early Christians in Rome. The name comes from the Roman god of war, Mars, and translates roughly to “warlike” or “belonging to Mars.” Over time, the name spread throughout Europe and evolved to take on various forms. In Italy and Spain, “Mario” became a popular variant of the name, and eventually came to be used as a given name on its own.
So, while “Mario” certainly functions as a name in its own right, it can also be seen as a shortened version of “Marius” that has taken on a separate identity over the course of many years.