What Was Mario's Real Name? Unraveling the Iconic Plumber's Identity!

An illustration of Mario, the iconic Nintendo character

From "Jumpman" to the World's Most Famous Plumber

The face of Mario is instantly recognizable worldwide. The red cap, the blue overalls, the bushy mustache – he’s arguably the most famous video game character ever created. But beneath that iconic exterior lies a question that has puzzled fans for decades: what exactly is Mario's full name?

Believe it or not, Mario wasn't always "Mario." His debut was in the 1981 arcade hit, *Donkey Kong*, where he was simply known as "Jumpman." He was a carpenter, not a plumber, tasked with rescuing his girlfriend, Pauline, from the giant ape. The name "Jumpman" was fitting, given his primary ability, but it lacked the punch of a global icon.

The transition to "Mario" is a famous piece of Nintendo lore. During the development of *Donkey Kong*'s release in the United States, Nintendo of America was struggling financially. Their warehouse landlord, a fiery Italian-American named Mario Segale, reportedly stormed into their offices demanding overdue rent. During this tense confrontation, the team decided to name their protagonist after him. The name stuck, and the rest, as they say, is history.

For many years, it was generally understood that "Mario" was simply his singular name, much like "Sonic" or "Link." The concept of him having a surname wasn't a major focus. This changed with the 1993 live-action *Super Mario Bros.* movie, where the character was explicitly given the full name "Mario Mario." While the movie itself received mixed reviews, this naming convention surprised many and became a popular piece of trivia.

However, it wasn't until 2015 that Nintendo's legendary game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, officially confirmed this naming. During a 30th-anniversary Q&A for Super Mario Bros., Miyamoto stated, "I said, 'It's Mario Mario.' So that is actually his full name." This confirmation cemented the long-held fan theory derived from the movie, giving the beloved plumber a complete identity and officially making him part of the "Mario Bros." (Mario Mario and Luigi Mario).

So, the next time you jump on a Goomba or rescue Princess Peach, remember that you're not just playing as Mario, but as Mario Mario, a testament to a real-life landlord, a quick decision, and the enduring evolution of a gaming legend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Mario's full name really Mario Mario?

A: Yes, it was officially confirmed by Nintendo's creator Shigeru Miyamoto in 2015. This full name first appeared in the 1993 live-action *Super Mario Bros.* movie.

Q: What was Mario's original name before he was called Mario?

A: In his debut game, *Donkey Kong* (1981), he was known as "Jumpman." He was also a carpenter in that game, not yet a plumber.

Q: Where did the name "Mario" come from?

A: He was named after Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America's warehouse in the early 1980s. Segale reportedly demanded overdue rent, and the Nintendo staff decided to name their character after him.

Q: Does Luigi also have a full name, like Mario Mario?

A: Yes, following the convention established with Mario, his brother Luigi's full name is also Luigi Mario. They are the "Mario Bros."

Q: Why was Mario's full name kept a secret or unconfirmed for so long?

A: For many years, Nintendo simply referred to him as "Mario" and didn't feel the need to give him a surname, as was common for many video game protagonists at the time. The concept of him having a full name solidified over time, particularly influenced by the 1993 movie, before Miyamoto's official confirmation.

Pros and Cons of Mario's Naming Evolution

Pros

  • Gives the iconic character a more complete and traditional identity.
  • Adds a fun and memorable piece of lore and trivia for fans.
  • Aligns with the 'Mario Bros.' concept (Mario Mario & Luigi Mario).
  • Satisfies long-standing fan curiosity and speculation.
  • Demonstrates the organic evolution of character development.

Cons

  • The "Mario Mario" name can sound redundant or unusual to some.
  • For purist fans, it might feel like a retcon from the original simple "Mario."
  • The initial ambiguity might have added to the character's mysterious charm for some.
  • The official confirmation came very late in the character's history.