Meowth and Nyarth: How Languages Shape Pokémon Names

You’ve probably heard of Meowth, the clever, coin-loving cat Pokémon.
Its name sounds exactly like a cat’s meow—because that’s what it’s based on!

In English, “meow” is the classic onomatopoeia for a cat’s cry.
So Meowth’s name is a perfect example of a sound-born name:
a name created from the sound of the creature it represents.

But here’s something you might not know…

Is Meowth Called “Meowth” in Japan?

The answer is: No.

In Japan, this Pokémon is called Nyarth (ニャース).
Why? Because in Japanese, cats don’t say “meow”…

They say “nyaa” (にゃあ).

あわせて読みたい

What Sound Do Cats Make in Japanese? Discover the cutest “Meow” You’ve Never Heard This Way When a cat strolls by and lets out a soft “meow,” what do the Japanese hear?They hear “Nyaa nyaa!” (にゃぁにゃあ)— the adorable sound of a cat’s voice in Jap…

That’s right! “Nyarth” is based on the Japanese onomatopoeia for a cat’s meow,
just like “Meowth” is in English.
So it’s the same idea, but shaped by each language’s unique sound world.

Isn’t that fun?

Two Cultures, Same Cat

Both names tell the same story—but in different sound languages.

This is a great example of how onomatopoeia isn’t just sound—it’s also culture.

Even in a global franchise like Pokémon, these little differences remain,
and that’s part of what makes it so rich and fun to explore.

Final Thoughts

“Meowth” and “Nyarth” may look different,
but they’re two sides of the same sound-born coin.

Whether you hear meow or nyaa,
they both carry the soft, clever, and mischievous heart of a cat—
and show how languages shape even the names of our favorite characters.

More Sound-born Names:

More Sound-based Onomatopoeia: