Poppo and Pidgey: How Languages Shape Bird Pokémon Names

You might know Pidgey, the small, flapping, early-game bird Pokémon.

Its name sounds like a mix of “pigeon” and “budgie”,
both common birds with soft feathers and fluttery wings.

But did you know that in Japan, this Pokémon isn’t called Pidgey?

Is Pidgey Called “Pidgey” in Japan?

The answer is: No.

In Japan, this Pokémon is called Poppo（ポッポ）.

Why?

Because in Japanese, pigeons don’t just coo or chirp…

They say “poppo”!_

あわせて読みたい

What Sound Do Pigeons Make in Japanese? Meet the Peaceful Sound of the Japanese Pigeon! Meet the Gentle, Rhythmic “Poppo” of the Japanese Dove! You might know the sound of a pigeon as “coo” in English.In French, it’s “roucoule.”In Italian, “gru …

That’s right — “Poppo” is based on the Japanese onomatopoeia
for the gentle cooing sound of doves or pigeons.

It’s a soft, round sound that makes you think of peaceful parks and flapping wings.

So while “Pidgey” is based on English bird names,
“Poppo” is based on the sound of a bird’s voice.

Isn’t that fun?

Two Cultures, Same Bird

Here’s how the names compare:

Both names tell the same story—
a small, familiar bird Pokémon fluttering through open skies.

But the way they’re told reflects each language’s culture:

• Japanese focuses on sound and feeling
• English focuses on species and reference

It’s a small difference that says a lot.

Final Thoughts

“Poppo” and “Pidgey” are both perfect names for a tiny bird Pokémon.
But where one comes from sound, the other comes from meaning.

This shows how even in a shared world like Pokémon,
language quietly shapes the characters we love.

Whether you hear poppo or pigeon,
you’ll feel the flap of wings—and the soft magic of sound across cultures.

More Sound-born Names: