Pokémon Nicknames: Blitzle and Zebstrika

Credit goes to the artist.

Blitzle (in Japanese: シママ  “Shimama”) is an Electric-type Pokémon. The little electric zebra evolves into Zebstrika (in Japanese: ゼブライカ “Zebraika”) at level 27 where it remains an Electric-only type. There is no Mega-Evolution form as of yet.

All thanks to the artist : )

Blitzle and Zebstrika were always among my favorite Pokémon. The first Pokémon game which my son taught me to play was Black/White, where I played the White Version. Zebras are colored perfectly for a game called Black and White of course.  I have went back and played all the series now — my son picks one version, then I always get the other.

My female Zebstrika was my favorite Pokémon on my team. I named her “Mary Ellen” which is a name that does not have anything to do with zebras, or lightning. Instead I named her after a very strong, capable, and dependable woman I knew.

Credit goes only to the artist.

Generally, you want to choose “Z” words like “Zenith“. “Ladyland” refers to Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland” the name of his studio and one of his greatest records.

If your Zebstrika has the “Lightning Rod” or “Motor Drive” abilities, perhaps use the name: “Start-Me-Up” after the Rolling Stones song. On that note, “Spark Plug” might be good for a little Blitzle. “Sparky” is cute, especially since the little one can learn “Spark” attack.

I thought about naming one “Greased Lightning” after the song from the musical “Grease”, but there are too many letters. Maybe just call it “Greased L“. Oy.

Does anyone remember drinking Zima? It zucked. I thought it tasted like Noxema. Ha Ha (1980s joke., copyright Denny). Actually, Zima is still sold in Japan by the Miller Brewing Company!

I know what you are thinking, you thought I was going to suggest a French-sounding zebra name like “Zee-Bra“, and then show various types of Zebra-patterned underwear.

Oh, how little you must think of me.

You might want to use Electric moves like Thunderbolt, Shockwave or Discharge. Alternatively, if you plan to super-train a higher Attack rather than Special Attack, I suggest the following — but Wild Charge has recoil, and thus should be partially replenished by a held item such as a Shell-Bell or Leftovers.

I was very happy to catch a SHINY Zebstrika at a Mirage Spot in Pokémon Omega Ruby. It is dark purple in color.

I named him “Ultraviolent” as a play on Ultra-Violet (purple).  Later, I changed his name to “Purple Haze” which was the name of a Jimi Hendrix song (and was also the name of the blotter-acid popular with the burn-outs in my old high school).

Credit goes to this lovely cosplayer and her photographer.

When you hear thunder and see lightning, does that mean that the Gods are bowling? Perhaps use a name like “Striker“!

Lightning related terms like “Dart-Leader”, “Strokes”  or “Thunderclap” might be fun if you are a meteorology geek. Zebstrika can learn  the TM “Flash“, so you could name it “Hot Flash” or some variation. Perhaps use something Thor-related if you are a Marvel geek.

I did not find a lot of names I liked from The Name Rater’s Site (link here). However, I did like the suggestions “Zapidash“, “Haywire“, and “Blitzkrieg“. Zapidash is a cute variation on Rapidash. I would like to see a Rapidash/Zebstrika or a Ponyta/Blitzle on a double-battle team.

Blitzkrieg translates from German as “Lightning War”. The term refers to the German armies which quickly smashed into their neighboring countries during World War II. Along the lines of the WW II German Blitzkrieg reference, perhaps another historic name could be “Sieg Sieg” or some variation. (Note to readers: Please only make Nazi references if you have an academic interest in history.)

The twin lightning bolts of the Nazi SS. Credit goes to … oh, shit, they can sue me.

The SS Bolts are a hated symbol. The twin bolts have made their way into some stylized calligraphy in pop culture however (ex. The KISS logo, among others). The symbol is derived from the SchutzStaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany. You really have to be careful with your historical references, as there are so many politically-correct jackasses out there (which includes 90% of all college students, and 99% of all college professors).

What electrifying name would you suggest for a zebra? Please comment!

References:

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.serebii.net/

Google, you know the rest.