Yanma nicknames

Yanma was introduced in Generation 2 with a Bug/Flying typing and evolves into Yanmega when leveled up while knowing the move Ancient Power.

Let’s have a look at Yanma’s origins and some of those nicknames.

Origins

Yanma is a red dragonfly-like Pokémon with a green head, four white wings with a single orange stripe on each one, and six legs. Its tail has two flat extensions on either side, similar to a helicopter or light aircraft (more on that comparison in the next paragraph).

It appears to be based on a dragonfly but I definitely see elements of helicopters in its design. Name-wise, Yanma comes from the word “yanma” (蜻蜓) meaning “large dragonfly”. Nuff said!

Nicknames

My methodology for nicknames is as follows:

• I rank nicknames by lettered tiers: S, A, B, C, and D. S is the best and D is the worst.
• I may use generative AI for inspiration. I’ll always mark these nicknames with an asterisk (*) but they’ll always be amended where necessary
• I’ll usually list my inspiration for a nickname so you know where they came from

With all that said, let’s look at those Yanma nicknames!

S-Tier

• Airwolf - as it reminds me of the helicopter from Airwolf
• Chroma(*)

A-Tier

• Belle - from Bell, a helicopter manufacturer
• Jamjar - derived from the Korean word “jamjari” (잠자리) meaning “dragonfly”
• Griff - from the “griffinfly”, said to be descendants of modern-day dragonflies
• Camo - from their ability to motion camouflage
• Haiku - they are apparently depicted frequently in Japanese art and literature, especially haiku poetry and I think the name is cute :3
• Motif - as dragonflies were often used as motifs in Art Nouveau
• Pepper - from a haiku by Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō: Crimson pepper pod / add two pairs of wings, and look / darting dragonfly
• Sparx - named after Sparx the dragonfly from Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly
• Zephyr(*) - the original suggestion was Zephyrwing but Zephyr sounds better
• Whisper - as quiet as its wings
• Iris - I thought it was nice
• Serena - as above
• Jade - as above
• Opal - as above

B-Tier

• Jan - pronounced “Yan”, from Yanyanma, its Japanese name
• Sikorsky - named after Sikorsky, a helicopter manufacturer
• Wilson Frisk - from its Hidden Ability, Frisk
• Breezy(*) - the original suggestion was Breezytail but Breezy sounds better
• Zenith
• Gossamer(*) - something light, delicate, or insubstantial

C-Tier

• Jessie - after Jessie of Team Rocket who caught a Yanma that evolved into Yanmega
• Wings - you’ll never guess the origins of this name!
• Peekaboo - I dunno, it just sounds cute
• Gen Z - because it’s a zoomer? I dunno, I’ve run out of ideas

Do you have a favourite Yanma nickname or have a suggestion of your own? If you like any of my nicknames or want to suggest one of your own, head over to the contact me link on the left and email me your suggestion!