Why is Mario called Mario? Origin of the name and anecdotes about the creator

600 mots | Temps de lecture : 3 minute(s)

The name "Mario" is now known worldwide. But do you know why Nintendo's famous mustachioed plumber is called that? Behind this now-iconic name lies a surprising and amusing story, linked to Nintendo's beginnings in America... and to a certain warehouse owner .

Before Mario, there was Jumpman

When Shigeru Miyamoto designed Donkey Kong in 1981, the main character didn't yet have a defined name. In internal documents, he was simply referred to as Jumpman (or sometimes "Mr. Video"). He was an anonymous carpenter tasked with saving his girlfriend from a giant gorilla.

But Nintendo of America , responsible for marketing the game internationally, wants to give it a more striking identity for Western audiences.

Mario Segale, the real “Mario”

In the early 1980s, Nintendo of America rented a warehouse in Tukwila, near Seattle, to set up its first offices. This building was owned by an Italian-American entrepreneur: Mario Segale .

One day, Segale went there to claim unpaid rent. His presence , his mustache , and his Italian name struck the American team. According to legend, they then decided to name their hero " Mario " in his honor. The idea was accepted by Minoru Arakawa (president of NOA) and then validated by the headquarters in Japan.

A simple, memorable and universal name

Beyond the anecdote, the choice of "Mario" proves to be judicious for several reasons:

• It is easy to pronounce in many languages
• It evokes Italian immigration to Brooklyn, consistent with the universe of the game
• It gives the character an image of an ordinary man , accessible and endearing.

From Mario Bros. (1983), Nintendo deepened this identity: Mario became a plumber (related to pipes) and got a brother, Luigi . The legend was underway.

Shigeru Miyamoto: The Creator Behind the Icon

Having joined Nintendo in 1977, Miyamoto 's initial goal was to create a character that could be reused across multiple game types. Mario's design was born from technical constraints:

• His cap avoids animating the hair
• His mustache accentuates his facial features in pixel art
• His overalls allow his arms to be distinguished from his body

Miyamoto often compares Mario to a universal "actor" , capable of changing roles (doctor, pilot, golfer, etc.).

Mario Segale: a discreet but historic influence

Despite his indirect role, Mario Segale never sought to profit from his fame. When questioned, he joked: " I'm still waiting for my royalties. "

A respected businessman, he died in 2018 at the age of 84. Although his name does not appear in any credits, he will forever be linked to the history of video games .

Conclusion

Behind the name Mario lies a delightful anecdote, a symbol of the industry's artisanal beginnings. Between a visionary Japanese designer and a strong-willed American landlord, it was a simple unpaid rent that gave birth to one of the most iconic names in pop culture. It just goes to show that sometimes, a little pressure can create a legend .