Summary
In the world ofMy Hero Academia, quirks and heroes remain the main focus of the story’s narrative, leading to one significant element being overlooked quite often — hero names. Despite seeming like a rather simple concept, hero names hold considerable weight in the series. This is evident from the fact that most characters inMy Hero Academiaare better known by their hero names instead of their actual names, and the same goes for fans who remember their favorite characters by their hero names.
Apart from the symbolic nature of hero names, these titles serve as the sole identity for heroes, and their entire careers are built around these names. For some heroes, theirhero name represents their ambitionsand goals as a hero, while others base their names around their powers and abilities. However, the bottom line remains the same, as these titles serve as the foundation for any aspiring hero.
Why Do Heroes Have Specific Hero Names?
A Convention Rooted In Superhero Comics
My Hero Academia’shero naming system originally stems from oldsuperhero comics from the US, as superheroes would hide their true identity with an alias for the public. The series has taken this concept and molded it into an integral element of the hero world, where every hero must have a specific hero name that will serve as a public identity. While each hero has the liberty to choose whatever moniker they would prefer, having a hero name is a must, as it serves multiple purposes.
The first and foremost purpose of having a hero name is to hide the hero’s true identity. Being a public figure would lead to their personal lives becoming atarget of villainous attacks, which is why hero names became the norm. Hero names serve another purpose of making the hero sound much more fiercer. While this might seem like a rather simple concept, it’s essential to appear powerful and fearsome for heroes in a bid to strike fear in the hearts of their opponents. While most heroes do not take this into account while choosing their hero names, it still serves as a significant element in the entire hero naming system.
Representing Ambition And Goals
Hero Names Are a Reflection Of a Hero’s Goals
Hero names are significant for all sorts of reasons. However, the primary one pertains to the symbolic value that these titles hold. For many heroes, this symbolism is tied to their ambitions and goals as a hero. This can be seen in multiple hero names, andEndeavor is a prime example. His name is a reflection of his ambition to become the number one hero and surpassing All Might’s legacy.
Your hero name is a wish… how you want to be… or how you think you should be — Best Jeanist
All Might’s own hero name is another title that holds a lot of symbolic value. As the strongest hero in the hero world, All Might’s hero name reflects his strength and power, which is quite befitting forthe Symbol Of Peace. Hero names can also serve as motivation for heroes to achieve their goals, as these titles can serve as a reminder of what they stand for.
Making One’s Quirk Their Identity
Hero Names Are Also Based on Quirks
Several heroes have based their hero name around their quirks and powers. While this might not hold that much symbolic value, it’s still a significant aspect as it serves as their identity in the hero world. This trend is more commonly witnessed inthe case of Heteromorphs, though examples from every quirk type are apparent in My Hero Academia. Uravity, Tentacole, and Froppy are perfect examples of hero names based on quirks.
While hero names based on quirks might not be the coolest sounding titles, they still serve their purpose of being a hero’s identity for the public eye. Still, some hero names do end up sounding interesting and fierce, such as Hawks' hero name, which is based onhis quirk Fierce Wings. Others take on a slightly more endearing nature, such as Creati or Uravity.
The Emergence Of Villain Names
Villains Follow a Similar Naming Convention
Interestingly, villains also follow a similar naming convention to heroes. Villains end up forming hero names for similar purposes, such as hiding their true identity, or appearing more fierce to the public eye. Hero Killer Stain, Overhaul, and Dabi are a few examples of villains hiding their true persona with an alias.
Despite being less common, villain names are areflection of their antagonistic goals. However, the concept of villain names isn’t exactly that concrete, as these names are rather limited inMy Hero Academia. Nevertheless, they do stem from the same place as hero names, with superhero comics serving as inspiration for villains coming up with code names.
