Ultimate List Of Dragon Ball Names

‘Dragon Ball’ is undoubtedly one of the most popular and loved manga series, and it’s not just the gripping world of the series that takes you in, but also its convincing characters.

With anime characters created by Akira Toriyama, the ‘Dragon Ball’ manga series has extremely loyal and dedicated fans across the globe.

Set in a fictional universe, which is like a fantastical reimagination of the earth, the series follows the story of Goku who is trained in martial arts, going on a journey in search of the seven orbs known collectively as the ‘Dragon Ball’.

The series also has an English dub version.

Collecting all Dragon Balls, all seven Dragon Balls, means you get a wish after summoning Shenron. All 'Dragon Ball' characters, including the original 'Dragon Ball' characters, are quite popular even today.

The ‘Dragon Balls’ characters, including Goku and his allies, defend the earth against many villains. Those who have Saiyan genes in their blood can become a Super Saiyan, which means that they go beyond their limits and become 50 times stronger and more powerful at each level.

Among all ‘Dragon Ball Z’ characters, Goku is the first to become a Super Saiyan.

With such an interesting story, you can be sure that ‘Dragon Balls’ character names are just as unique and intriguing. It’s no wonder that the series has influenced plenty of manga and anime series worldwide. The names in Dragon Ball Z mostly mean various vegetables. The series also has a number of Saiyan names like Goku, Broly and Vegeta.

You may also check out the Kidadl articles,  anime boy names and anime girl names.

Main ‘Dragon Ball’ Character List

‘Dragon Ball’ has several well-known main characters. In every version of the series, whether as a manga, anime, or a video game, these are the main characters around which the story revolves.

1. Bardock (Japanese origin), derived from “Burdock” which is a Japanese root vegetable. He is the father of Goku and Raditz.

2. Bulma (English origin), she is one of Goku’s earliest and closest allies and later forms a relationship with Vegeta.

3. Krillin (Japanese origin), derived from the word “kiri”, which means “chestnut” in Japanese. Krillin is a bald character, and creator Akira Toriyama gave him this name as a pun on his bald head.

4. Piccolo (Italian origin), meaning “small flute”, it is a musical instrument that resembles a flute. Originally a spawn of King Piccolo, he later teams up with Goku and his friends. A really cool Dragon Ball Z name.

5. Son Gohan (Japanese origin), meaning “rice” or “dishes”. It can refer to food in general. Gohan is the first son of Goku and Chi-Chi.

6. Son Goku (Chinese origin), a Japanese translation of Sun Wukong, who is the protagonist of the novel 'Journey to the West'. In the anime series ‘Dragon Ball’, Goku was born as Kakarot, but later given the name Goku by Grandpa Gohan.  Son Goku is one of the most famous characters.

7. Son Goten (Japanese origin), derived from the word “ten” which means “sky” or “heaven” or “afterlife”. Goten is the youngest son of Goku and Chi-Chi.

8. Trunks (English origin), refers to trunks, also known as gym shorts or boxers commonly worn by boys. He is the future son of Bulma and Vegeta and has traveled back in time to warn Goku of the androids.

9. Vegeta (English origin), derived from the word “vegetable”. Vegeta is the last surviving prince of the Saiyan people, an alien warrior race, and his full name is Prince Vegeta or Vegeta IV.

Secondary ‘Dragon Ball’ Characters

There are also plenty of secondary characters with interesting ‘Dragon Ball’ names. Although not as important as the main characters, these still play a crucial role in the development of the stories as well as in assisting the main characters.

10. Android 18 (English origin), the word “android” refers to a robot that has a human appearance. She is a human who was turned into a cyborg.

11. Beerus (English origin), derived from the word “virus”. Creator Toriyama mistook the origin of the word as “beer”. He is a deity with a purple, cat-like appearance.

12. Chiaotzu (Chinese origin), derived from the word “gyoza” or “jiaozi”, which translates to “sticker” or “dumpling”. Chiaotzy is highly skilled n telepathy and psychokinesis.

13. Master Roshi (Chinese origin), “Roshi” is the Japanese version of “laoshi” meaning teacher. It is also derived from two words – “Ro” meaning “elderly” and “shi” which means “purple”, referencing his Turtle Shell who is purple in color.

14. Tien Shinhan (Chinese origin), derived from the term “tien chun fan” which means “fried rice”. He was initially an antagonist, but ended up fighting alongside Goku and friends.

15. Whis (English origin), derived from the word “whiskey”. Whis is Beerus’ angel assistant and has a tall, humanoid appearance with effeminate features.

16. Yamcha (Japanese origin), derived from the Japanese word “yamucha” which is the same as the Chinese “dim sum”. Yamcha is one of Goku’s most loyal allies.

Antagonists In ‘Dragon Ball Z’

What’s a story without its villains who are always causing trouble and fighting against the heroes? Dragon Ball Z has plenty of antagonists with convincing backstories and superb characterization. Check out the ‘Dragon Ball’ names of antagonists below.

17. Babidi (English origin), derived from the famous fairy Godmother spell from Disney’s Cinderella “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo”.

18. Broly (English origin), derived from the word “broccoli”. Like many other names, Broly’s name is a pun on the vegetable.

19. Butta (English origin), derived from the word “butter”. Butta is a member of the Ginyu Force and claims to be the fastest being in the universe.

20. Captain Ginyu (Japanese origin), derived from the word “gyunyu” which means “milk”. He is the leader of the Ginyu Force.

21. Cell (English origin), from the word “cell” as he was created by combining the cells of various characters.

22. Cooler (English origin), from the word “cooler”.

23. Dabura (English origin), derived from the world famous incantation “abracadabra”.

24. Dodoria (English origin), derived from the word “durian” which is a fruit with a sweet, creamy taste.

25. Frieza (English origin), derived from the word “freezer”. Frieza is the brother of Cooler.

26. Doctor Gero (Japanese origin), derived from the word “gero” which is the sound a frog makes in the Japanese language.

27. General Blue (English origin), derived from the word “blue”.

28. Gurd (Japanese origin), derived from the word “yogurudo” which means “yogurt”.

29. Jheese (English origin), derived from the word “cheese”.

30. King Piccolo (English origin), meaning “small flute”, it is a musical instrument that resembles a flute.

31. Majin Buu (Japanese origin), derived from the words “Ma” meaning demon or evil, and “jin” meaning “person” or “human”. “Buu” could also taken from Disney’s Cinderella “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo”.

32. Mercenary Tao (Japanese origin), derived from the words “tao” which means “peach”. In Japanese, he is called Tao Pai Pai. “Pai” means “white”.

33. Nappa (Japanese origin), a Japanese word used to refer to green vegetables.

34. Raditz (English origin), derived from the word “radish”. This is another Saiyan name which is a pun on a vegetable.

35. Reacoom (English origin), which is the rearrangement of the Japanese word “kurīmu” which means “cream”.

36. Zarbon (English origin), derived from the word “zabon” which is the Japanese word for the pomelo fruit.

Other Characters In ‘Dragon Ball’

Here are the ‘Dragon Ball’ names of characters who do not play an integral role in the story or development of the main characters but are still worth mentioning. This list is a mix of characters who may be considered antagonists or villains and those who are on the side of Goku and his allies.

37. Arale Norimaki (Japanese origin), derived from “arare” which is a small rice cracker in Japan and “norimaki” which is a type of sushi made from nori seaweed.

38. Auta Magetta (Japanese origin), derived from the Japanese phrase “ottamageta” which means “to be very surprised”.

39. Belmod (English origin), belmod is also known as Vermoud and Berumoddo. Belmod is the God of Destruction in Universe 11.

40. Botamo (Japanese origin), derived from the Japanese word “botamochi”, which is a traditional pastry made from rice and red bean paste.

41. Bura (English origin), derived from the word “bra” which is a shortened form of “brassiere” or “wonderbra”.

42. Cabba (English origin), from the first five words of the word “cabbage”.

43. Cargo (French origin), derived from the French word “escargot”, which means “snail”.

44. Caulifla (English origin), derived from the vegetable “cauliflower”.

45. Champa (English origin), derived from the word “champagne”, the alcoholic drink. Champa is the God of Destruction in Universe 6.

46. Chi-Chi (Japanese origin), means “milk” in Japanese. Chi-Chi is the daughter of the Ox-king.

47. Chirudo (English origin), derived from the word “chill” or “chilled”.

48. Cymbal (English origin), derived from the musical instrument “cymbal”.

49. Dende (Japanese origin), derived from the word “denden-mushi” meaning “snail”.

50. Doramu (English origin), derived from the word “drum”, a musical instrument.

51. Dr. Briefs (English origin), from the word “briefs” which are gym shorts or boxers worn by boys.

52. Dyspo (English origin), derived from the word “disposal”, referring to garbage disposal.

53. Erasa (English origin), derived from the word “eraser” which is used for erasing something written in pencil.

54. Fortuneteller Baba (Slavic origin), derived from the word “Baba Yaga” who is an old witch popular in Slavic folklore.

55. Frost (English origin), from the word “frost”.

56. Gala (English origin), derived from the Galapagos Islands as a pun.

57. Grandpa Gohan (Japanese origin), derived from the word “gohan” which means “rice” or “dishes”. It is a Japanese term used to refer to food in general.

58. Jackie Chun (Chinese origin), derived from the name of the famous Chinese martial artist and actor Jackie Chan.

59. Jiren (Japanese origin), derived from rearranging the word “renji” which means “stove”.

60. Kai (Japanese origin), from the word “kai” which could mean “ocean”, “shell”, “recovery”, or “restoration”.

61. Kale (English origin), derived from the vegetable kale.

62. Kami (Japanese origin), derived from “kami” which means “God” in Japanese. Kai characters are quite popular.

63. Katas (Japanese origin), derived from the Japanese word “kattatsumuuri” which means snail.

64. Kinoko Sarada (Japanese origin), her name literally translates to “mushroom salad” in English.

65. Korin (Japanese origin), derived from the word “karinto” which is a traditional snack in Japan. Karin is the owner of Karin Tower. In English dubs, his name can be seen as a pun on “corn”.

66. Kuriza (Japanese origin), derived from the word “kuri” which means “chestnut”.

67. Launch (English origin), derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word “lunch”.

68. Lime (English origin), derived from the English word “lime” which is a fruit or a color.

69. Lord Slug (English origin), derived from the English word “slug”, another term used for snail.

70. Mai (Chinese origin), derived from the word “shumai”.

71. Marron (French origin), derived from the French word “marron” which means “brown” or “chestnut”.

72. Moori (Japanese origin), derived from the Japanese word “kattatsumuuri” which means snail.

73. Monaka (Japanese origin), derived from the word “monaka” which is a Japanese traditional sweet treat made from wafers and azuki bean paste.

74. Mr. Buu (English origin), from the famous spell in Disney’s Cinderella “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo”.

75. Mr. Popo (Japanese origin), creator Akira Toriyama has mentioned that he chose this name just because it sounded “comfortable”.

76. Mr. Satan (English origin), Mr. Satan comes from the word Satan, another name for the Devil. His first name is Mark or Maaku (romanticized), is a rearrangement of the Japanese word “akuna” which means “devil”.

77. Nail (English origin), derived from the word “snail”.

78. Oolong (Chinese origin), derived from the word “wulong” meaning “amber tea”.

79. Onio (English origin), which is derived from “onion”. As a Saiyan name, this is a pun on a vegetable.

80. Pagos (English origin), derived from the Galapagos Islands as a pun. Gala and Pagos are partners and work for the Penguin Village Police Department.

81. Pan (Japanese origin), it means “bread” in Japanese.

82. Piano (English origin), derived from the musical instrument “piano”.

83. Pilaf (Japanese origin), a pun on a traditional Japanese rice dish of the same name.

84. Puar (Chinese origin), derived from the Chinese term “puh er” which is a type of tea.

85. Pui Pui (Japanese origin), derived from “chinchin-puipui”, a famous Japanese incantation. In English, this could be translated to “hocus pocus”.

86. Ranfan (Japanese origin), derived from the words “ran” meaning “lingerie” and “fuan” which means “foundation garments”.

87. Sharpner (English origin), derived from the English word “sharpener”, used for sharpening pencils.

88. Shenron (Japanese origin), a Japanese that word that translates to “Dragon of Spirit” or “spirit Dragon”.

89. Shu (Chinese origin), derived from the word “shumai” which is a traditional Chinese dumpling that is served in dim sum. Like their names suggest, Shu is Mai’s partner.

90. Suno (English origin), derived from the English word “snow”.

91. Tanbarin (English origin), derived from the word “tambourine” which is a musical instrument.

92. Toppo (English origin), derived from the English word “top”.

93. Vados (French origin), derived from Calvados, which is an apple brandy very popular in France.

94. Vegeta III (English origin), derived from the word “vegetable”.

95. Videl (English origin), a result of the rearrangement of the letters in the word “devil”.

96. Yajirobe (Japanese origin), derived from “yajirobē”, a popular balancing toy in Japan. A cool name to use.

97. Zeno (Japanese origin), derived from the Japanese word “zenno” which literally translates to “almighty”.

Kidadl has lots of great name articles to inspire you. If you liked our suggestions for ‘Dragon Ball’ series names, then why not take a look at saiyan names or gender neutral Japanese names.

Main image credit: Sirichai Rattanaphanakul / Shutterstock.com

Article image credit: Michael San Diego / Shutterstock.com

Article image credit: Enjoy The Life / Shutterstock.com