What is the name of the first Pokémon in the National Pokédex?

Bulbasaur is the first Pokémon in the National Pokédex, numbered 001.

Bulbasaur is one of the three selectable starter Pokémon offered at the beginning of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and their related versions. It is a dual Grass/Poison-type Pokémon described as carrying a plant bulb on its back from birth. The bulb grows as Bulbasaur develops and supports its ability to use plant-based moves.

Its two evolutionary stages are Ivysaur and Venusaur, numbered 002 and 003. This sequence places the complete Bulbasaur evolutionary family at the start of the original Kanto Pokédex. Charmander and Squirtle are the other two traditional first-game starters, but they occupy later entries.

Bulbasaur’s number is sometimes confused with its position in the anime’s opening story or with Pikachu’s status as the franchise mascot. National Pokédex numbering is a species index, so Pikachu is number 025 and Mew is number 151.