What name was considered for Pokémon before it was called Pocket Monsters?

Before Pokémon was called Pocket Monsters, the project was originally called Capsule Monsters.

The early concept centered on collecting creatures inside capsules, a foundation that later became the Poké Ball system. Trademark problems made the name difficult to use, so the project passed through additional forms, including CapuMon and KapuMon, before settling on Pocket Monsters.

The Japanese franchise title became Poketto Monsutā, usually translated as Pocket Monsters. International releases adopted the shortened name Pokémon, with an acute accent over the e to help indicate the intended pronunciation. The title therefore evolved through several stages before the familiar global branding was finalized.

Capsule Monsters is sometimes confused with the later Poké Ball name or with unrelated monster-collecting games. It refers specifically to an early working title for Tajiri's Pokémon concept. The idea of capsules remained visible in the finished games, where players use Poké Balls to catch and store Pokémon.