What name was Pokémon originally shortened from?

Pokémon was originally shortened from the name Pocket Monsters.

The Japanese franchise title is Poketto Monsutā, written in English as Pocket Monsters. Pokémon is the abbreviated international form, with an acute accent added to the e to guide pronunciation and distinguish the brand name.

The name reflects the original concept: creatures that could be collected and carried in a pocket-sized Game Boy world. The franchise’s Japanese games, anime, and merchandise initially used Pocket Monsters, while overseas releases adopted Pokémon as the shorter global title.

The accent is part of the official stylization, not an indication that the word is French. Another common misunderstanding is that Pokémon is pluralized as Pokémons; the franchise’s usage treats Pokémon as both singular and plural. The shortened name ultimately became more recognizable worldwide than the original Japanese title and now identifies the games, creatures, anime, cards, films, and broader multimedia brand.