Mario, an iconic figure in video games, has recently had the origins of his name discovered by many fans. Mario, the beloved Italian plumber from Nintendo, has been a staple in the gaming industry for decades, appearing in the Super Mario series and the Mario Kart franchise¹.
Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario first debuted in the 1981 game Donkey Kong. Initially known as “Mr. Video” or “Jumpman,” he was later renamed after Nintendo of America’s landlord, Mario Segale¹. This change came about when Miyamoto couldn’t secure the rights to use Popeye as the protagonist for Donkey Kong¹.
Mario’s adventures often involve navigating the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, accompanied by a variety of other characters¹. His enduring popularity has resulted in appearances in over 200 video games across different genres, solidifying his status as a legend in gaming history.
Mario initially appeared in the 1981 game Donkey Kong under the names Mr. Video and Jumpman. However, a significant event during the game’s development led to a name change for the character.
@historyinmemes, a post on X (formerly Twitter), shed light on the story behind Mario’s name. It revealed that the character was named after Mario Segale, an American businessman. In 1981, Nintendo was renting a warehouse from Segale in Tukwila, Washington State, and had failed to pay the rent on time.
Rather than evicting Nintendo, Segale showed understanding and allowed the company to settle its rent debt. In gratitude, Nintendo chose to name their main character Mario after him. Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed this fact in a 2015 interview. Segale jokingly mentioned in a 1993 interview with The Seattle Times that he was still waiting for royalty payments. Sadly, Segale passed away at his home in Tukwila in 2018 at the age of 84.
One user shared their surprise, noting, “I’ve never heard this story before. The Super Mario Bros series on Nintendo truly paved the way. What an extraordinary way to be honored for kindness.” Another user pondered, “It’s amazing to imagine having an iconic character named after you.”
A third user offered a reflection, stating, “It’s undeniable that sometimes a second chance can transform you into a legend.” Lastly, a fourth user expressed their appreciation, saying, “I love hearing stories like this.”