You finally found that 100% IV Gible. Or maybe you just hatched a shiny Larvesta after months of walking. Now comes the hard part: what do you actually call it? Most players think Pokemon GO names available for their profile or their collection are just about being "cool" or funny. But honestly, if you aren't using your naming slots as a functional database, you’re basically playing the game on hard mode.
The naming system in Pokemon GO is weirdly restrictive but also surprisingly flexible if you know the secret character codes.
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The Trainer Name Struggle
Let’s talk about your actual identity first. Your Trainer Nickname. Picking a name in 2026 is a nightmare compared to 2016. Back then, you could just be "DragonSlayer" or "PokeMaster." Now? Good luck finding anything that doesn't look like a WiFi password.
Technically, your trainer name must be between 4 and 15 characters. No spaces. No special characters. Just letters and numbers. If you try to grab a name that’s already taken, the game won't just tell you "no"—it’ll often offer those weird variations with random numbers at the end. Avoid those. They look messy in Raid lobbies.
One thing people get wrong constantly: you cannot just reuse an old name. If you change your name from "PikachuFan" to "EeveeLover," that "PikachuFan" name is usually locked. Niantic’s servers hold onto those old names for "historical reasons." It’s kinda frustrating. You can’t just swap names between your main and your alt account easily.
Can You Change Your Name More Than Once?
This is the big question. Officially, Niantic says you can only change your name a "limited number of times."
Usually, that’s three.
If you’ve burned through your changes and you’re stuck with "iLoveToots69" because of a lost bet, you aren't totally out of luck. You can actually message Niantic support through the app. Sometimes they’re feeling nice and will reset the option for you. But don't count on it. They usually only do it if your current name reveals personal info or is getting you harassed by local spoofers.
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Pokemon GO Names Available: The "Pro" Naming Hacks
Now, let's get into the stuff that actually helps you win battles. Naming your Pokemon isn't just about calling your Charizard "Fluffy." It’s about data.
The Search String Secret
Most elite players use a "hexadecimal" or symbol-based system. Why? Because the name field only allows 12 characters. That is tiny. You have to be efficient.
If you want to find your best attackers quickly during a Raid countdown, you don't want to be scrolling. Use symbols at the start of the name. Symbols like ! or @ or * sort to the top of the list when you sort by "Name."
Here is how the pros actually structure their Pokemon GO names available:
- The IV Percentage: Start with the number.
100or98. - The Stat Spread: Use small Unicode numbers like ¹⁵¹⁵¹⁴ to show Attack, Defense, and Stamina.
- Move Types: Use two-letter codes.
Fr/Frfor Fire/Fire orGd/Gdfor Ground.
Basically, a "perfect" name looks like this: ⓯⓯⓯ 100 Fr/Fr.
It looks like gibberish to a casual player, but it tells you exactly what that Pokemon does without you having to tap on it. It saves seconds. In a 300-second Raid, those seconds matter.
The Eevee Names (The Only "True" Easter Eggs)
We can't talk about naming without the Eevee tricks. This is the one time where a name actually changes the game's code. You probably know the basics, but here is the 2026 refresher because people still mess up the spelling.
- Kira: Sylveon
- Rea: Glaceon
- Linnea: Leafeon
- Sakura: Espeon
- Tamao: Umbreon
- Rainer: Vaporeon
- Sparky: Jolteon
- Pyro: Flareon
Crucial note: This only works once per name. If you've already used "Kira" to get a Sylveon, naming another Eevee "Kira" won't do anything. It’ll just evolve into a random Flareon, Jolteon, or Vaporeon and you’ll be out 25 candy. Check the silhouette on the "Evolve" button. If it shows a question mark, the name trick isn't working.
Why You Should Stop Using Real Names
Privacy is a big deal in GO. When you drop a Pokemon in a Gym, everyone in your local town can see your Trainer Name. If your name is "JohnSmith1990," you’re basically handing out your identity to anyone with a phone.
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Same goes for your buddies.
If you name your Buddy "Home" or "Work," you might be accidentally giving away your routine to people who follow you on your friends list. It sounds paranoid. It probably is. But in a game that tracks your GPS, it’s better to be "ShadowNinja" than "BillAtTheBank."
Managing Your Storage with Tags
In the old days, we had to use names for everything. Now we have Tags. Honestly, tags are better for 90% of things.
Instead of naming a Pokemon "Trade," just tag it. This frees up the name slot for things like "PVP Rank." For example, a Medicham might be named GL #1 (meaning it's the #1 ranked IV spread for Great League).
Actionable Next Steps for Your Account
If you're looking to clean up your account and make the most of the names you have, do this right now:
- Audit your Trainer Name: If it’s something you hate, check your settings under "Account." If the pencil icon is there, you can change it. If not, start drafting that polite email to support.
- Download a Keyboard App: Apps like PokeRater or Calcy IV (on Android) can actually auto-generate those fancy symbol names for you. It beats copying and pasting Unicode characters from a website.
- Clear the "Trash" Names: We all have those Pokemon named "hahaha" or "keep." Delete them or rename them with a purpose.
- Test the Eevee Silhouette: Before you hit evolve on that shiny Eevee, type the name and wait. If the button doesn't change from a
?to the specific evolution icon, don't press it. Restart your app and try again.
The naming system is a tool. Use it to stay organized, keep your privacy, and maybe show off a little bit when you're sitting in a Raid lobby with 20 other people.