Why Akira Toriyama Chose the Name Son Goku — The Story Behind the Legend

Say the name Son Goku to any anime fan, and you’ll see eyes light up.
It’s more than just the name of Dragon Ball’s main hero — it’s a title that carries decades of battles, unforgettable transformations, and moments that shaped anime history.

But what many fans don’t know is this: Akira Toriyama didn’t just pull “Goku” out of thin air. The name is rooted in centuries-old mythology, carefully chosen to reflect the character’s personality, journey, and the very heart of Dragon Ball itself.

Today, we’re diving deep into why Toriyama named his hero Son Goku, the meaning behind it, and how you can hold pieces of that legacy in your hands through exclusive Goku and his most iconic cards from MNA Cardz.

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From Legend to Anime: The Origins of “Son Goku”

Before Goku ever set foot in the World Martial Arts Tournament, his name belonged to someone else — Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West.

In the original tale, Sun Wukong is:

• Born from a stone under mysterious cosmic conditions

• Gifted with superhuman strength and agility

• Skilled in martial arts and armed with a magical staff

• Able to ride a flying cloud across vast distances

• Mischievous, fearless, and unyielding in spirit

Sound familiar? That’s because early Dragon Ball was Toriyama’s playful reimagining of this legendary myth.

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Goku’s Early Parallels to Sun Wukong

In the beginning, Goku’s story mirrors the Monkey King’s:

• The Power Pole is his version of Sun Wukong’s extending staff

• Flying Nimbus channels the Monkey King’s cloud-riding

• His cheerful, naïve personality echoes Sun Wukong’s mischief and innocence

But Toriyama didn’t stop at retelling an old legend. He used “Son Goku” as a foundation to build something entirely new — a hero who would grow beyond myth into a global pop culture icon.

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Why Toriyama Kept the Name “Son Goku”

Toriyama has said he wanted Dragon Ball to begin as a whimsical martial arts adventure before growing into something much bigger. Naming the hero “Son Goku” tied the series to a recognizable cultural figure in Asia while giving him room to evolve into a unique character.

By keeping the Monkey King’s Japanese name:

1. He honored the classic myth that inspired the series

2. He gave the character instant personality — mischievous, adventurous, curious

3. He set up a symbolic arc — starting with a boy rooted in old legends and ending with a warrior who transcends them

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The Meaning of “Son Goku” in Japanese

The name isn’t just a reference — it’s full of meaning:

• “Son” (孫) is the family name

• “Go” (悟) means “enlightenment” or “wisdom”

• “Ku” (空) means “sky,” “emptiness,” or “void”

Together, Son Goku can be interpreted as “Master of the Empty Sky” or “One who has attained spiritual wisdom.”

That’s not just poetic — it fits Goku’s personality perfectly:

• Always reaching higher, like the open sky

• Fighting for self-improvement, not domination

• Remaining pure-hearted despite his strength

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From Monkey King to Saiyan Warrior

As Dragon Ball evolved, so did Goku’s backstory. The playful adventurer inspired by Sun Wukong became something entirely new — a Saiyan from Planet Vegeta.

This shift allowed Toriyama to keep Goku’s name but give it fresh meaning:

• Goku still rode a cloud and used his Power Pole in early adventures

• But now, his true power came from his alien heritage, not magic

• His battles expanded from Earth-bound rivals to galactic and even multiversal threats

Through it all, the name “Son Goku” stayed — a reminder of his humble beginnings and the unshakable optimism that defined him.

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Why the Name Resonates with Fans Worldwide

Goku isn’t just a fighter — he’s a symbol. The name “Son Goku” now carries its own meaning for fans:

• Resilience: He never quits, no matter how strong the opponent

• Kindness: He shows mercy and respect to his rivals

• Inspiration: He constantly pushes beyond limits, encouraging others to do the same

For some, “Goku” represents childhood memories. For others, it’s a role model for perseverance. And for collectors, it’s a name they want to preserve in the form of rare, beautiful cards.

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Own the Legend: Goku & Exclusive Collectible Cards from MNA Cardz

At MNA Cardz, we bring the journey of Son Goku to life through exclusive Japanese cards that capture every chapter — from his playful origins to his god-tier battles.

We know the power behind the cardboard. That’s why we offer a carefully curated selection of Goku cards—each hand-inspected for mint condition and shipped with collectors in mind.

🔥 Fan-favorite Goku cards in our collection include:

• Son Goku Cards - Dive into the world's most extensive collection of Goku cards and all his iconic forms from Kaio-Ken to Ultra Instinct.

• Super Saiyan Cards - Browse cards of the epic transformation that turned many 90's kids into diehard fans of Dragon Ball forever.

• Secret Rare Cards - These are the biggest and baddest cards highly sought after by collectors due to their high-end design and exclusivity. 

Every card we sell is:

• Mint condition

• Japan-exclusive — not found in U.S. stores

• Shipped next business day with protective packaging

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The Evolution of Goku’s Legacy

From a stone-born monkey to a Saiyan raised on Earth, the journey of “Son Goku” is proof that a great name can carry both history and growth. Toriyama’s choice created a hero who:

• Paid homage to ancient mythology

• Inspired generations of fans

• Defined what it means to push past your limits

And in many ways, every transformation Goku achieves — from Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct — adds another layer to the meaning of his name.

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Final Thought: A Name That Became a Legend

When Akira Toriyama chose “Son Goku,” he planted a seed from an old legend into the soil of a brand-new story. That seed grew into one of the most recognized and beloved characters in the world.

Goku’s name connects him to the past, but his spirit belongs to the future — and so do the moments he’s given us.

👉 Shop Exclusive Goku & Super Saiyan Cards at MNA Cardz

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