What is Goku's last name?

Goku, the beloved protagonist of the Dragon Ball series, is widely known by his first name, Goku, but many fans have wondered—what is his last name? While Goku is one of the most iconic characters in anime history, his full name and background remain somewhat mysterious. Let’s explore this topic and uncover the details about Goku’s family name, his lineage, and how his name fits into the larger Dragon Ball universe.

Goku’s Full Name: Kakarot

Before we dive into the topic of his last name, it’s important to clarify Goku’s original name. In Dragon Ball, Goku’s real Saiyan name is Kakarot. This name is given to him by his parents, Bardock and Gine, and it is tied to his Saiyan heritage. The name “Kakarot” comes from a play on the word carrot (since many Saiyans are named after vegetables, with Goku’s name being a vegetable pun).

While "Kakarot" is Goku’s Saiyan name, it is not the name he uses on Earth. His adoptive grandfather, Grandpa Gohan, named him "Goku," and this is the name that he is most commonly known by throughout the series.

The Mystery of Goku’s Earthly Last Name

Interestingly, Goku does not have a clearly stated last name in most of the Dragon Ball series. However, there are some clues in the storyline and official sources that give us a bit more insight into the subject.

In the original Dragon Ball series, Goku’s last name is not revealed, and it is a common point of curiosity among fans. The idea of a last name for Goku doesn’t become apparent until much later in Dragon Ball Z when he is introduced to his Earthling family. Chi-Chi, Goku’s wife, and their children, Goten and Goku Jr., all have a family name of Son, leading fans to believe that Goku's full name is Goku Son (or Son Goku in the traditional East Asian order of family names).

Why is Goku's Last Name “Son”?

The use of "Son" as Goku’s last name stems from the traditional naming conventions in Japan, where the family name comes before the first name. In Dragon Ball, Goku is often referred to as Son Goku in a formal context, with "Son" being the family name. It is also worth noting that Goku shares this naming structure with other characters in the series, such as his son Goten and his father, Bardock (who also uses the family name "Son").

Son Goku is also a reference to the legendary character from the Chinese novel Journey to the West, Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King. This is where Goku’s name originates, as his character is loosely inspired by Sun Wukong. This connection helps explain why Goku is often referred to as Son Goku, which mirrors the naming of the Monkey King in Chinese culture.

Goku’s Lineage and Family

Goku’s biological family consists of his Saiyan parents, Bardock and Gine, and his adoptive grandfather, Grandpa Gohan, who raised him on Earth. Goku’s family name, Son, is passed down through generations. His son, Goten, also carries the “Son” family name, maintaining the connection to Goku’s earthly lineage.

Goku's Family Tree:

• Father: Bardock (Saiyan heritage)
• Mother: Gine (Saiyan heritage)
• Grandfather: Grandpa Gohan (adoptive Earth family)
• Wife: Chi-Chi
• Children: Goten, Goku Jr. (in Dragon Ball GT)

Goku's Legacy and the "Son" Name in Popular Culture

The "Son" name has become iconic not just within the Dragon Ball series but in the wider anime fandom. When you think of Goku, you often hear “Son Goku,” solidifying his identity as a warrior with a unique background—someone who carries both the pride of his Saiyan roots and the legacy of his adoptive Earth family. His son, Goten, and other descendants carry on this legacy, continuing the tradition of the "Son" family name.

Goku’s name also carries cultural significance, as it ties to the mythological figure Sun Wukong, whose adventures in Journey to the West were hugely influential in the creation of Goku’s character. This connection not only makes Goku’s name meaningful but also highlights the rich cultural history that Dragon Ball draws from.

Conclusion: Goku’s Name in the Dragon Ball Universe

To summarize, Goku’s last name is Son, and his full name is Son Goku. This naming convention is consistent with the traditional Japanese way of placing the family name before the given name. Goku’s connection to the legendary Sun Wukong also plays a major role in the development of his character, as his name draws directly from this mythological figure.

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